What is Xeljanz: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Xeljanz

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Use the oral liquid within 60 days of opening the bottle. Throw away any remaining oral liquid after 60 days.

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

• If you take the extended-release tablet, part of the tablet may pass into your stools. This is normal and is nothing to worry about.

• Measure the oral liquid medicine with an oral dosing syringe.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

• Measure the oral liquid medicine with an oral dosing syringe.

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Use the oral liquid within 60 days of opening the bottle. Throw away any remaining oral liquid after 60 days.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

• Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

• If you take the extended-release tablet, part of the tablet may pass into your stools. This is normal and is nothing to worry about.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

What to do if you miss a dose of Xeljanz

Xeljanz contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to tofacitinib.

Xeljanz warnings

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine.

• Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine and for at least 18 hours after the last dose of Xeljanz® tablet or 36 hours after the last dose of Xeljanz® XR.

• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease (including hepatitis B or C), lung disease (including interstitial lung disease), heart or blood vessel disease, HIV, cancer or a history of cancer, blood problems, diabetes, high cholesterol, stomach or bowel problems (including blockage, diverticulitis, ulcers), or a history of tuberculosis. Also tell your doctor if you have a current infection or an infection that keeps coming back.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Increased risk for serious infections (bacterial, fungal, viral), including herpes infection or shinglesIncreased risk for certain cancers, including non-melanoma skin cancer or lymphomaIncreased risk for blood clots (including arterial thrombosis, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism), especially in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who are 50 years of age and older and with a heart or blood vessel diseaseStomach or bowel perforation (tear or hole)High cholesterol in the blood

• You will need to have a skin test for tuberculosis (TB) before you start this medicine. Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your home has ever had a positive TB skin test or been exposed to TB.

• Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children. Some women who use this medicine have become infertile (unable to have children).

• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Xeljanz interactions

• Some medicines can affect how tofacitinib works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following: Medicines that weaken your immune system (including azathioprine, cyclosporine, methotrexate, tacrolimus)Medicine to treat infection (including fluconazole, ketoconazole, rifampin)NSAID medicine (including aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)Steroid medicine (including dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone)

• This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.

• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

• If you take the extended-release tablet, part of the tablet may pass into your stools. This is normal and is nothing to worry about.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.