You should not use Xeljanz if you have a serious infection. Before you start treatment, your doctor may perform tests to make sure you do not have an infection.
Tofacitinib affects your immune system. You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. Call your doctor if you have a fever, chills, aches, tiredness, cough, trouble breathing, skin sores, diarrhea, weight loss, or burning when you urinate.
If you've ever had hepatitis B or C, using Xeljanz can cause this virus to become active or get worse. Tell your doctor if you don't feel well and you have right-sided upper stomach pain, vomiting, loss of appetite, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Xeljanz if you are allergic to tofacitinib, or if you have any kind of infection.
To make sure Xeljanz is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
liver disease (especially hepatitis B or C);
heart problems (especially if you are 50 or older);
lung disease;
a blood clot;
a chronic infection;
HIV, or a weak immune system;
a stomach or intestinal problem such as diverticulitis or an ulcer;
kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
diabetes; or
if you are scheduled to receive any vaccine.
Taking Xeljanz at too high a dose may increase the risk of death in people with rheumatoid arthritis who are 50 and older and have at least 1 risk for heart disease. This includes high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, being overweight, or having a family history of heart disease. Talk to your doctor about your specific risk, and take only your recommended dose.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had tuberculosis or if anyone in your household has tuberculosis. Also tell your doctor if you have recently traveled. Tuberculosis and some fungal infections are more common in certain parts of the world, and you may have been exposed during travel.
Using Xeljanz may increase your risk of developing certain cancers, such as lymphoma or skin cancer. Ask your doctor about this risk.
It is not known whether tofacitinib will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Tofacitinib may affect your ability to have children during treatment and in the future.
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of tofacitinib on the baby.
Do not breastfeed while you are using Xeljanz, and for at least 18 hours after your last dose (36 hours if you take extended-release tablets). If you use a breast pump during this time, do not feed the milk to your baby.
Do not give Xeljanz to a child without medical advice. Xeljanz XR extended-release tablets are not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I take Xeljanz?
Before you start treatment with Xeljanz, your doctor may perform tests to make sure you do not have tuberculosis or other infections.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.
A safe dose of Xeljanz is not the same for all conditions. Avoid medication errors by using only the form and strength your doctor prescribes.
Tofacitinib doses are based on weight in children and teenagers. Your child's dose needs may change if the child gains or loses weight.
You may take Xeljanz with or without food.
Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow the tablet whole.
Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
If you've ever had shingles (herpes zoster) or hepatitis B or C, using Xeljanz can cause these viruses to become active or get worse. You may need frequent liver function tests.
Your doctor will need to examine you on a regular basis.
Store this medicine in the original container at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light. Throw away any unused liquid medicine after 60 days.
Some tablets are made with a shell that is not absorbed or melted in the body. Part of this shell may appear in your stool. This is normal and will not make the medicine less effective.
