Uses of Xeljanz

Xeljanz is a drug that inhibits the inflammatory response in the body, used to treat arthritis and certain diseases caused by immune disorders.

Xeljanz has tofacitinib as the main ingredient. Belongs to a class of drugs called Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, used to treat people who have taken 1 or more biologics without improvement.
Xeljanz works by blocking the action of the JAK enzyme. These JAK enzymes are essential for cytokine signaling. Blocking the action of JAK enzymes helps disrupt certain signaling pathways inside cells that produce inflammation. Xeljanz also suppresses the immune system.

Indications:
Xeljanz is used to treat children 2 years of age and older and adults with conditions where 1 or more TNF blockers do not work well or cannot be tolerated. , including:
Moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis; Active psoriatic arthritis; Active ankylosing spondylitis; Moderate to severe active ulcerative colitis. Contraindications:
Xeljanz should not be used if you have severe liver disease or a serious infection. Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients contained in Xeljanz.

How to use:
Xeljanz is made in the form of an oral solution. Patients should take Xeljanz solution every day, with or without food. Before use, need to carefully open the cap of the vial and measure the prescribed dose. After use, close the lid tightly and keep the medicine out of reach of children.
Dosage:
The recommended dose in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis is 5mg twice daily. The recommended dose in patients with ulcerative colitis is 10 mg twice daily for 8 weeks. The recommended maintenance dose in patients with ulcerative colitis is 5 mg twice daily. The recommended dosage in juvenile idiopathic arthritis with onset of polyarthritis is an oral solution of 5 mg twice daily or an equivalent dose by weight twice daily. Dosage adjustment of Xeljanz is required in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment or moderate hepatic impairment.

During the use of Xeljanz, the patient may still experience side effects such as:
Serious:
Causes hepatitis B or hepatitis C activation in people who carry the virus in the body. If you are a carrier of the hepatitis B or C virus, the virus can become active while you take these medicines. Tell your doctor if you have any of these symptoms: Fatigue, loss of appetite, no appetite, clay-colored stools, feeling chills, muscle aches, skin rash, yellow skin or eyes, vomiting, fever, stomach upset, and dark urine. A serious allergic reaction to Xeljanz may also occur including: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Severe infections caused by Xeljanz can occur and be life-threatening. If you have symptoms of serious infection such as fever, chills, extreme fatigue, cough with phlegm and coughing up blood, you should notify your doctor immediately. Common:
Causes upper respiratory tract infection (common cold, sinus infection); Headache; Have diarrhea; Nasopharyngitis causing stuffy nose, sore throat and runny nose; High Blood Pressure ; Increased cholesterol levels; Increase muscle enzyme levels; Rash; Shingles (herpes zoster) Feeling nauseous, vomiting. If you experience these symptoms, the patient should stop using Xeljanz and notify the doctor for appropriate treatment.

Before taking Xeljanz, the patient should tell the doctor if:
Have an infection because taking the drug increases the risk of serious infection; Current or past smoking; Have had any type of cancer. Have a heart attack or other heart problems or a stroke. You have had a blood clot in a vein in your legs, arms or lungs, or a blood clot in an artery in the past. Have liver problems, hepatitis B or C virus infection. Have kidney problems. Have stomach pain or have been diagnosed with diverticulitis or an ulcer in the stomach or intestines. Recently had a vaccination or have a vaccination schedule. People taking these drugs should not receive a live attenuated vaccine, but may receive a non-live vaccine. Using Xeljanz can make you more susceptible to infections or it can also worsen any existing infections because the medicine suppresses the immune system. Therefore, it is important to avoid contact with people who have infections that can spread to others, such as chickenpox, measles, and influenza, and avoid contact with people receiving live attenuated vaccines. It is recommended to be fully vaccinated before using this medicine. Gastrointestinal perforation has also been reported in patients taking Xeljanz. If you have symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, stabbing pain, and hard as wood, you should think of a gastrointestinal perforation and seek medical attention immediately. Xeljanz may increase your risk of cardiovascular events and blood clots. Especially in people with risk factors or the elderly. Older adults may be at greater risk of infection while using this medicine. During pregnancy, Xeljanz should only be used when absolutely necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor to understand the risks to your unborn baby. You also need a doctor if you are planning a pregnancy or planning to become pregnant. It is not known whether Xeljanz passes into breast milk. However, because of the possible risk of harm to the infant, do not breast-feed while you are using Xeljanz and for at least 18 hours after the last dose.

Many drugs can interact with Xeljanz and cause increased or decreased effects. Some drugs that cause interactions include:
Antidepressants such as desipramine, fluoxetine, sertraline; antifungal drugs such as clotrimazole, fluconazole, and itraconazole. Heart or blood pressure medications such as amiodarone, diltiazem, dronedarone, lidocaine, and verapamil. HIV/AIDS drugs such as atazanavir, efavirenz, darunavir... Xeljanz drugs are used under a doctor's prescription to relieve the symptoms of autoimmune arthritis. When taking the drug, many serious side effects can occur. Therefore, if any unusual symptoms occur, the patient should immediately notify the doctor.