Xeljanz Functioning: A Look at Its Effects and Timeline for Action
Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR are brand-name drugs used to treat certain autoimmune conditions, particularly rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), ulcerative colitis (UC), and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) [1][5]. These medications are also prescribed for children aged 2 years and older who have polyarticular JIA [2].
These drugs contain the active ingredient tofacitinib and belong to a class of drugs called Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. They work by blocking a certain enzyme that causes inflammation and swelling [1]. By doing so, they help reduce pain and other symptoms in people with the aforementioned autoimmune disorders.
In autoimmune disorders, the immune system attacks the joints, skin, or intestines, resulting in inflammation and causing pain and other symptoms. For instance, with PsA, the immune system attacks the skin and joints, causing inflammation and pain [3]. Similarly, in RA, AS, or JIA, the immune system attacks the joints, causing inflammation and pain [4]. In UC, the immune system attacks the rectum or intestinal lining, causing inflammation and other symptoms [5].
Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR start working shortly after you begin taking them, with some people experiencing fewer symptoms within the first month in clinical studies [6]. However, it's essential to note that these medications may have potential side effects. For more information about potential side effects, see the Xeljanz side effects article or the Xeljanz prescribing information [7].
It's always recommended to consult a licensed healthcare professional before taking any medication, and any questions about Xeljanz should be discussed with your doctor or pharmacist. For more details about Xeljanz, you can refer to the in-depth Xeljanz article [8].
In addition to the conditions mentioned above, Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR may be used to treat other off-label or less common autoimmune conditions such as alopecia areata and hidradenitis suppurativa [3].
For details on ulcerative colitis (UC), see the UC articles. To learn more about arthritis, refer to the arthritis hub. For details on psoriatic arthritis (PsA), see the PsA articles, and for rheumatology articles, see the rheumatology articles. For more details about the cost of Xeljanz, see the Xeljanz cost article [9].
References:
- Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR: Mechanism of Action
- Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR: Indications and Usage
- Off-Label Uses for Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Causes and Symptoms
- Ulcerative Colitis: Causes and Symptoms
- Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR: Clinical Pharmacology
- Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR: Side Effects and Precautions
- Xeljanz: In-depth Article
- Xeljanz Cost: A Comprehensive Guide
- Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR are brand-name drugs that target ulcerative colitis (UC), a type of chronic disease within the category of health-and-wellness and autoimmune-disorders.
- These medications are also used to manage other autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), which are characterized by an overactive immune system.
- Science helps us understand that in autoimmune disorders, the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, skin, or intestines, leading to inflammation and symptoms like pain.
- Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR, containing the active ingredient tofacitinib, belong to the Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors class, which work by blocking specific enzymes responsible for causing inflammation and swelling.
- When used, these drugs help reduce pain and other symptoms for persons experiencing various autoimmune disorders, such as ulcerative colitis, RA, PsA, AS, or JIA.
- It's crucial to consult licensed healthcare professionals before beginning any medication, including Xeljanz, to discuss potential side effects and answers to any related questions.
- In addition to treating the mentioned conditions, Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR may be prescribed for other off-label autoimmune disorders, such as alopecia areata and hidradenitis suppurativa.
