XELJANZ, XELJANZ XR

What is this medication?

Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR are prescription medications used to treat several chronic inflammatory conditions in adults and children. These drugs are most commonly prescribed for adults with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, active psoriatic arthritis, or active ankylosing spondylitis, particularly when other treatments like methotrexate have not provided sufficient relief. By acting as a Janus kinase inhibitor, the medicine works by blocking specific signals in the immune system that cause inflammation, thereby reducing joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.

These medications are also used to manage moderate to severe ulcerative colitis in adults who have not had a successful response to TNF blockers. Furthermore, the treatment is approved for children two years of age and older with active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. By controlling the overactive immune response responsible for these autoimmune disorders, Xeljanz helps patients achieve better symptom management and potentially prevents further damage to the joints or the digestive tract.