XELJANZ XR, XELJANZ

What is this medication? Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR are prescription medicines used to treat several chronic inflammatory conditions in adults and children. These medications are primarily approved for the treatment of moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, often after other treatments like methotrexate have been tried without success. Additionally, they are used to manage adults with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis and are also indicated for children two years of age and older who suffer from polyarticular course juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

The medication functions as a Janus kinase inhibitor, which means it works by blocking specific pathways in the immune system that lead to inflammation. By interfering with these signals, the drug helps to reduce symptoms such as joint swelling, pain, and stiffness, or help achieve remission in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Xeljanz is available as a standard tablet usually taken twice daily, while Xeljanz XR is an extended-release formula designed for once-daily administration. Because it affects the immune system, doctors monitor patients carefully for side effects or increased risks of infection.