Xeljanz (Tofacitinib) 5mg Tablet

Xeljanz is the brand name for tofacitinib, a medication used in the treatment of several autoimmune diseases. It is part of a class of drugs known as Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors and is specifically designed to help manage conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Xeljanz is available in oral tablet form, providing a convenient option for patients requiring chronic treatment of these autoimmune diseases. The medication represents a novel approach to modulating immune responses, offering an alternative to biologic therapies and traditional immunosuppressive agents.

How It Works

Tofacitinib, the active ingredient in Xeljanz, works by inhibiting the activity of Janus kinase (JAK) enzymes. Here’s a detailed explanation of how it works: 1. Inhibition of Janus Kinases (JAKs): Tofacitinib selectively inhibits JAK1, JAK2, and JAK3 enzymes, which play crucial roles in the signaling pathways of cytokines and growth factors involved in inflammation and immune responses. 2. Disruption of Cytokine Signaling: By blocking JAK activity, tofacitinib prevents the phosphorylation and activation of signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs). This interruption of cytokine signaling reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to decreased inflammation and immune activation. 3. Reduction of Inflammatory Response: The inhibition of JAK-STAT pathways leads to a decrease in the inflammatory response associated with autoimmune diseases, alleviating symptoms and slowing disease progression. 4. Modulation of Immune System: Tofacitinib modulates the immune system by altering the activity of immune cells, reducing the abnormal immune response that characterizes conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis.

Indications

Xeljanz is indicated for the treatment of:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Used in adult patients with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to methotrexate.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: Used in adult patients with active psoriatic arthritis who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to methotrexate or other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
• Ulcerative Colitis: Used in adult patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: Used in adult patients with active ankylosing spondylitis who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to TNF blockers.
• Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA): Used in pediatric patients aged 2 years and older with active polyarticular course juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Xeljanz may include:

• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Nasopharyngitis (cold-like symptoms)
• Nausea
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Elevated liver enzymes
• Back pain
• Rash
• Fatigue
• Cough

Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include:

• Infections: Serious infections, including tuberculosis, fungal, bacterial, and viral infections, can occur. Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, and cough.
• Malignancies: There is an increased risk of developing malignancies, including lymphomas and other cancers.
• Blood Clots: Tofacitinib may increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).
• Gastrointestinal Perforations: Symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting may indicate a perforation.
• Liver Dysfunction: Elevated liver enzymes may indicate liver injury and require monitoring.
• Myelosuppression: Reduction in blood cell counts, leading to anemia, leukopenia, or thrombocytopenia.
• Hypersensitivity Reactions: Severe allergic reactions, including angioedema and anaphylaxis, may occur.

Contraindications

Xeljanz is contraindicated in the following situations:

• Known Hypersensitivity: Patients with known hypersensitivity to tofacitinib or any of its components should not use Xeljanz.
• Severe Infections: Patients with active severe infections, including sepsis and opportunistic infections, should not use Xeljanz until the infection is under control.
• Severe Hepatic Impairment: Tofacitinib is contraindicated in patients with severe liver dysfunction.
• Active Tuberculosis: Patients with active tuberculosis should not be treated with Xeljanz.
• Pregnancy and Lactation: Tofacitinib is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to potential harm to the fetus or infant.

Pricing Information

Here is a table detailing the price of Xeljanz in various countries:

Country	Price (per 5mg tablet)	Reference
United States	$90 – $100	GoodRx
Canada	CAD $55 – $65	DrugBank
United Kingdom	£45 – £55	NHS
Australia	AUD $70 – $80	PBS
Germany	€60 – €70	Apotheken Umschau

Top 5 Global Brands

In addition to Xeljanz, several pharmaceutical companies manufacture medications for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Here are some of the top global brands:

• Humira (adalimumab) – AbbVie
• Enbrel (etanercept) – Amgen
• Remicade (infliximab) – Janssen Biotech
• Stelara (ustekinumab) – Janssen Biotech
• Cosentyx (secukinumab) – Novartis