XELJANZ XR

TOFACITINIB (TOE fa SYE it nib) treats autoimmune conditions, such as arthritis and ulcerative colitis. It is prescribed when other medications have not worked or cannot be tolerated. It works by slowing down an overactive immune system. This decreases inflammation.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medication. Swallow the tablets whole. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

Do not take this medication with any of the following:
-Dengue vaccine
This medication may also interact with the following:
-Azathioprine
-Biologic medications, such as abatacept, adalimumab, anakinra, certolizumab, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab, ixekizumab, rituximab, secukinumab, tocilizumab, ustekinumab, vedolizumab
-Cyclosporine
-Grapefruit and foods or drinks that contain grapefruit
-Live virus vaccines
-Medications that lower your chance of fighting infection
-Supplements, such as St. John's wort
-Tacrolimus
Other medications may affect the way this medication works. Talk with your care team about all the medications your take. They may suggest changes to your treatment plan to lower the risk of side effects and to make sure your medications work as intended.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.
This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.
Your care team will screen you for tuberculosis (TB) before you start this medication. If they think you are at risk, you may be treated with medication for TB. You should start taking the medication for TB before you start this medication. Make sure to finish the full course of TB medication.
Talk to your care team about your vaccination history. To lower your risk of infection, you may need certain vaccines before you start this medication.
Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancer if you take this medication. Tobacco use may increase your risk of cancer. Talk to your care team about having your skin checked for cancer while taking this medication. Limit the amount of time you spend in the sun. Wear protective clothing and sunscreen when you are in the sun. Do not use sun lamps, tanning beds, or tanning booths.
This medication may increase the risk of blood clots, heart attack, stroke, or death. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, increased age, excess weight, and tobacco use increase this risk. Call emergency services right away if you have symptoms of a heart attack or stroke.
This medication can increase bad cholesterol and fats (such as LDL, triglycerides) and decrease good cholesterol (HDL) in your blood. You may need blood tests to check your cholesterol. Ask your care team what you can do to lower your risk of high cholesterol while taking this medication.
The tablet shell of this medication does not dissolve. This is normal. The tablet shell may appear whole in the stool. This is not a cause for concern.
Discuss this medication with your care team if you may be pregnant. There are benefits and risks to taking medications during pregnancy. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you.
Do not breastfeed while taking this medication and for 36 hours after the last dose.
This medication may cause infertility. Talk to your care team if you are concerned about your fertility.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
-Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
-Blood clot—pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain
-Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded
-Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
-Low red blood cell level—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing
-Stomach pain that is severe, does not go away, or gets worse
-Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
-Diarrhea
-Fever
-Headache
-Nausea
-Runny or stuffy nose
-Sore throat

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
-Take the medication to a take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
-If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix it with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or another unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.