Xeljanz: Oral tablet

What is this medicine?

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

-cancer
-diabetes
-high cholesterol
-immune system problems
-infection (especially a virus infection such as chickenpox, cold sores, or herpes)
-kidney disease
-liver disease
-low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts
-stomach or intestine problems
-an unusual or allergic reaction to tofacitinib, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

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Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food.

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 pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

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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.

What may interact with this medicine?

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Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

-azathioprine, cyclosporine, or other immunosuppressive drugs
-biologic medicines for arthritis such as abatacept, adalimumab, anakinra, certolizumab, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab, rituximab, secukinumab, tocilizumab, ustekinumab
-live vaccines

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

-antiviral medicines for hepatitis, HIV or AIDS
-certain medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole
-certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
-rifampin
-supplements, such as St. John's wort

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

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Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Avoid taking products that contain aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen unless instructed by your doctor. These medicines may hide a fever.

Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. This drug decreases your body's ability to fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

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Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

-allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
-breathing problems
-dizziness
-signs of infection - fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or trouble passing urine
-signs and symptoms of liver injury like dark yellow or brown urine; general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms; light-colored stools; loss of appetite; nausea; right upper belly pain; unusually weak or tired; yellowing of the eyes or skin
-stomach pain or a sudden change in bowel habits
-unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

-diarrhea
-headache
-muscle aches
-runny nose
-sinus trouble