Tofacitinib
Xeljanz (tofacitinib) is a prescription medication classified as a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor used to treat autoimmune conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, andankylosing spondylitis. It works by targeting and blocking specific enzymes involved in the inflammatory process, helping to reduce inflammation, pain, and joint damage associated with these conditions.
Xeljanz is a JAK inhibitor used to treat autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis by reducing inflammation.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 1357542
- Generic
- Xeljanz
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Xeljanz is FDA-approved for treating moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (when other treatments haven't worked), psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and polyarticular course juvenile idiopathic arthritis in patients ages 2 and older.
Xeljanz inhibits Janus kinases (JAK), which are enzymes involved in the immune signaling pathways that trigger inflammation. By blocking these enzymes, it helps reduce the inflammatory response that causes symptoms in autoimmune diseases.
Xeljanz carries boxed warnings for serious infections, malignancy, and cardiovascular events. It may increase risk of blood clots and should not be used with biologic medications or other immunosuppressants. Patients should be monitored for signs of infection and undergo cancer screenings during treatment.
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy