If you have certain autoimmune conditions, your doctor might suggest Xeljanz or Xeljanz XR (tofacitinib) as a treatment option for you. These drugs are approved for use in certain adults* to treat:

Xeljanz can also be prescribed to treat a kind of juvenile idiopathic arthritis in certain children.*

The active ingredient in Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR is tofacitinib. This drug belongs to a group of medications called Janus kinase inhibitors.

You can swallow Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR. You can swallow Xeljanz as a liquid solution.

This article describes the dosages of Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR, as well as their strengths and how to take these drugs. To learn more about Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR, see this in-depth article.

Note: This article covers standard dosages provided by the drugs’ manufacturer. But when taking Xeljanz or Xeljanz XR, always take the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

When certain drugs have caused side effects, Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR can be prescribed.

The drugs forms and strengths are described below.

What are the forms of Xeljanz?

You can swallow Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR.

The drug Xeljanz is immediately released into your body. The long-acting form is Xeljanz. The drug is slowly released over a period of time after you take it.

You can swallow Xeljanz as a liquid solution.

What strengths does Xeljanz come in?

The drugs come in a number of strengths.

  • The tablets have 5 and 10 milligrams of the drug.
  • The tablets are 11 and 22 in strength.
  • The solution is 1 mL per Xeljanz.

What are the standard dosages of Xeljanz?

The information below describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease., Psy arthritis., and Ankylosing spondylitis is a disease.

For Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease. (RA), Psy arthritis., and Ankylosing spondylitis is a disease., the recommended dosages are:

  • Xeljanz has 5 tablets twice daily.
  • Xeljanz is a daily pill.

The dose for RA is the same as the dosing for Psy arthritis. and Ankylosing spondylitis is a disease..

Dosage for It is called ulcerative colitis. (UC)

Dosing for It is called ulcerative colitis. depends on whether you’re taking Xeljanz or Xeljanz XR to induce (cause) remission or maintain remission. Remission refers to having few or no UC symptoms.

You will take an oral drug to help induce remission. You will take an ongoing maintenance dosage to keep your symptoms in check. This is in the table.

Induction dosage Maintenance dosage
Xeljanz 10 mg twice daily for 8 weeks, up to a maximum of 16 weeks 5 mg twice daily
Xeljanz XR 22 mg once daily for 8 weeks, up to a maximum of 16 weeks 11 mg once daily

What are the dosages of Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR for children?

Xeljanz is approved to treat polyarticular course juvenile idiopathic arthritis in some children. For this purpose, the drug’s dosage is based on your child’s body weight in kilograms (kg):*

Child’s weight Recommended dosage
40 kg (about 88 pounds [lb] or more) 5 mL of Xeljanz solution twice daily; their doctor may switch them to a 5 mg tablet twice daily after starting with the solution
20 kg to fewer than 40 kg (about 44 lb to fewer than 88 lb) 4 mL of Xeljanz solution twice daily
10 kg to fewer than 20 kg (about 22 lb to fewer than 44 lb) 3.2 mL of Xeljanz solution twice daily

Children who weigh 40 to 40 kilogrammes are only prescribed Xeljanz tablets. Xeljanz solution can be prescribed regardless of weight.

Xeljanz is not approved for use in children.

The weight is 2.2 lbs.

Are Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR taken long term?

Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR are usually prescribed for a long time. If you and your doctor determine that the drug is safe and effective for you, you will most likely take it for a long time.

Dosage adjustments

Your doctor may lower your dosage or prescribe a lower than usual dosage of Xeljanz or Xeljanz XR if you have liver problems or kidney problems. Your doctor may also adjust your dosage if you take certain other medications.

It’s important to note that Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR both have a boxed warning about the risk of blood clots in certain people.* To lower this risk, doctors won’t prescribe 10 mg of Xeljanz twice daily or 22 mg of Xeljanz XR once daily for RA or Psy arthritis. treatment. For UC, your doctor will prescribe the smallest and most effective Xeljanz dosage possible.

If you have a blood clot while taking Xeljanz or Xeljanz XR, your doctor will likely recommend that you stop taking the drug.

* Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR also have boxed warnings for cancer, immune system problems, severe infection, and increased risk of death in some people. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). See “Boxed warnings” at the top of this article for details.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you have missed a dose, take your next dose as scheduled. Do not take two Xeljanz at the same time.

If you need help remembering to take your dose on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

The amount of Xeljanz or Xeljanz XR you are prescribed may depend on a number of factors. These include:

  • The kind of condition you are taking Xeljanz for.
  • Your age.
  • Which form of drug you are taking?
  • any side effects you have (see this article for details)
  • You can have other conditions, see “Dosage adjustments” under “What is Xeljanz\’s and Xeljanz\’s dosage?”
  • Body weight in children.

You can take Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR by mouth. Take your Xeljanz doses about 12 hours apart. You can take Xeljanz at any time during the day if you take it once daily. Try to take your dose at the same time each day.

You should swallow Xeljanz XR tablets whole. They should not be crushed, chewed, or broken. It’s also recommended to swallow Xeljanz tablets whole. But you might be able to crush, chew, or break Xeljanz tablets, depending on whether your doctor says this is safe for you. If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips.

Xeljanz is a liquid solution that is swallowed. The drug comes with a needle that is used to measure the solution before swallowing. This form of Xeljanz is usually prescribed for children.

You can take Xeljanz or Xeljanz XR without food.

For information on Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR expiration, storage, and disposal, see this article.

Accessible drug containers and labels

“If you can’t read the prescription label on your medication, you should tell your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies may provide medication labels.”

  • Large print or use of blind.
  • You can use a code on a phone to change the text to sound.

“If your current pharmacy doesn’t offer accessibility features, your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend a new pharmacy.”

Let your pharmacist know if you have trouble opening bottles. They may be able to give Xeljanz or Xeljanz XR in a container. It is possible that your pharmacist has some tips that can make it easier to open the drug container.

Do not take more than your doctor prescribes. Taking more than this can cause serious side effects.

What to do in case you take too much Xeljanz or Xeljanz XR

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Xeljanz or Xeljanz XR. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers, or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.

“The drug manufacturer’s standard dosages are described in the sections above. If your doctor recommends Xeljanz or Xeljanz XR, they will prescribe the correct amount for you.”

Remember, you shouldn’t change your dosage of Xeljanz or Xeljanz XR without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take these drugs exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.

Some questions you may want to ask your doctor.

  • When would my induction dosage for It is called ulcerative colitis. (UC) be longer than 8 weeks?
  • Would my risk of side effects change if I took a different dose of Xeljanz?
  • Will my dosage change if I take other drugs with Xeljanz or Xeljanz XR?

If you have UC, consider subscribing to Healthline’s IBD newsletter to get information and advice related to your condition. Or if you’re living with Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease. (RA), you can subscribe to Healthline’s RA newsletter for tips on pain management and more.

Q:

Will my doctor change my dose of Xeljanz based on the lab test results?

Anonymous

A:

It is possible.

Your doctor will monitor your condition with lab tests regularly while you take Xeljanz or Xeljanz XR. If your test results show a change in your kidney function or liver function, it’s likely that your doctor will adjust your dosage. You may have your dosage adjusted due to other lab tests that your doctor recommends, as well.

You can talk to your doctor about lab tests you should expect during Xeljanz or Xeljanz XR treatment.

Dena Westphalen, PharmDAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.