Understanding Xeljanz Prescribing Information: Guide for Patients
If you have recently been prescribed Xeljanz, it’s natural to have questions about the medication and its prescribing information. Xeljanz, or tofacitinib, is an oral medication used to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in adults, as well as psoriatic arthritis and ulcerative colitis.
To help you better understand Xeljanz prescribing information and what it means for you as a patient, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide.
Dosage and Administration
Xeljanz comes in tablets of 5 mg and 10 mg and is taken orally twice daily. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage based on your specific medical condition and response to treatment. It’s important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Warnings and Precautions
Before taking Xeljanz, it’s important to know the warnings and precautions that come with taking this medication. Xeljanz is a “black box” medication due to the potential risks and serious adverse events associated with its use. Some possible risks include:
– An increased risk of developing certain cancers, such as lymphoma and lung cancer
– An increased risk of infections, including serious and sometimes fatal infections
– An increased risk of blood clots
– An increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack or stroke
If you experience any of the following symptoms while taking Xeljanz, contact your doctor immediately:
– Signs of an infection (fever, chills, sore throat, cough, or flu-like symptoms)
– Shortness of breath, chest pain, or cough that produces blood
– Numbness or weakness on one side of the body, sudden severe headache, or vision changes
– Swelling, warmth, redness, or tenderness in one leg
– Unexplained weight loss
Common Side Effects
Like all medications, Xeljanz can cause side effects. Common side effects of Xeljanz include:
– Upper respiratory infections (such as the common cold or flu)
– Skin rash
– Diarrhea
– Headache
– High blood pressure
– Increased levels of cholesterol
– Anemia
– Liver enzyme elevations
– Abdominal pain
If you experience any of these side effects, inform your doctor. In some cases, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage or medication.
Other Medications
Before taking Xeljanz, inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter medications, and herbal supplements. Some medications, such as methotrexate, can increase the risk of infection or liver enzyme elevations when combined with Xeljanz.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits of taking Xeljanz. Xeljanz should only be taken during pregnancy if the potential benefits significantly outweigh the potential risks.
It’s not recommended to take Xeljanz while breastfeeding. It is not known whether Xeljanz is excreted into human breast milk.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Xeljanz prescribing information is crucial for patients who have been prescribed this medication. Understanding its proper dosages and administration, along with the associated warnings and precautions, can help ensure a safer and more effective treatment process. Don’t hesitate to contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about Xeljanz or its prescribing information.
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