Xeljanz 5 mg Tablets Tablet (Tofacitinib) — Uses, Dosage & NAFDAC

Who is this for?

What is this drug?

Tofacitinib (sold as Xeljanz) is a medicine that calms down your immune system by blocking certain enzymes called JAK enzymes that cause inflammation and joint damage in your body.

What is it used for?

Rheumatoid arthritis (serious joint pain and swelling)psoriatic arthritis (joint pain with skin rashes)ulcerative colitis (long-term stomach and bowel inflammation with bloody stool)

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Rheumatoid Arthritis

How it works

Inhibits Janus kinase (JAK) enzymes, blocking the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and reducing production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukins and interferons) that drive joint inflammation and autoimmune responses in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ulcerative colitis.

Prescription Required

You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.

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How to take this drug

Take one 5 mg tablet twice a day, morning and evening, with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with water. Your doctor may adjust the dose depending on how your body responds.

What if I Miss a Dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule. Do not take two tablets at once to make up for the missed dose.

What to watch out for

This is a strong prescription medicine — never buy it from roadside sellers or patent medicine stores without a doctor's prescription. Do not share this medication with anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms. You will need regular blood tests while taking this drug, so keep all your hospital appointments.

Common Side Effects

Headache
diarrhea or stomach upset
upper respiratory infections like cold or sore throat
blocked or runny nose
high blood pressure

Serious Side Effects

Signs of serious infection such as prolonged fever
chills
cough that won't stop
or unusual tiredness — go to the hospital immediately. Blood clots causing sudden chest pain
leg swelling
or difficulty breathing require emergency medical attention. Unusual bleeding
severe stomach pain
or signs of liver problems like yellowing of the eyes should also be reported to your doctor right away.

Drug Interactions

Avoid taking tofacitinib with other strong immune-suppressing drugs like methotrexate at high doses or azathioprine, as this increases the risk of serious infections. Some antibiotics and antifungals like ketoconazole can increase tofacitinib levels in your blood — tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking. Avoid alcohol as it can worsen liver-related side effects.

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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

Tofacitinib is not safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding — women of childbearing age should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 4 weeks after stopping the drug.

Who Should NOT Take This

People allergic to tofacitinib or any of its ingredients
people with active serious infections like TB or hepatitis
people with severe liver disease
people with very low blood counts
and those currently taking live vaccines should not use this medicine.

How to Store

Store at room temperature, below 30°C. Keep it in a dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity — avoid storing in the bathroom or kitchen. Always keep it out of children's reach in a locked cupboard if possible.

For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.

Xeljanz 5 mg Tablets