All medications
Targeted oral therapies
Tofacitinib
Brand names: Xeljanz
An oral JAK inhibitor that calms several inflammatory pathways at once.
Video lesson
Animated explainer
What it’s used for
Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis and ulcerative colitis.
How it works
It blocks JAK enzymes inside immune cells, which many inflammatory messengers use to relay their signals.
How it’s taken
A tablet once or twice a day.
Side effects
Infections, shingles, raised cholesterol, low blood counts and liver enzyme rises. Higher risk of blood clots, heart events and some cancers, especially in people over 50 with heart risk factors or who smoke.
Monitoring
Blood counts, liver tests and cholesterol. Discuss heart and clot risk before starting.
Good to know
The shingles vaccine (Shingrix) is recommended before or during treatment.
At a glance
Class
Targeted oral therapies
Brand names
Xeljanz
Reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD, FACR
Questions about your own care?
Book an in-person or telehealth consultation with Dr. Tahir.
For education only. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without talking to your care team.