Xeljanz (tofacitinib)

Product Name:

Xeljanz (tofacitinib)

Categories: Gastroenterology, Immunology, Rheumatology

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Table of Contents

Xeljanz (tofacitinib)

Product Category

Rheumatology / Immunology

Brand Name

Xeljanz

Generic Name or Biosimilar

No

Active Ingredient

Tofacitinib

Prescription Status

Prescription-only in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Targeted Conditions

  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
  • Psoriatic arthritis (PsA)
  • Ulcerative colitis (UC)
  • Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pcJIA)

Off-Label Usage

  • Studied in ankylosing spondylitis.
  • Investigational in alopecia areata.
  • Explored for use in other immune-mediated conditions, though not formally approved.

Drug Classification Overview

Xeljanz is an oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor. By blocking specific enzymes involved in immune system signaling, it helps reduce inflammation and prevent joint damage in autoimmune diseases.

Manufacturer in the USA, Mexico, and Canada

  • United States: Pfizer Inc.
  • Canada: Pfizer Canada ULC
  • Mexico: Pfizer S.A. de C.V.

Available Strengths and Dosage Forms – United States, Mexico, and Canada

Country Comparison – United States vs Mexico and Canada

  • Approved in all three countries for RA, PsA, UC, and pcJIA.
  • Canada and Mexico follow similar prescribing indications but may have different reimbursement or access requirements.

Average Retail Price (Monthly Treatment) USA vs Mexico vs Canada

  • Canada: Typically 20–30% savings compared to U.S. pricing.
  • Mexico: Typically 25–35% savings compared to U.S. pricing.

Savings are approximate, based on 2025 price data. They may vary depending on availability, prescription requirements, and specialty pharmacy distribution.

Where to Buy USA

  • Costco
  • CVS
  • Rite Aid
  • Walgreens
  • Walmart
  • Kroger
  • Albertsons
  • Sam’s Club
  • Publix
  • Target (via CVS Pharmacy)
  • Online mail-order specialty care pharmacies

Note: Xeljanz is generally available through specialty pharmacies due to monitoring requirements.

Storage Requirements

• Store at room temperature (20°C–25°C / 68°F–77°F).
• Protect from moisture and light.
• Keep in original packaging until use.

Shipping from Canada

This medication is accessed through fully licensed Canadian pharmacies regulated by Health Canada. All pharmacies included in the MedicalMex network undergo a rigorous review and verification process to ensure compliance with national standards, patient safety, and medication authenticity.

  • Prescription verification and fulfillment coordination
  • Secure, compliant medication logistics
  • Access to licensed Canadian pharmacists
  • Access to our network of certified physicians if a Telehealth consultation is needed
  • Case management, payment handling, and personalized boutique-level support
  • Cold chain shipping with next-generation temperature-monitored coolers, when required
  • Refill tracking and patient adherence programs

You are working directly with MedicalMex Inc., a U.S.-based company that helps eligible patients safely access affordable medications from Canada — with compliance and full-service concierge support at every step.

Buying from Mexico

This medication is also available through certified pharmacies in Mexico regulated by COFEPRIS (Mexico’s national health authority). All partners in the MedicalMex network must pass a rigorous review and certification process before being approved for patient access.

  • Transportation support to our affiliate clinic in Tijuana, Mexico
  • Prescription handling through licensed physicians within our certified network
  • Access to our network of accredited physicians if a Telehealth consultation is needed
  • Travel coordination, including flights and/or hotel reservations when required
  • Travel insurance
  • Cold chain shipping with advanced temperature-monitored coolers, when applicable
  • Personalized, boutique-level service
  • Refill tracking and patient adherence support

You are working directly with MedicalMex Inc., a U.S.-based company that manages every detail — from medical and travel logistics to prescription compliance — providing secure, affordable access to life-saving medications from Mexico.

Key Benefits

  • Oral option for patients who prefer tablets over injections or infusions.
  • Reduces signs and symptoms of RA, PsA, and UC.
  • Slows progression of joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Provides an alternative for patients who do not respond to or cannot tolerate biologics.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Upper respiratory infections
  • Nasopharyngitis

Serious but less common side effects:

  • Serious infections (tuberculosis, pneumonia, shingles)
  • Increased risk of blood clots (venous thromboembolism)
  • Increased cholesterol levels
  • Liver enzyme elevations
  • Certain cancers (lymphoma, skin cancers) reported with long-term use

Warnings and Precautions

  • Screen for tuberculosis and hepatitis before initiating treatment.
  • Increased risk of infections, especially in immunocompromised patients.
  • Black box warning: risk of serious heart-related events, blood clots, cancer, and death in certain patient populations.
  • Avoid live vaccines during treatment.
  • Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Alternative Medications (by Indication)

  • Rinvoq (upadacitinib): JAK inhibitor for RA, PsA, UC.
  • Olumiant (baricitinib): JAK inhibitor for RA.
  • Humira (adalimumab): TNF inhibitor for RA, PsA, UC.
  • Enbrel (etanercept): TNF inhibitor for RA and PsA.
  • Stelara (ustekinumab): Biologic for PsA and UC.

Medication FAQs

Xeljanz is prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

It is taken orally as a tablet, usually once or twice daily depending on the dose.

Some patients notice improvements within weeks, but full benefits may take several months.

Yes. Blood tests for liver function, cholesterol, and blood counts are required.

Yes. Because it lowers immune activity, there is an increased risk of infections.

No. It is a targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD), not a biologic.

Yes. It is approved for polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children aged 2 years and older.

Live vaccines should be avoided. Inactivated vaccines may be administered with doctor approval.

Its use is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to lack of safety data.

Yes. Patient support programs may be available in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. MedicalMex helps patients explore affordable access options.