Xeljanz XR® Extended-Release Tablets for Rheumatoid Arthritis

This extended-release JAK inhibitor treats certain autoimmune conditions. It helps reduce signs and symptoms in adults with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ulcerative colitis. Available with US shipping from Canada, it may support those paying without insurance.

What Xeljanz XR® Is and How It Works

This medicine contains tofacitinib, a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor. It works inside cells to help reduce inflammatory activity that drives joint pain, swelling, and bowel symptoms. The treatment targets pathways involved in immune signaling. Effects can include improvement in tender joints and reduced flares when taken as prescribed.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy in Manitoba. Pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing.

It is approved for adults with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis who did not fully respond to other therapies. It is also used in active psoriatic arthritis and moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis. Your prescriber decides if the extended-release format fits your plan based on history, labs, and prior treatments.

Label information highlights important risks. These include serious infections, malignancy, major cardiovascular events, and blood clots. Your healthcare professional may monitor for tuberculosis and shingles, and review risk factors such as smoking, age, and heart disease.

Learn more about the condition categories we serve: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, and Ulcerative Colitis. For broader options, explore our Immunology category.

Who It’s For

Xeljanz XR extended-release tablets are prescribed for adults with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to methotrexate. They are also used for active psoriatic arthritis in adults who have not responded well to other disease-modifying therapies. In ulcerative colitis, your prescriber may use the class to induce and maintain remission in appropriate cases.

People with active serious infections should not start therapy. Those with a history of recurrent infections, chronic infections, or exposure to tuberculosis need careful evaluation. It may not be appropriate in severe hepatic impairment. Live vaccines are generally avoided during treatment.

Dosage and Usage

Follow the directions on your prescription label. The extended-release tablet is taken once daily, preferably at the same time each day. Swallow tablets whole with liquid. Do not split, crush, or chew. It can be taken with or without food. If your regimen needs to change, your prescriber will guide those adjustments.

For rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, the extended-release formulation is typically a once-daily schedule. In ulcerative colitis, dosing may differ between induction and maintenance; the official label should guide decisions. Kidney or liver considerations and interacting medicines can affect the prescribed schedule.

Baseline screening may include tuberculosis testing, hepatitis evaluation, and blood work. Ongoing checks can include complete blood counts, liver enzymes, and lipid levels. Ask your healthcare professional which labs are needed before and during therapy.

Strengths and Forms

The extended-release tablets are designed for once-daily dosing. Commonly available presentations include Xeljanz XR 11 mg tablets. Availability can vary by market and supplier.

Formulations and pack sizes may differ. Your pharmacist will dispense the strength written on your prescription. If you have questions about the format or imprint, contact our pharmacy team before use.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember the same day. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and resume your usual schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose. Consistent timing helps maintain steady exposure.

Set a daily reminder or pair dosing with a routine activity. If you miss doses often, discuss simple adherence strategies with your healthcare professional.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature in the original bottle with the cap tightly closed. Protect from moisture and keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not remove desiccants that help control humidity. Avoid storing in a bathroom cabinet where humidity can be high.

When you travel, keep medicine in your carry-on bag along with a copy of your prescription. Use the original labeled container to ease security checks. If crossing borders, carry a summary of your treatment plan or a clinic letter. Do not repack tablets into unmarked organizers when flying internationally.

Benefits

This treatment can help reduce joint pain, stiffness, and swelling in inflammatory arthritis. It may improve physical function and lower disease activity when used as directed. For ulcerative colitis, the class can help achieve symptom control and support remission maintenance after appropriate induction.

Once-daily extended-release dosing is convenient for many adults. Swallowing a single tablet each day can simplify routines compared with multiple daily doses.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common effects: headache, upper respiratory symptoms, diarrhea, nausea
• Lab changes: increased cholesterol, liver enzymes, or changes in blood counts
• Infections: increased risk of shingles and other infections

Serious risks can include severe infections, malignancies, major adverse cardiovascular events, and thrombosis such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Risks may be higher in certain adults with rheumatoid arthritis who are older and have cardiovascular risk factors. Gastrointestinal perforation has been reported, especially in those with diverticulitis or on NSAIDs or corticosteroids. Seek urgent care for chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, leg swelling, or signs of infection such as fever and persistent cough.

Your prescriber may pause treatment during serious infections. Vaccination history should be reviewed, and live vaccines are typically avoided while on therapy. Report any new or worsening symptoms promptly.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Certain medicines can affect tofacitinib levels. Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (for example, ketoconazole) or combined moderate CYP3A4 and strong CYP2C19 inhibitors may increase exposure. Strong CYP3A4 inducers (such as rifampin) may decrease exposure. The therapy should not be used with biologic DMARDs or potent immunosuppressants like cyclosporine or tacrolimus.

Tell your healthcare professional about all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you take. Screening for tuberculosis and viral hepatitis is recommended before initiation. Discuss pregnancy and breastfeeding plans. Use the lowest effective duration consistent with treatment goals.

For background reading, see Arthritis Drugs and World Psoriasis Day.

What to Expect Over Time

Improvement in joint symptoms or bowel function can be gradual. Adherence to the daily schedule supports steady control. Your clinician may use standardized scores and lab tests to follow response and safety over time. If your goals are not met, they may adjust the plan using the official label as a guide.

Healthy lifestyle steps like smoking cessation, vaccination review, and managing cardiovascular risks can complement therapy. Keep all monitoring appointments and report concerns early.

Compare With Alternatives

Your prescriber may consider other options in the same or different classes. A generic extended-release option such as Taro Tofacitinib XR may be appropriate when available. Injectable biologics like Enbrel® Syringe are also used in rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis when indicated.

Each option has unique benefits, risks, and monitoring needs. Discuss the route, frequency, and safety profile that best aligns with your medical history.

Pricing and Access

Canadian-sourced dispensing can offer value for eligible patients. For current options and availability, review our product page and compare plans with your prescriber. To see typical ranges, check the Tofacitinib XR price details shown on this page.

We provide transparent pricing and clear checkout with encrypted checkout. If you are looking for offers, visit our Promotions page for current notices. We support US shipping from Canada and coordinate with your prescriber to verify your prescription before fulfilment.

Need more disease context? Explore Common Arthritis Types and seasonal awareness like Psoriasis Action Month.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by strength and pack size. If a specific format is not in stock, your prescriber may recommend a clinically suitable alternative in the same category or a different class. Our team can coordinate with your clinic to clarify substitution permissions on the prescription.

We do not promise restock dates. If availability changes, we update the product page promptly.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This therapy is generally considered when conventional disease-modifying agents did not provide adequate response or were not tolerated. It may not suit those with active serious infections or certain liver problems. Tell your clinician about blood clots, heart disease, cancer history, and smoking status.

To help manage costs, ask your prescriber about multi-month fills when appropriate. Setting refill reminders in your phone or calendar can prevent gaps. Talk with your care team about generic options and plan formularies. If you travel, plan refills ahead so you have enough medicine until you return. For additional value context, check category pages like Rheumatoid Arthritis to compare options.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Treatment goals: what symptoms and lab markers should improve
• Monitoring plan: which labs and how often to check
• Risk review: infections, heart and clotting risks based on my history
• Vaccines: which immunizations to complete before starting therapy
• Interactions: medicines or supplements to avoid or time carefully
• Duration: how long to continue before considering a change

Authoritative Sources

FDA Prescribing Information

DailyMed Drug Label

Health Canada Drug Product Database

Order Xeljanz XR online with US shipping from Canada and prompt, express, cold-chain shipping; temperature-controlled handling when required. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice; always follow your prescriber’s guidance.