Xeljanz XR® Tablets for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Xeljanz XR is an extended-release tablet used for select autoimmune diseases in adults. This page explains how it works, safety basics, and how you can order with US delivery from Canada, even without insurance.

What Xeljanz XR Is and How It Works

Xeljanz XR® contains tofacitinib, a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor. It helps reduce overactive immune signaling that drives joint and gut inflammation. The extended-release design maintains steady levels over the day, which may support consistent symptom control when taken as prescribed.

Border Free Health connects U.S. patients with licensed Canadian partner pharmacies; prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing.

This medicine is approved for adults with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ulcerative colitis. It targets JAK pathways inside immune cells, which can decrease inflammatory cytokine activity. As with any targeted therapy, benefits and risks depend on your condition, medical history, and other medicines. Review the official label and talk with your prescriber to confirm if this treatment fits your plan.

Who It’s For

The treatment is used in adults with moderate to severe disease activity in conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, and Ulcerative Colitis. It may be considered after an inadequate response or intolerance to other therapies. People with active, serious infections should not start until the infection is under control. Those with a history of blood clots, heart problems, or certain cancers may need a different approach. Your healthcare professional will assess risks and lab values before and during treatment.

Dosage and Usage

Tofacitinib XR 11 mg is a common once-daily schedule for some adults per labeling. Always follow your prescriber’s instructions and the official package insert for your specific condition. Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not split, crush, or chew. Take it at the same time each day. You may take it with or without food. If your doctor changes the plan due to kidney or liver considerations, strong CYP3A4 interactions, or safety monitoring, use only the dose they direct.

For ulcerative colitis, your prescriber may use different initiation and maintenance schedules. Never adjust your dose on your own. If you miss several doses or have new symptoms, contact your prescriber for guidance.

Strengths and Forms

This therapy is available as an extended-release tablet taken by mouth. Commonly supplied strength includes Xeljanz XR 11 mg tablets. Availability can vary by pharmacy and market. Your prescriber will select the strength and dosing frequency appropriate for your condition and lab profile.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, take it when you remember on the same day. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double up to make up for a missed tablet. Consistent daily timing may help with adherence and steady exposure.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature in the original bottle with the cap closed. Keep the container dry and away from excessive heat or light. Do not store in a bathroom with high moisture. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

For travel, carry the labeled pharmacy container and a copy of your prescription. Pack enough doses for the trip plus a small buffer in case of delays. When flying, place the bottle in your carry-on. If crossing borders, bring documentation to avoid confusion with customs. If temperatures may be extreme, use a protective bag or ask your pharmacist for packing tips.

Benefits

Xeljanz XR extended-release tablets may improve joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and function in arthritis, and can help reduce bowel urgency and bleeding in ulcerative colitis. Once-daily dosing offers convenience compared with multiple daily doses. As an oral option, it avoids injections or infusions. This class targets specific immune signaling, which may help reduce systemic inflammation when used as directed.

Side Effects and Safety

• Upper respiratory symptoms, cough, or sore throat
• Headache or fatigue
• Diarrhea or nausea
• Elevated cholesterol or liver enzymes
• High blood pressure
• Rash

Serious risks can include serious infections, shingles, blood clots, heart attack or stroke, certain cancers, gastrointestinal perforation, and low blood counts. Your prescriber may check tuberculosis status and monitor blood work, including complete blood counts, liver enzymes, and lipids. Seek urgent care for signs of clotting, chest pain, shortness of breath, severe abdominal pain, high fever, or other alarming symptoms. Report shingles-like rashes promptly. Live vaccines are generally avoided during therapy.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors can raise tofacitinib levels, while strong CYP inducers may lower them. Combinations with potent immunosuppressants or biologic DMARDs are generally not recommended. Avoid live vaccines during treatment and shortly after. People with kidney or liver impairment may require adjusted dosing per the label. Let your clinician know about all medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. See our overview of autoimmune conditions in Autoimmune Diseases for broader context on care and monitoring.

What to Expect Over Time

Some people may notice gradual improvement in joint pain, stiffness, or gut symptoms as the plan is maintained. Your prescriber will track progress and labs, then reassess. If responses are partial, they may consider supportive therapies or a different option. Keep taking your tablet as directed unless your clinician tells you to stop. Consistent timing, medication lists, and follow-up appointments help the plan stay on track.

Compare With Alternatives

Oral and injectable options exist if a different mechanism is needed or if you do not tolerate this therapy. The once-daily XR formulation of tofacitinib is one option; the immediate-release formulation and other targeted agents are alternatives.

Two options to discuss with your prescriber include the Canadian generic XR formulation in Taro Tofacitinib Xr and the interleukin inhibitor for UC and psoriasis in Stelara Pre Filled Syringe. Your clinician can help match the mechanism to your condition, history, and monitoring needs.

Pricing and Access

Many patients look for ways to manage costs with Canadian pharmacies. With BorderFreeHealth, you can compare options and request a fill for US shipping from Canada. If you are searching for the Xeljanz XR price, use our product page to review current pricing and request a quote. We support encrypted checkout and transparent ordering steps.

Want to see current deals? Check our Promotions page for occasional offers. For formal coverage questions, contact your plan. For self-pay, you can ask your prescriber about multi-month fills to reduce per-fill fees. Our team can help you complete your order once your prescription is received and verified.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by strength and market conditions. If a specific presentation is temporarily unavailable, your prescriber may recommend an alternative schedule or a different therapy in the same class. If timing matters for travel, place your request early so your prescription can be processed and confirmed. We provide Xeljanz XR US shipping through our partner network once your order is approved.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This medicine may suit adults who need an oral targeted therapy and can complete routine blood tests. It may not be appropriate for people with uncontrolled infections, recent serious cardiovascular events, a history of blood clots, or certain cancers. Your prescriber will weigh risks like shingles and serious infections against potential benefits.

Cost-saving tips:

• 90-day supply: fewer refills and potential per-fill savings
• Refill reminders: prevent lapses that risk flares
• Compare options: XR vs IR per prescriber guidance
• Coordinate labs: bundle draws with clinic visits
• Travel planning: request fills before long trips

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• How does this JAK inhibitor fit my condition and history?
• What lab schedule should I follow for safety monitoring?
• Which symptoms show it is working for me?
• What signs of infection or clotting need urgent care?
• Do any of my medicines interact with tofacitinib?
• Should I avoid live vaccines during treatment?
• What is the plan if I do not respond well?

Authoritative Sources

Pfizer Xeljanz Prescribing Information

FDA DailyMed: Tofacitinib

Health Canada Drug Product Database

Ready to proceed? Order tofacitinib extended-release from BorderFreeHealth with prompt, express shipping. Ships from Canada to US; temperature-controlled handling when required. Prescription required.