Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR are prescription drugs used to treat certain autoimmune disorders, such as ulcerative colitis. They are part of a group of drugs called Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors and are not biologic drugs.
Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR are not biologic drugs, but they are immunosuppressant drugs used to decrease pain and inflammation in certain people with autoimmune disorders. Specifically, they are used in certain adults to treat:
- moderate to severe ulcerative colitis
- moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis
- psoriatic arthritis
- ankylosing spondylitis
They can also be used in certain children to treat juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
This article reviews the drug class that Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR are part of and answers some frequently asked questions about the drugs.
Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR belong to a drug class (a group of medications) called Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. They are immunosuppressant drugs, which means they can lower your immune system’s ability to fight infections.
Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR are not biologic drugs. A biologic drug is made from living cells, while these drugs are made from chemicals.
How Xeljanz works
Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR work by blocking the activity of an enzyme called JAK. This enzyme works inside your cells to cause inflammation and swelling.
By blocking the activity of JAK, these drugs can decrease the amount of inflammation in your body. This helps reduce pain, inflammation, and other symptoms of certain autoimmune disorders.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR.
Is Xeljanz a steroid?
No, Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR are not steroids.
However, corticosteroids are another type of immunosuppressant drug. (Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR are immunosuppressant drugs.)
Corticosteroids should not be taken with Xeljanz or Xeljanz XR. Taking these drugs together can increase your risk of serious infections. (Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR have a boxed warning about this risk. A boxed warning is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration [FDA].)
If you have questions about steroids and Xeljanz, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
What is the difference between Humira and Xeljanz?
Humira is part of a different drug class than Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR but can be used to treat some of the same conditions. The table below notes some of the key differences between these medications.
| Humira | Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR | |
|---|---|---|
| Summary of uses | • hidradenitis suppurativa • Crohn’s disease • plaque psoriasis • psoriatic arthritis • ulcerative colitis • rheumatoid arthritis • juvenile idiopathic arthritis • ankylosing spondylitis • uveitis | • ulcerative colitis • rheumatoid arthritis • psoriatic arthritis • ankylosing spondylitis • juvenile idiopathic arthritis |
| Forms | • prefilled pen • prefilled syringe • vial | • oral tablet • oral solution • extended-release (ER) oral tablet |
| Route of administration | injection under the skin | swallow by mouth |
| Drug class | tumor necrosis factor blockers | JAK inhibitors |
| Biologic drug | yes | no |
If you have questions about Humira or Xeljanz, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR are not biologic drugs, but they are immunosuppressant drugs that can be used to treat certain autoimmune disorders.
These medications are part of a drug class called JAK inhibitors. They work to help reduce pain and inflammation.
If you have questions about Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.