Clinical Trials

The efficacy and safety of XELJANZ^® (tofacitinib) were tested in multiple studies, including two induction trials and one maintenance trial, that involved adult patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis who tried at least one type of medicine called steroids, immunosuppressants, or TNF blockers that did not work well or could not be tolerated. Of these patients, over 50% had previously tried and failed a TNF blocker, such as Remicade^® (infliximab) or Humira^® (adalimumab). Prior TNF-blocker failure was defined in these studies as inadequate response, loss of response, or intolerance. In each study, participants were given either XELJANZ or a sugar pill (placebo). They did not know which treatment they were receiving. Of the 1,139 participants included in the trial, 905 were treated with XELJANZ. Of the 593 participants who achieved clinical response in the induction trials and entered the maintenance trial, 395 were treated with XELJANZ.

Clinical study
participants

Remission (few to no
symptoms) was measured
using the Mayo score

Efficacy and safety
evaluated in
multiple studies

OCTAVE Induction 1 And OCTAVE Induction 2 Studies

The first two clinical studies, known as OCTAVE Induction 1 (UC-I) and OCTAVE Induction 2 (UC-II), were identical. These Phase 3 placebo-controlled studies evaluated the efficacy and safety of XELJANZ in patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC) who tried at least one type of medicine called steroids, immunosuppressants, or TNF blockers that did not work well or could not be tolerated. For 8 weeks in each study, 1,139 adults with moderate to severe UC were divided randomly into two groups and did not know if they received XELJANZ or a placebo.* (XELJANZ N = 598) (placebo N = 541)

In addition to evaluating the safety of XELJANZ, these studies measured:

If patients achieved remission at 8 weeks
If patients achieved improvement in the appearance of the lining of their colon at 8 weeks
If patients achieved decreases in rectal bleeding and stool frequency in as little as 2 weeks

Results Of The Studies

XELJANZ relieved some symptoms of
UC as early as 2 weeks*

In these studies, decreases in rectal bleeding and stool frequency were experienced by patients in as little as 2 weeks. Individual results may vary.

XELJANZ helped patients achieve
remission at 8 weeks*

Remission at 8 weeks. 18% of patients taking 10 mg of XELJANZ twice daily achieved remission at 8 weeks compared to 6% of patients taking placebo.

Improvement in appearance of intestinal lining. 30% of patients taking 10 mg of XELJANZ twice daily had improvement in the appearance of the intestinal lining at 8 weeks compared to 14% of patients taking placebo.

Clinical response at 8 weeks. 58% of patients taking 10 mg of XELJANZ twice daily experienced a clinical response at 8 weeks compared to 31% of patients taking placebo.

*Pooled data for OCTAVE 1 and OCTAVE 2. (placebo N = 234) (XELJANZ 10 mg N = 905).

Common side effects of XELJANZ in ulcerative colitis patients include nasal congestion, sore throat, runny nose (nasopharyngitis), increased cholesterol levels, headache, upper respiratory tract infections (common cold, sinus infections), increased muscle enzyme levels, rash, diarrhea, and shingles (herpes zoster). Learn more about the Most Important Information you should know about XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR.

OCTAVE Sustain Study

The third study, known as OCTAVE Sustain (UC-III), was used to assess XELJANZ as a maintenance treatment and involved patients who had achieved clinical response in either of the first two induction studies (UC-I and UC-II).

In addition to evaluating the safety of XELJANZ, this study measured:

If patients were in remission at 1 year
If patients achieved improvement in the appearance of the lining of their colon at 1 year
If patients in remission at the beginning of the study were able to maintain steroid-free remission at both 6 months and 1 year

Results Of The Study

XELJANZ has been proven to provide
long-term remission at 1 year

Remission at 1 year. 41% of patients taking XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily (N = 197) and 34% of patients taking XELJANZ 5 mg twice daily (N = 198) were in remission when measured at 1 year as compared to those taking placebo (11%). (placebo N = 198)

Sustained steroid-free remission. Among patients in remission at the beginning of the study, 47% of patients taking XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily (N = 55) and 35% of patients taking XELJANZ 5 mg twice daily (N = 65) achieved sustained steroid-free remission, as compared with those taking placebo (5%). (placebo N = 59)

Sustained steroid-free remission in patients who failed on a TNF blocker,* like Remicade or Humira. Among patients in remission at the beginning of the study, 39% of patients taking XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily (N = 18) and 22% of patients taking XELJANZ 5 mg twice daily (N = 18) achieved steroid-free remission at both 6 months and 1 year as compared with those taking placebo (5%). (placebo N = 21)

^*Prior TNF-blocker failure was defined in this study as inadequate response, loss of response, or intolerance.

Talking To Your Doctor

No matter how long you’ve had UC, talking about it can feel difficult. But every appointment with your doctor is an opportunity to discuss your UC symptoms and treatment options. Use our list of questions to help start the conversation.

Get Helpful Questions

Indications

XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR (tofacitinib) is used to treat adults with:

Moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis in whom methotrexate did not work well or cannot be tolerated
Active psoriatic arthritis in which methotrexate or other similar medicines called nonbiologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) did not work well or cannot be tolerated
Moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis when medicines called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers did not work well or cannot be tolerated

XELJANZ/XELJANZ Oral Solution is used to treat patients 2 years of age and older with active polyarticular juvenile arthritis.

It is not known if XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR is safe and effective in people with Hepatitis B or C.

XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR/XELJANZ Oral Solution is not recommended for people with severe liver problems.

It is not known if XELJANZ/XELJANZ Oral Solution is safe and effective in children for treatment other than active polyarticular juvenile arthritis.

It is not known if XELJANZ XR is safe and effective in children.

XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR (tofacitinib) is used to treat adults with:

Moderately to severely active » Read More

Important Safety Information

The safety information below applies to all marketed formulations of XELJANZ. Specific risks associated with certain dosing is noted.

Serious Infections. XELJANZ can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections. Do not start taking XELJANZ if you have any kind of infection unless your healthcare provider tells you it is okay. Serious Infections have happened in people taking XELJANZ. These serious infections include tuberculosis (TB) and infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that can spread throughout the body. Some people have died from these infections. Your healthcare provider should test you for TB before starting and during treatment with XELJANZ.

Before and after starting XELJANZ, tell your doctor if you have an infection or symptoms of an infection, including:

Fever, sweating, or chills
Cough
Blood in phlegm
Warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body
Burning when you urinate
Urinating more often than normal
Muscle aches
Shortness of breath
Weight loss
Diarrhea or stomach pain
Feeling very tired

Increased risk of death in people 50 years of age and older with rheumatoid arthritis who have at least 1 heart disease (cardiovascular) risk factor and who are taking a higher than recommended dose of XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR. The recommended dose in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis is XELJANZ 5 mg twice daily or XELJANZ XR 11 mg one time each day.

Cancer. XELJANZ may increase your risk of certain cancers by changing the way your immune system works. Lymphoma and other cancers, including skin cancers, can happen. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had any type of cancer.

Higher dose. People taking the higher dose of XELJANZ (10 mg twice daily) or XELJANZ XR (22 mg one time each day) have a higher risk of serious infections, shingles, or skin cancers.

Immune System Problem. Some people who have taken XELJANZ with certain other medicines to prevent kidney transplant rejection have had a problem with certain white blood cells growing out of control (Epstein Barr Virus–associated post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder).

Blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism, PE), veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis, DVT) and arteries (arterial thrombosis) have happened more often in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who are 50 years of age and older and with at least 1 heart disease (cardiovascular) risk factor taking a higher than recommended dose of XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR. Blood clots in the lungs have also happened in patients with ulcerative colitis. Some people have died from these blood clots.

• Stop taking XELJANZ and tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any signs and symptoms of blood clots such as sudden shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain, swelling of a leg or arm, leg pain or tenderness, or red or discolored skin in the leg or arm.

Tears (perforation) in the stomach or intestines. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had diverticulitis (inflammation in parts of the large intestine) or ulcers in your stomach or intestines. Some people taking XELJANZ can get tears in their stomach or intestine. This happens most often in people who also take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, or methotrexate. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have fever, stomach-area pain that does not go away, and a change in your bowel habits.

Serious allergic reactions can occur. Stop using XELJANZ and call your healthcare provider right away if you have swelling of your lips, tongue, throat, or get hives.

Changes in certain lab test results. Your doctor should do blood tests to check your white and red blood cells before and while you are taking XELJANZ. Your doctor should also check certain liver tests. You should not receive XELJANZ if your lymphocyte count, neutrophil count, or red blood cell count is too low or your liver function test levels are too high. Changes in lab test results may cause your healthcare provider to stop your XELJANZ treatment for a time. Your cholesterol levels should be checked 4 to 8 weeks after you start receiving XELJANZ.

Before you use XELJANZ, tell your healthcare provider if you:

Are being treated for an infection, have an infection that won’t go away or keeps coming back, or think you have symptoms of an infection
Have TB, or have been in close contact with someone with TB, or were born in, lived in, or traveled where there is more risk for getting TB
Have diabetes, chronic lung disease, HIV, or a weak immune system. People with these conditions have a higher chance for infections
Live or have lived in certain areas (such as Ohio and Mississippi River Valleys and the Southwest) where there is an increased chance for getting certain kinds of fungal infections
Have or have had Hepatitis B or C
Have had blood clots
Have liver or kidney problems
Have any stomach area (abdominal) pain or been diagnosed with diverticulitis or ulcers in your stomach or intestines
Have recently received or plan to receive a vaccine. People taking XELJANZ should not receive live vaccines but can receive non-live vaccines
Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. You should not take XELJANZ and breastfeed
Have had a reaction to tofacitinib or any of the ingredients
Are taking other medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take any of the following medicines while taking XELJANZ since this may increase your risk of infection:
- tocilizumab (Actemra^®)
- etanercept (Enbrel^®)
- adalimumab (Humira^®)
- infliximab (Remicade^®)
- rituximab (Rituxan^®)
- abatacept (Orencia^®)
- anakinra (Kineret^®)
- certolizumab (Cimzia^®)
- golimumab (Simponi^®)
- ustekinumab (Stelara^®)
- secukinumab (Cosentyx^®)
- vedolizumab (Entyvio^®)
- sarilumab (Kevzara^®)
- azathioprine, cyclosporine, or other immunosuppressive drugs
Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking medicines that affect the way certain liver enzymes work. Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure if your medicine is one of these.

What are other possible side effects of XELJANZ?

If you are a carrier of the Hepatitis B or C virus (viruses that affect the liver), the virus may become active while you use XELJANZ. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests before starting and while using treatment with XELJANZ. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any signs of these symptoms: feel very tired, little or no appetite, clay-colored bowel movements, chills, muscle aches, skin rash, skin or eyes look yellow, vomiting, fevers, stomach discomfort, or dark urine.

Common side effects in adults with rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis include upper respiratory tract infections (common cold, sinus infections), headache, diarrhea, nasal congestion, sore throat, runny nose (nasopharyngitis), and high blood pressure (hypertension).

Common side effects in adults with ulcerative colitis include nasal congestion, sore throat, runny nose (nasopharyngitis), increased cholesterol levels, headache, upper respiratory tract infections (common cold, sinus infections), increased muscle enzyme levels, rash, diarrhea, and shingles (herpes zoster).

Common side effects in children (2 & older) with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis include upper respiratory tract infections (common cold, sinus infections), nasal congestion, sore throat, and runny nose (nasopharyngitis), headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting.

XELJANZ & Pregnancy

XELJANZ may affect the ability of females to get pregnant. It is not known if this will change after stopping XELJANZ. It is not known if XELJANZ will harm an unborn baby.

Pregnancy Registry: Pfizer has a registry for pregnant women who take XELJANZ. The purpose of this registry is to check the health of the pregnant mother and her baby. If you are pregnant or become pregnant while taking XELJANZ, talk to your healthcare provider about how you can join this pregnancy registry or you may contact the registry at 1-877-311-8972 to enroll.

You and your healthcare provider should decide if you will take XELJANZ or breastfeed. You should not do both. After you stop your treatment with XELJANZ do not start breastfeeding again until 18 hours after your last dose of XELJANZ or 36 hours after your last dose of XELJANZ XR.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING and Medication Guide.

Indications

XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR (tofacitinib) is used to treat adults with:

Moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis in whom methotrexate did not work well or cannot be tolerated
Active psoriatic arthritis in which methotrexate or other similar medicines called nonbiologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) did not work well or cannot be tolerated
Moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis when medicines called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers did not work well or cannot be tolerated

XELJANZ/XELJANZ Oral Solution is used to treat patients 2 years of age and older with active polyarticular juvenile arthritis.

It is not known if XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR is safe and effective in people with Hepatitis B or C.

XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR/XELJANZ Oral Solution is not recommended for people with severe liver problems.

It is not known if XELJANZ/XELJANZ Oral Solution is safe and effective in children for treatment other than active polyarticular juvenile arthritis.

It is not known if XELJANZ XR is safe and effective in children.

XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR (tofacitinib) is used to treat adults with:

Moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis in whom methotrexate did not work well or cannot be tolerated...Read More

XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR (tofacitinib) is used to treat adults with:

Moderately to severely active » Read More

Important Safety Information

The safety information below applies to all marketed formulations of XELJANZ. Specific risks associated with certain dosing is noted.

Before and after starting XELJANZ, tell your doctor if you have an infection or symptoms of an infection, including:

Fever, sweating, or chills
Cough
Blood in phlegm
Warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body
Burning when you urinate
Urinating more often than normal
Muscle aches
Shortness of breath
Weight loss
Diarrhea or stomach pain
Feeling very tired

Higher dose. People taking the higher dose of XELJANZ (10 mg twice daily) or XELJANZ XR (22 mg one time each day) have a higher risk of serious infections, shingles, or skin cancers.

Serious allergic reactions can occur. Stop using XELJANZ and call your healthcare provider right away if you have swelling of your lips, tongue, throat, or get hives.

Before you use XELJANZ, tell your healthcare provider if you:

Are being treated for an infection, have an infection that won’t go away or keeps coming back, or think you have symptoms of an infection
Have TB, or have been in close contact with someone with TB, or were born in, lived in, or traveled where there is more risk for getting TB
Have diabetes, chronic lung disease, HIV, or a weak immune system. People with these conditions have a higher chance for infections
Live or have lived in certain areas (such as Ohio and Mississippi River Valleys and the Southwest) where there is an increased chance for getting certain kinds of fungal infections
Have or have had Hepatitis B or C
Have had blood clots
Have liver or kidney problems
Have any stomach area (abdominal) pain or been diagnosed with diverticulitis or ulcers in your stomach or intestines
Have recently received or plan to receive a vaccine. People taking XELJANZ should not receive live vaccines but can receive non-live vaccines
Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. You should not take XELJANZ and breastfeed
Have had a reaction to tofacitinib or any of the ingredients
Are taking other medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take any of the following medicines while taking XELJANZ since this may increase your risk of infection:
- tocilizumab (Actemra^®)
- etanercept (Enbrel^®)
- adalimumab (Humira^®)
- infliximab (Remicade^®)
- rituximab (Rituxan^®)
- abatacept (Orencia^®)
- anakinra (Kineret^®)
- certolizumab (Cimzia^®)
- golimumab (Simponi^®)
- ustekinumab (Stelara^®)
- secukinumab (Cosentyx^®)
- vedolizumab (Entyvio^®)
- sarilumab (Kevzara^®)
- azathioprine, cyclosporine, or other immunosuppressive drugs
Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking medicines that affect the way certain liver enzymes work. Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure if your medicine is one of these.

What are other possible side effects of XELJANZ?

XELJANZ & Pregnancy

XELJANZ may affect the ability of females to get pregnant. It is not known if this will change after stopping XELJANZ. It is not known if XELJANZ will harm an unborn baby.

Pregnancy Registry: Pfizer has a registry for pregnant women who take XELJANZ. The purpose of this registry is to check the health of the pregnant mother and her baby. If you are pregnant or become pregnant while taking XELJANZ, talk to your healthcare provider about how you can join this pregnancy registry or you may contact the registry at 1-877-311-8972 to enroll.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING and Medication Guide.

Indications

XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR (tofacitinib) is used to treat adults with:

Moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis in whom methotrexate did not work well or cannot be tolerated
Active psoriatic arthritis in which methotrexate or other similar medicines called nonbiologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) did not work well or cannot be tolerated
Moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis when medicines called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers did not work well or cannot be tolerated

XELJANZ/XELJANZ Oral Solution is used to treat patients 2 years of age and older with active polyarticular juvenile arthritis.

It is not known if XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR is safe and effective in people with Hepatitis B or C.

XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR/XELJANZ Oral Solution is not recommended for people with severe liver problems.

It is not known if XELJANZ/XELJANZ Oral Solution is safe and effective in children for treatment other than active polyarticular juvenile arthritis.

It is not known if XELJANZ XR is safe and effective in children.

Important Safety Information

The safety information below applies to all marketed formulations of XELJANZ. Specific risks associated with certain dosing is noted.

Before and after starting XELJANZ, tell your doctor if you have an infection or symptoms of an infection, including:

Fever, sweating, or chills
Cough
Blood in phlegm
Warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body
Burning when you urinate
Urinating more often than normal
Muscle aches
Shortness of breath
Weight loss
Diarrhea or stomach pain
Feeling very tired

Higher dose. People taking the higher dose of XELJANZ (10 mg twice daily) or XELJANZ XR (22 mg one time each day) have a higher risk of serious infections, shingles, or skin cancers.

Serious allergic reactions can occur. Stop using XELJANZ and call your healthcare provider right away if you have swelling of your lips, tongue, throat, or get hives.

Before you use XELJANZ, tell your healthcare provider if you:

Are being treated for an infection, have an infection that won’t go away or keeps coming back, or think you have symptoms of an infection
Have TB, or have been in close contact with someone with TB, or were born in, lived in, or traveled where there is more risk for getting TB
Have diabetes, chronic lung disease, HIV, or a weak immune system. People with these conditions have a higher chance for infections
Live or have lived in certain areas (such as Ohio and Mississippi River Valleys and the Southwest) where there is an increased chance for getting certain kinds of fungal infections
Have or have had Hepatitis B or C
Have had blood clots
Have liver or kidney problems
Have any stomach area (abdominal) pain or been diagnosed with diverticulitis or ulcers in your stomach or intestines
Have recently received or plan to receive a vaccine. People taking XELJANZ should not receive live vaccines but can receive non-live vaccines
Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. You should not take XELJANZ and breastfeed
Have had a reaction to tofacitinib or any of the ingredients
Are taking other medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take any of the following medicines while taking XELJANZ since this may increase your risk of infection:
- tocilizumab (Actemra^®)
- etanercept (Enbrel^®)
- adalimumab (Humira^®)
- infliximab (Remicade^®)
- rituximab (Rituxan^®)
- abatacept (Orencia^®)
- anakinra (Kineret^®)
- certolizumab (Cimzia^®)
- golimumab (Simponi^®)
- ustekinumab (Stelara^®)
- secukinumab (Cosentyx^®)
- vedolizumab (Entyvio^®)
- sarilumab (Kevzara^®)
- azathioprine, cyclosporine, or other immunosuppressive drugs
Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking medicines that affect the way certain liver enzymes work. Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure if your medicine is one of these.

What are other possible side effects of XELJANZ?

XELJANZ & Pregnancy

XELJANZ may affect the ability of females to get pregnant. It is not known if this will change after stopping XELJANZ. It is not known if XELJANZ will harm an unborn baby.

Pregnancy Registry: Pfizer has a registry for pregnant women who take XELJANZ. The purpose of this registry is to check the health of the pregnant mother and her baby. If you are pregnant or become pregnant while taking XELJANZ, talk to your healthcare provider about how you can join this pregnancy registry or you may contact the registry at 1-877-311-8972 to enroll.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING and Medication Guide.

Clinical Trials

OCTAVE Induction 1 And OCTAVE Induction 2 Studies

Results Of The Studies

XELJANZ relieved some symptoms of UC as early as 2 weeks*

XELJANZ helped patients achieve remission at 8 weeks*

OCTAVE Sustain Study

Results Of The Study

XELJANZ has been proven to provide long-term remission at 1 year

Talking To Your Doctor

Indications

Important Safety Information

XELJANZ relieved some symptoms of
UC as early as 2 weeks*

XELJANZ helped patients achieve
remission at 8 weeks*

XELJANZ has been proven to provide
long-term remission at 1 year