Key takeaways
Enbrel (etanercept) and Xeljanz (tofacitinib) are both used to treat autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, but they have some key differences. Enbrel is a biologic DMARD that is injected under the skin, while Xeljanz is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor taken orally. Enbrel is available as brand-name and biosimilar products, whereas Xeljanz is a synthetic medication and also comes in a generic form. Enbrel works by blocking tumor necrosis factor (TNF) to reduce inflammation, while Xeljanz blocks the JAK protein to achieve the same effect. Enbrel is typically administered once a week, whereas Xeljanz is taken once or twice daily, depending on the form. Both medications can increase the risk of serious infections, but Xeljanz also has a higher risk of blood clots and heart problems. Additionally, Enbrel is approved for use in children as young as 2 years old for certain conditions, while Xeljanz is also approved for children but has more specific dosing requirements based on weight.
