Are you a healthcare professional? Join GoodRx for HCPs

Compare Orencia vs. Xeljanz

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Orencia (abatacept) and Xeljanz (tofacitinib) are both used to treat autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), but they work differently and have different forms. Orencia given as an injection or infusion, while Xeljanz is taken by mouth. Orencia is also used for juvenile idiopathic arthritis and to prevent graft-versus-host disease, whereas Xeljanz is used for ankylosing spondylitis and ulcerative colitis. Orencia can take 3 to 6 months to show effects, while Xeljanz may work within a month for RA. Both medications can increase the risk of infections, but Xeljanz has additional serious risks like heart problems and blood clots. In addition, Xeljanz can raise cholesterol levels and is not recommended during breastfeeding.

Orencia (abatacept)
Xeljanz (tofacitinib)
Orencia (abatacept)
Xeljanz (tofacitinib)
Summary of Orencia vs. Xeljanz
Summary for Biologic DMARD
Prescription only
Orencia (abatacept) is an injectable biologic medication used for different types of autoimmune arthritis (joint inflammation), including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). It's given as an injection under the skin once a week or as an infusion through the veins (IV) in the clinic once a month. Common side effects include infection, headache, and dizziness.
Summary for JAK inhibitor
Prescription only
Xeljanz (tofacitinib) is a JAK inhibitor that treats different types of inflammatory problems (like psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis) in adults. It's also used for certain kinds of arthritis in children ages 2 years and older. Xeljanz (tofacitinib) is taken by mouth once or twice per day. It's a good option for people who've tried other medications already, but the medication has side effects like a higher risk of infections, headache, and diarrhea. It also has serious risks, including heart problems and blood clots.
Indications of Orencia vs. Xeljanz
Indications for

•Moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults

•Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in adults

•Moderate-to-severe polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA) in children ages 2 years and older

•Prevention of short-term graft versus host disease (GVHD) in combination with a calcineurin inhibitor and methotrexate in adults and children ages 2 years and older

Indications for

•Moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults

•Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in adults

•Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in adults

•Moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC) in adults

•Moderate-to-severe polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA) in children ages 2 years and older - immediate-release tablets and liquid only
Pros and Cons of Orencia vs. Xeljanz
Pros and Const for Biologic DMARD
Pros

•Can be used in children age 2 years and older (for certain conditions)

•Comes as a prefilled syringe or autoinjector for easy at-home injections

•Clinic infusions are available for people who don't like to give themselves injections and are generally given only once a month

•SQ injections are given once weekly and IV infusions are given once monthly

Cons

•Raises your risk for infections because it weakens your immune system

•Can't be used with other biologic medications because higher risk of infection

•Can take 3 to 6 months to notice an improvement in your symptoms (for arthritis)

•Only treats the symptoms and isn't a cure for inflammatory problems

Pros and Const for JAK inhibitor
Pros

•Works well to treat many types of inflammatory problems

•Good option for people who haven't responded well to other treatments

•Available as immediate-release and extended-release tablets

•Liquid form available if you have trouble swallowing

Cons

•Potential to cause many serious side effects (e.g., certain cancers, serious infections, blood clots, stomach problems)

•Can raise cholesterol levels

•Not recommended to breastfeed while taking the medication

•Not completely clear whether it's safe to take during pregnancy
Common Side Effects of Orencia vs. Xeljanz
Common Side Effects for

•Headache (18%)

•Sore throat, runny nose, or other cold-like symptoms (12%)

•Dizziness (9%)

•Cough (8%)

•Back pain (7%)

•High blood pressure (7%)

•Upset stomach (6%)

•Pain while urinating and other symptoms of an urinary tract infection (6%)

Please note: The side effects above were reported by adults who received Orencia (abatacept) for rheumatoid arthritis. The side effects you experience might be different if you're taking Orencia (abatacept) for a different condition or if you're injecting it under the skin.
Common Side Effects for
Arthritis:

•Upper respiratory tract infection (4%)

•Nose and throat infection (3-4%)

•Diarrhea (3-4%)

•Headache (3-4%)

Ulcerative colitis:

•Nose and throat infection (10-14%)

•High cholesterol (5-9%)

•Headache (3-9%)

•Upper respiratory tract infection (6-7%)

•Muscle damage (3-7%)

•Rash (3-6%)

•Diarrhea (2-5%)

•Stomach infection (3-4%)

•Anemia (2-4%)

Note: The side effects you have might differ based on your dose and the reason why you're taking Xeljanz (tofacitinib).
Warnings of Orencia vs. Xeljanz
Common Side Effects for

•Risk of serious infections

•Severe allergic reactions

•Vaccines

•Worsening breathing problems

•Falsely high blood sugars

Common Side Effects for

•Serious infections

•Possible higher risk of death for people with rheumatoid arthritis

•Possible risk of cancer

•Risk of heart attack, stroke, and blood clots

•Stomach problems

•Allergic reactions

•Low blood cell counts

•Liver damage
Prices with our coupons for Orencia vs. Xeljanz
Learn more about Orencia
Learn more about Xeljanz

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.

Compare Orencia vs. Xeljanz

Key takeaways

Summary of Orencia vs. Xeljanz

Indications of Orencia vs. Xeljanz

Pros and Cons of Orencia vs. Xeljanz

Common Side Effects of Orencia vs. Xeljanz

Warnings of Orencia vs. Xeljanz

Prices with our coupons for Orencia vs. Xeljanz

Compare other Rheumatoid Arthritis drugs

Browse medications

Good news for your inbox