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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)

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Xeljanz

(tofacitinib)

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Summary for Orencia

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.

Indications for Orencia

Pros and Cons for Orencia

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

Common Side Effects for Orencia

  • 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.

Warnings for Orencia

  • Risk of serious infections
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Vaccines
  • Worsening breathing problems
  • Falsely high blood sugars

Summary for Xeljanz

Prescription only

Xeljanz (tofacitinib) is an oral medication that can treat different inflammatory problems. It can help adults with psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and ulcerative colitis, among other conditions. It's also helpful for children with a certain kind of arthritis. Xeljanz (tofacitinib) is a JAK inhibitor that lowers inflammation in the body. It comes as a tablet or liquid that's taken twice a day. There's also a longer-lasting once-daily tablet for adults. Xeljanz (tofacitinib) is a good option for people who've tried other medications first. But it can have side effects like headache, diarrhea, and a higher risk of infection. This medication is brand name only; there isn't a generic yet.

Indications for Xeljanz

Pros and Cons for Xeljanz

Pros

  • Liquid form available for the immediate-release version if you have trouble swallowing pills whole
  • Extended-release, once-daily tablets available for adults
  • Good option for people when other treatments haven't worked well

Cons

  • Has potentially serious risks (e.g., serious infections, blood clots)
  • Can raise cholesterol levels
  • Not clear if it's safe to take during pregnancy
  • Breastfeeding not recommended during treatment

Common Side Effects for Xeljanz

Arthritis:

Ulcerative colitis:

  • Nose and throat infection (10-14%)
  • High cholesterol (5-9%)
  • Headache (3-9%)
  • Upper respiratory tract infection (6-7%)
  • Lab results suggesting muscle damage (3-7%)
  • Rash (3-6%)
  • Diarrhea (2-5%)
  • Stomach infection (3-4%)
  • Anemia (2-4%)

Warnings for Xeljanz

  • Risk of serious infections
  • Possible higher risk of death for some older people with rheumatoid arthritis
  • Possible risk of cancer
  • Risk of blood clots, heart attack, or stroke
  • Stomach problems
  • Allergic reactions
  • Low blood cell counts
  • Liver damage

Prices with our coupons for Orencia vs. Xeljanz

Price Card Drug Icon
Orencia1 carton / 4 clickject autoinjectors of 125mg/ml
$5,539.00$7,445.71
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Price Card Drug Icon
Xeljanz30 tablets / 5mg
$1,518.30$3,528.46
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