Stelara vs. Xeljanz for Psoriatic Arthritis and Ulcerative Colitis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Stelara

(ustekinumab)

Xeljanz

(tofacitinib)

Summary for Stelara

Prescription only

Stelara (ustekinumab) is an injectable medication used to treat autoimmune conditions like plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. As an interleukin antagonist, it works by blocking certain proteins that cause inflammation in your body, which helps reduce swelling and ease symptoms. You typically get it as an injection under your skin. Common side effects include common cold symptoms, headache, and feeling tired. This medication also has many biosimilars available.

Indications for Stelara

Moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (Ps) - adults and children 6 years and older
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) - adults and children 6 years and older
Moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease (CD) - adults only
Moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC) - adults only

Pros and Cons for Stelara

Pros

After the first few doses, only need a shot every 8 to 12 weeks
Available as a prefilled syringe or vial
Syringes can be stored at room temperature for up to 30 days
Approved for children as young as 6 years old

Cons

Can weaken your immune system and raise your risk of infection
Potential to cause serious allergic reactions
For CD and UC, the first dose must be given as an IV infusion
Can't receive live vaccines while taking this medication

Common Side Effects for Stelara

Plaque psoriasis

Common cold symptoms (7-8%)
Upper respiratory tract infection (4-5%)
Headache (5%)

Psoriatic arthritis

Joint pain (3%)
Nausea (3%)

Crohn's disease

Common cold symptoms (11%)
Redness at the injection site (5%)
Yeast infection (5%)
Bronchitis (5%)

Ulcerative colitis:

Common cold symptoms (24%)
Headache (10%)
Stomach pain (7%)
Flu infection (6%)
Fever (5%)

Warnings for Stelara

Infections
Cancers
Severe allergic reaction
Brain condition
Vaccines
Lung problems

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

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 course juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pcJIA) in children 2 years and older - immediate-release tablets and liquid only

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:

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%)
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 Stelara vs. Xeljanz

Ustekinumab1 syringe / 1ml of 90mg/ml

$7,002.73$9,380.50

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Tofacitinib60 tablets / 5mg

$48.36$4,898.08

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Stelara vs. Xeljanz

Stelara

Xeljanz

Summary for Stelara

Indications for Stelara

Pros and Cons for Stelara

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Stelara

Warnings for Stelara

Summary for Xeljanz

Indications for Xeljanz

Pros and Cons for Xeljanz

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Xeljanz

Warnings for Xeljanz

Prices with our coupons for Stelara vs. Xeljanz

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Stelara

Xeljanz

Summary for Stelara

Indications for Stelara

Pros and Cons for Stelara

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Stelara

Warnings for Stelara

Summary for Xeljanz

Indications for Xeljanz

Pros and Cons for Xeljanz

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Xeljanz

Warnings for Xeljanz