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Stelara vs. Xeljanz

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

Stelara

(ustekinumab)

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Xeljanz

(tofacitinib)

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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

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

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 Stelara vs. Xeljanz

Price Card Drug Icon
Ustekinumab1 syringe / 1ml of 90mg/ml
$7,005.48$11,560.57
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Xeljanz30 tablets / 5mg
$1,518.30$3,528.46
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