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Compare Xeljanz vs. Humira

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

Key takeaways

Xeljanz (tofacitinib) and Humira (adalimumab) are both used to treat inflammatory conditions, but they have some key differences. Xeljanz is a tablet taken once or twice daily, while Humira is given as an injection every few weeks depending on your condition. Xeljanz is synthetic and not considered a biologic, whereas Humira is made from living sources. Xeljanz can be used for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis in both adults and children, but it has serious risks like heart problems and blood clots. Both medications can be used in children, but Humira treats a wider range of conditions, including Crohn's disease and plaque psoriasis. Both medications carry a risk of increased infections, but Humira can’t be used with live vaccines.

Xeljanz (tofacitinib)
Humira (adalimumab)
Xeljanz (tofacitinib)
Humira (adalimumab)
Summary of Xeljanz vs. Humira
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.
Summary for Biologic DMARD
Prescription only
Humira (adalimumab) is an injectable medication used for treating many different autoimmune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), and plaque psoriasis. It's usually given every other week, and it can be used alone or taken with methotrexate or other non-biologic medications. This medication is available as many different brands (or biosimilars).
Indications of Xeljanz vs. Humira
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

Indications for

•Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) - adults only

•Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) - people age 2 and older

•Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) - adults only

•Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) - adults only

•Crohn's disease (CD) - people age 6 and older

•Ulcerative colitis (UC) - people age 5 and older

•Plaque psoriasis - adults only

•Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) - people age 12 and older

•Uveitis - people age 2 and older
Pros and Cons of Xeljanz vs. Humira
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

Pros and Const for Biologic DMARD
Pros

•Can be used for many autoimmune conditions

•Available as a ready-to-use pen that makes it easier to self-inject at home

•Can be used in young children (as young as 2 years old for some conditions)

•Only needs to be injected a couple times a month

•Can be left at room temperature for up to 14 days if needed

Cons

•Raises the risk of serious infections

•Might raise the risk of lymphoma and skin cancers

•Might be difficult to inject for some people

•Can't receive any live vaccines while taking the medication

•Contains rubber or latex, which can cause a reaction for those with an allergy
Common Side Effects of Xeljanz vs. Humira
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).
Common Side Effects for

•Injection-site reaction (20%)

•Upper respiratory tract infection (17%)

•Headache (12%)

•Rash (12%)

•Sinus inflammation (11%)

•Accidental injury (10%)

•Nausea (9%)

•Urinary tract infection (UTI) or bladder infection (8%)
Warnings of Xeljanz vs. Humira
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

Common Side Effects for

•Serious infections

•Cancers

•Severe allergic reactions

•Nervous system effects

•Low blood cell counts

•Heart failure

•Live vaccines
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Key takeaways

Summary of Xeljanz vs. Humira

Indications of Xeljanz vs. Humira

Pros and Cons of Xeljanz vs. Humira

Common Side Effects of Xeljanz vs. Humira

Warnings of Xeljanz vs. Humira

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