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Xeljanz vs. Otezla

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.

• 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

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%)

• 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

Otezla (apremilast) is a tablet that's taken by mouth. It treats plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in people 6 years and older. The medication can also treat mouth sores from Behçet’s disease in adults. It works as a phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitor to reduce inflammation. Immediate-release tablets called Otezla are taken twice daily. You start at a low dose, then it gets raised over a few days to a maintenance dose. Some people can switch to once-daily, extended-release tablets called Otezla XR. Side effects include nausea and diarrhea.

• Psoriatic arthritis in people 6 years and older
• Plaque psoriasis in people 6 years and older
• Mouth sores from Behçet’s disease in adults

• Diarrhea (17%)
• Nausea (17%)
• Upper respiratory tract infection (e.g., common cold; 9%)
• Headache (up to 8%)

• Allergic reaction
• Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
• Depression
• Possible weight loss
• Drug interactions