Xeljanz and ulcerative colitis

Xeljanz is the brand name for tofacitinib, a medicine that changes signalling within the immune system. Ulcerative colitis involves inflammation in the lining of the large bowel, and treatment aims to settle that inflammation and help control symptoms.

It is not a medicine to start, stop, share or change on your own. Your gastroenterology team considers your previous treatments, other health conditions, current medicines and infection history when deciding whether it suits you.

Take it exactly as prescribed and attend planned reviews. Before and during treatment, your clinician may arrange checks for infections and monitor blood results. Tell the team promptly about a new fever, shingles-like rash, cough, breathlessness, unusual bruising or a painful swollen leg.

Keep a simple record of bowel changes, including blood in the stool, urgency, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. This gives the clinician a clearer picture of whether your ulcerative colitis is controlled and whether another approach is needed.

Seek urgent medical assessment for severe abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen, heavy rectal bleeding, fainting, chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, or one-sided leg swelling. Contact the prescribing team without delay if you think you have an infection or develop a new concerning symptom.

Ask why Xeljanz is being considered now, what checks are needed before treatment, which vaccines should be discussed, and which symptoms should trigger a call. Also ask how your other medicines, pregnancy plans or surgery could affect the plan.