Xeljanz and Crohn's disease

Xeljanz is a brand of tofacitinib, which modifies immune-system signalling. Crohn's disease can affect different parts and depths of the digestive tract, so the right treatment depends on where inflammation is active, your past response to medicines and whether complications are present.

A medicine used in one inflammatory bowel condition is not automatically the right choice in another. A gastroenterologist can explain whether Xeljanz has a role in your own treatment plan or whether a different medicine is more suitable.

Do not borrow tablets, change the dose or stop prescribed treatment without medical guidance. Bring an up-to-date list of medicines and supplements to your appointment, and mention previous infections, vaccines, blood clots, liver problems, pregnancy plans or planned surgery.

Record changes such as persistent diarrhoea, abdominal pain, tiredness, weight loss, fever or blood in stool. A clinician may use this history, an examination and tests such as blood tests to work out whether inflammation or another problem needs attention.

Get urgent care for severe or worsening abdominal pain, a hard or swollen abdomen, heavy bleeding, repeated vomiting, fainting, chest pain, sudden breathlessness or a painful swollen leg. Contact your care team promptly for a fever or other possible infection while taking an immune-modifying medicine.

Ask what treatment goal is being targeted, what alternatives exist, which checks are needed before starting, and how you will know whether the plan is helping. Ask who to contact outside routine appointments if bowel symptoms change.