What should you know about Xeljanz for psoriatic arthritis?

Tofacitinib works inside immune cells rather than simply numbing joint pain. By reducing inflammatory signalling, it may improve swollen, painful joints and stiffness, but it does not suit everyone and does not repair established joint damage. A clinician reviews infection history, vaccination needs, blood tests, other medicines, and health factors before prescribing. Tell the care team about fever, persistent cough, unusual infections, clotting history, heart or blood-vessel problems, and any new skin changes.

Take Xeljanz exactly as directed and do not double a missed dose unless the prescriber tells you to. Keep scheduled blood monitoring and report new symptoms early. Do not start, stop, or combine immune-modifying treatment without advice. Gentle activity, joint protection, and physiotherapy can support strength and function alongside medical treatment, while an anti-inflammatory medicine may be discussed for symptom relief.

Seek urgent help for chest pain, sudden breathlessness, coughing blood, one-sided weakness, severe headache, or a painful swollen limb. Contact your clinician promptly for fever, persistent infection symptoms, unusual bruising, severe abdominal pain, or a marked change in joint swelling.

Ask what treatment goal is being measured, which tests and vaccines are needed, when improvement should be reviewed, what to do during an infection, and whether pregnancy or other medicines changes the plan.