How Assistance Works
Streamlining our patient’s specialty pharmacy experience with unmatched full-service convenience
-
1. Check Your Coverage/Benefits Verification
Our team of expert billers finds the best avenues of coverage that minimize out-of-pocket costs.
-
2. Transfer Prescription to AmeriPharma®
We process your prescription by working with your previous pharmacy or prescriber, making the transition quick and easy.
-
3. Prior Authorization
Our team of specialists obtains approval from your insurance companies within 24 to 72 hours.
-
4. Copay Assistance & Financial Aid
We secure financial aid and decrease copays, out-of-pocket expenses, and high deductibles. To date, AmeriPharma® Specialty Care has secured $55 million in financial assistance for our patients.
-
5. Nursing Care Coordination If Needed
AmeriPharma® puts your schedule and home environment first when scheduling and coordinating one of our specialized nurses for your in-home infusions.
-
6. Delivery Coordination
Medications are always delivered in strict compliance with the specific requirements for shipping. Next-day and overnight cold-chain deliveries are coordinated around your schedule.
What is Tofacitinib ER?
Tofacitinib extended-release (brand name: Xeljanz XR) is an oral prescription medication used to treat adults with certain types of arthritis and ulcerative colitis.
Xeljanz XR is FDA-approved to treat adults with:
- Moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA), who did not respond to or could not tolerate one or more TNF blockers.
- Active psoriatic arthritis (PsA), who did not respond to or could not tolerate one or more TNF blockers.
- Active ankylosing spondylitis (AS), who did not respond to or could not tolerate one or more TNF blockers.
- Moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC), who did not respond to or could not tolerate one or more TNF blockers.
Tofacitinib ER Mechanism of Action
Tofacitinib is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor. By blocking JAK, tofacitinib decreases the activity of substances that signal the immune system to increase inflammation. That way, it helps decrease inflammation and relieve the symptoms of certain types of arthritis and ulcerative colitis.
Dosing
For adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis, the usual dose is 11 mg once daily.
For adult patients with ulcerative colitis, the initial dose is 22 mg once daily for 8 weeks; if needed, it may be extended to a maximum of 16 weeks. Then, the dose is usually reduced to 11 mg once daily. However, the dose may be increased to 22 mg once daily for the shortest period if you don’t respond to treatment.
Dose adjustment may be necessary if you have kidney or liver disease.
How Tofacitinib ER Copay Assistance Works
AmeriPharma® Specialty Pharmacy alleviates financial burdens for patients and their families
-
Advanced software locates funding sources to match you with top-dollar foundation programs
-
One of our copay assistance specialists will assist with the application process
-
Automatic updates will be sent to you and your physician on the status of the funding
Proper Use and Storage
- Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Take your medicine around the same time each day.
- You may take this medication with or without food.
- Swallow the entire tablet. Avoid crushing, splitting, or chewing it.
- When you take this medication, something similar to a tablet may appear in your stool. This is actually the empty shell that has no medicine in it; your body has already absorbed the medicine inside the shell.
- If you think an overdose has occurred, call Poison Control immediately at 1-800-222-1222 or visit PoisonHelp.org.
- If you are taking this medication with other medicines for psoriatic arthritis, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.
- Store this medication at temperatures between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C).
- Don’t store your medicines in the bathroom.
- Keep all medications out of reach of children and pets.
Use in Pregnancy and Lactation
Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to get pregnant. You should not become pregnant during treatment with tofacitinib. Use effective birth control during treatment and for the period recommended by your healthcare provider. If you become pregnant during treatment, talk to your healthcare provider immediately.
Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding. Avoid breastfeeding during treatment and for at least 36 hours after the last dose of Xeljanz XR.
Tofacitinib ER Side Effects
Common side effects include:
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Runny or stuffy nose
Severe side effects include:
- Hives, swelling of face, eyes, lips, or throat
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Stomach pain, especially if it occurs with fever and diarrhea/constipation
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Loss of appetite
- Dark urine
- Clay-colored bowel movements
- Vomiting
- Rash
- Pale skin
Insurances Accepted
We accept Medicare, multi-state Medicaid, Medi-Cal, Blue Shield, and most private insurances. Call us to find out more about your coverage.
Get Started in Minutes
Fill out your information and one of our specialists will call you ASAP.
How Much Can You Save?
Complete this form to save up to 100%!
By submitting, you agree to AmeriPharma’s Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Notice of Privacy Practices