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 Xeljanz?
Xeljanz (tofacitinib) is an FDA-approved medicine used to treat certain autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. The FDA first approved this medication on November 6, 2012.
Xeljanz can treat rheumatoid arthritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis. You can use it when other treatments haven’t worked well or caused too many side effects.
This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. It works by blocking specific enzymes that play a role in causing inflammation in the body.
By doing so, it helps reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve daily life in people with the above-mentioned diseases.
What Are the Uses of Xeljanz?
Xeljanz (tofacitinib) is a prescription medication. It is FDA-approved to treat the following conditions in patients who have received one or more TNF (tumor necrosis factor) blocker medications without adequate relief of symptoms or intolerable side effects:
Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is a long-term autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in your joints. Doctors can use Xeljanz to treat adult patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis.
Psoriatic Arthritis: This is a long-term condition that causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Xeljanz is used to treat adult patients with active psoriatic arthritis.
Ulcerative Colitis: Ulcerative Colitis is a chronic disease that causes inflammation in your colon and rectum. You may experience symptoms like stomach pain, diarrhea, pain in the rectum, etc. Doctors use Xeljanz to treat adult patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis.
Ankylosing Spondylitis: This is a form of arthritis in which your spine and other areas of your body become inflamed. Xeljanz is approved to treat adult patients with active ankylosing spondylitis.
Polyarticular Course Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: This is a type of arthritis that affects children. In this condition, five or more joints become inflamed. Pediatric patients who are 2 years of age or older can be prescribed this medication and use Xeljanz Oral Solution to manage this condition.
Copay and Financial Assistance
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
Dosing of Xeljanz
The dosage of Xeljanz differs based on who uses it. It depends on several factors, including your age, condition, and kidney or liver function. It is available as an oral tablet and oral solution.
Here is the usual recommended dosages:
Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, and Ankylosing Spondylitis
The recommended dose is Xeljanz 5 mg twice daily or Xeljanz XR (extended-release) 11 mg once daily. If you have moderate to severe kidney problems or moderate liver problems, then the dose would be 5 mg once daily.
Ulcerative Colitis
The starting (induction) dose is Xeljanz 10 mg twice daily or Xeljanz XR 22 mg once daily for 8 weeks. If needed, you can continue this dose for a maximum of 16 weeks. After that, you have to switch to the maintenance dose, which is Xeljanz 5 mg twice daily or Xeljanz XR 11 mg once daily.
Polyarticular Course Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Xeljanz Oral solution is preferred. The dose is 5 mg twice daily or a weight-based equivalent (determined by your doctor) twice daily.
Please note that the dosage needs to be adjusted if you have kidney or liver problems or if you are taking certain other medications. Always follow your doctor’s advice.
Xeljanz Side Effects
Common side effects include:
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- High blood pressure
- Acne
- Upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold
- Increased cholesterol levels
- Herpes zoster, also known as shingles
Serious side effects include:
Serious Infection
Xeljanz can increase your risk of developing serious infections, including tuberculosis (TB), shingles, pneumonia, and fungal infections. The risk is even higher if you also take immunosuppressant drugs like corticosteroids.
Cancer
Xeljanz is a medicine that can increase your risk of developing certain cancers, like lymphoma and lung cancer, by changing how your immune system works.
If you are a current or past smoker, the risk is even higher. Some symptoms of cancer include unexpected weight loss, repeated infections, and fatigue.
Blood Clots
Xeljanz can increase the risk of blood clots in your lungs, legs, or arms. This can be deadly. The risk is even higher if you are 50 years of age or older with at least one heart disease risk factor.
Symptoms of blood clots include shortness of breath, chest pain, and pain and swelling in your arms or legs.
Tears in the Stomach
Xeljanz is a medication that may increase the risk of tears in your stomach or intestines. The risk is even higher if you take corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or methotrexate.
If you have any signs of tears, such as persistent stomach pain, fever, or changed bowel habits, contact your doctor immediately.
Heart Problems
Xeljanz can increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke, especially in patients aged 50 or above who have at least one heart disease risk factor.
Symptoms of a heart attack or stroke include chest pain, sudden weakness on one side of your body, a feeling of lightheadedness, and slurred speech.
Please note that this is not a complete list of all possible side effects of Xeljanz. Contact your doctor right away if you encounter any severe side effects.
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