Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is Xeljanz. It helps treat conditions that have long-lasting inflammation, like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ulcerative colitis. It may have other uses, too.

You can take this medicine with or without food. You should take it exactly as your doctor tells you to. 

Most people tolerate this medicine well. Common side effects include a headache, diarrhea, a sore throat, a stuffy or runny nose, and the common cold. These effects are normal if they are mild and should go away. If you've had chickenpox, it could cause a shingles infection. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking this medicine, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Your doctor will watch for high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

As with any medicine, other serious side effects could occur. With Xeljanz, these include certain cancers, tears in the stomach or intestines, and heart related issues, such as blood clots. Xeljanz can also increase your risk of getting serious infections. You should read the Medication Guide to know which symptoms to watch for and when to report them. To help keep this medicine safe for you, your doctor will follow your condition closely and may order blood tests.

Xeljanz can interact with other medicines. You should always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medicines and before getting vaccines.

Women must check with their doctors before becoming pregnant or breastfeeding.

For best results with Xeljanz, work with your doctor to set your treatment goals.