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

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

This medicine is taken once a day, at the same time each day. You should take it exactly as your doctor tells you to. You can take it with or without food. You should swallow the tablet whole, and do not crush, split, or chew it. It is normal if you see the empty shell from the tablet in your stool.

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 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 XR, these include low blood cell counts, certain cancers, and tears in the stomach or intestines. This medicine can also increase your risk of getting serious infections and having heart related issues, like blood clots. 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.

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 XR, work with your doctor to set your treatment goals.