The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Xeljanz (tofacitinib) for children ages 2 and older with active psoriatic arthritis or polyarticular course juvenile idiopathic arthritis. These are inflammatory conditions that cause joint pain and swelling. The approval is for children who have not responded well to or could not tolerate one or more TNF blockers, which are another type of medicine for these conditions.
Xeljanz is a pill taken by mouth. It was already approved for adults with several inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis. This new approval gives doctors an oral option for children who need treatment. It may be especially helpful for families looking for an alternative to injections or infusions.
The FDA notes that Xeljanz should not be used with certain other strong immune-suppressing medicines, such as biologic DMARDs, azathioprine, or cyclosporine. Like all medicines, Xeljanz has risks. The most common side effects include infections, headache, and diarrhea. Serious risks include serious infections, blood clots, and cancer.
If you are a parent or caregiver, talk to your child's doctor about whether Xeljanz might be an option. Your doctor can help you weigh the benefits and risks based on your child's specific health situation. This approval does not mean Xeljanz is right for every child, but it offers a new choice for those who need it.