How to Help Your Patients Find Xeljanz XR in Stock: A Provider's Guide

Even when Xeljanz XR (tofacitinib extended-release) is prescribed appropriately and in adequate supply, patients frequently encounter obstacles that delay them from actually receiving it. As the prescriber, you play a central role in resolving these barriers. This guide outlines practical steps to proactively help your patients get Xeljanz XR when they need it.

Step 1: Enroll Patients in XELSOURCE at the Time of Prescribing

XELSOURCE is Pfizer's dedicated hub for Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR. Enrolling your patient at the point of prescribing — rather than after a denial — sets up the fastest possible path to dispensing. XELSOURCE can:

Verify insurance benefits and confirm specialty pharmacy requirements

Initiate and manage the prior authorization process

Coordinate a free 30-day bridge supply for new patients while PA is processed

Enroll patients in the Co-Pay Savings Program to reduce out-of-pocket cost

Provider XELSOURCE contact: 1-844-935-5269, available Monday–Friday 8 AM–8 PM ET.

Step 2: Send a Complete Prior Authorization Package the First Time

Incomplete PA submissions are the single most common cause of delays. A complete initial PA for Xeljanz XR should include:

Diagnosis with ICD-10 code (M05/M06 for RA; L40.5/M07 for PsA; M45 for AS; K51 for UC)

Prior treatment history: names, doses, durations, and specific reason for failure (lack of efficacy vs. adverse effect)

Baseline labs: CBC, LFTs, lipids, TB screening, HBV/HCV screening

Disease activity measures (e.g., DAS28, CDAI, Mayo score for UC, BASDAI for AS)

Prescriber NPI and specialty designation

When documenting treatment failure, be explicit: "Patient received adalimumab 40 mg biweekly for 6 months; DAS28 remained >3.2; treatment discontinued due to inadequate response" is far more persuasive than "failed Humira."

Step 3: Know Which Specialty Pharmacies Your Patients Can Use

Different insurance plans mandate different specialty pharmacy networks. Knowing your common payers' preferred pharmacies saves time. For example:

UnitedHealthcare plans often route to Optum Specialty Pharmacy

Aetna often routes to CVS Specialty

Cigna often routes to Accredo

Some plans allow dispensing at retail pharmacy specialty locations or by mail order

Sending the prescription to the wrong pharmacy is a common source of delays. XELSOURCE can confirm the correct pharmacy for each patient's plan before the prescription is sent.

Step 4: Handle Appeals Promptly and Strategically

When a PA is denied, you have several options:

First-level appeal: Submit additional clinical documentation. Address the specific reason for denial.

Peer-to-peer review: Request a call with the plan's medical director. This is often the fastest path to approval for complex cases.

Exceptions request: If step therapy requirements apply but the patient has a medical reason to avoid the required drug, document it explicitly.

Step 5: Recommend medfinder to Patients Who Need Help Finding a Pharmacy

For patients whose plan allows retail or non-exclusive specialty pharmacy dispensing, locating a pharmacy that actually has Xeljanz XR in stock and ready to dispense can be challenging. medfinder for providers calls pharmacies in the patient's area to identify which ones can fill the prescription — saving the patient hours of phone calls and reducing the time to dispensing.

Step 6: Educate Patients on What to Expect

Set realistic expectations at the time of prescribing. Let patients know:

The PA process takes 5–10 business days on average

Their medication must come from a specific specialty pharmacy

A free trial supply is available from Pfizer for new patients

Copay savings can reduce their monthly cost significantly

For a deeper clinical overview of Xeljanz XR prescribing considerations and safety monitoring, see our Xeljanz XR clinical update for providers.