What Is Xeljanz XR? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Xeljanz XR is the extended-release version of tofacitinib, an oral medication that treats several serious autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Unlike injections or infusions used for similar conditions, Xeljanz XR is a pill taken once a day. Here's everything patients need to know about what it is, what it treats, how to take it, and what to expect.

What Is Xeljanz XR?

Xeljanz XR is the brand name for tofacitinib extended-release tablets, manufactured by Pfizer. The "XR" stands for extended-release, meaning the medication dissolves slowly throughout the day — allowing once-daily dosing instead of the twice-daily dosing required by the regular Xeljanz tablet (tofacitinib immediate-release).

Tofacitinib belongs to a class of drugs called Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. It was first approved by the FDA in November 2012 (as the immediate-release tablet), and Xeljanz XR (extended-release) was approved in February 2016. Generic tofacitinib IR has been available since June 2021; a generic XR was FDA-approved in August 2025.

What Conditions Does Xeljanz XR Treat?

Xeljanz XR is FDA-approved for adults with the following conditions:

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Moderately to severely active RA in adults who have not responded well to methotrexate, used alone or with other non-biologic DMARDs.

Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Active PsA in adults after inadequate response or intolerance to DMARDs. Must be used with a non-biologic DMARD.

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Active AS in adults who have had inadequate response or intolerance to one or more TNF blockers. Approved in December 2021.

Ulcerative Colitis (UC): Moderately to severely active UC in adults after inadequate response or intolerance to TNF blockers. XR forms use 22 mg for induction, then 11 mg for maintenance.

How Is Xeljanz XR Dosed?

The standard doses for Xeljanz XR (extended-release tablet) are:

RA, PsA, AS: 11 mg once daily. The 22 mg dose is NOT recommended for these conditions.

UC (induction): 22 mg once daily for up to 8 weeks. If no adequate response after 16 weeks, discontinue.

UC (maintenance): 11 mg once daily (or 22 mg if needed to maintain response).

How Do You Take Xeljanz XR?

Xeljanz XR is taken once daily, with or without food. Most patients find it easiest to take at the same time each day. Important:

Swallow whole. Do not crush, split, or chew Xeljanz XR tablets. Breaking the tablet destroys the extended-release mechanism and delivers the full dose at once.

GI narrowing caution: If you have severe gastrointestinal strictures or narrowing (from Crohn's or surgery), talk to your doctor — extended-release tablets can sometimes become lodged.

What Distinguishes Xeljanz XR from Regular Xeljanz?

Both Xeljanz (immediate-release) and Xeljanz XR (extended-release) contain tofacitinib as the active ingredient. The key differences are:

Xeljanz (IR): 5 mg taken twice daily (or 10 mg twice daily for UC induction only)

Xeljanz XR: 11 mg or 22 mg taken once daily — same daily drug exposure, more convenient dosing

Patients can switch from Xeljanz 5 mg twice daily to Xeljanz XR 11 mg once daily the day after the last Xeljanz dose

How Long Before Xeljanz XR Starts Working?

Many patients begin to notice symptom improvement within 2–4 weeks of starting Xeljanz XR. However, full clinical effect often takes 3–6 months. Do not stop taking it just because improvement seems slow — give it the full therapeutic window before evaluating efficacy with your doctor.

For a plain-English explanation of how Xeljanz XR works at the cellular level, see our article on how Xeljanz XR works.

If you're having trouble finding Xeljanz XR at a pharmacy near you, medfinder can find which pharmacies in your area can fill it.