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Xeljanz vs. Remicade

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 4/1/2013 8:41 PM (GMT 0)
I've had UC for 30 years, always under control with minor flares throughout the years.  Major flare in June, 2012 put me in the hospital for 3 weeks.  Began Remicade infusion every 6 weeks at a very high dosage.  Made some progress, but not enough.  Added a methotrexate injection weekly, Nov 2012. 

Now eliminating Remicade and Methotrexate and have been prescribed Xeljanz- recently approved for UC by the FDA.  Taking my 1 st pill tonight- will be 2x per day. 

Anyone have any experience with this?

Doc is also considering UCeris to replace my Budesonide capsules. 

I look forward to your replies! 

Posted 4/1/2013 9:48 PM (GMT 0)
ktziff do you have any info about Xeljanz being approved for UC? It was approved a couple of months ago for RA but I don't think it has been studied in UC yet. For what it's worth, my GI was willing to prescribe it off label for me for UC as she felt it was pretty promising. I haven't seen anyone else talking about getting it for UC though so please do report back about how it goes for you!!
Posted 4/1/2013 11:30 PM (GMT 0)
I would first go with Uceris and get the flare under control. The new drug that you mention is JAK inhibitor and its very new. My policy is, unless your colon is on the line, I will give at least 5 years to try any new drug (during which I expect dirty laundry to appear making me easy to decide its use).
Posted 4/2/2013 12:55 AM (GMT 0)
Xeljan has already passed the phase 2 FDA and has been under review for 16 years. My doc is at the forefront of the research and suggested this as a next step. My other GI doc wants to operate. I am thoroughly opposed to losing my colon, however.

Remicade was okay and tolerated just fine. Doc wanted to see more progress by now, however. We have a few alternatives, with Xeljan being the one we are going with at this time.

Wish me luck!
Posted 4/2/2013 1:20 PM (GMT 0)
If anyone would like it, I do have access to the current research docs from the New England Journal of Medicine regarding the UC studies and Xeljanz.
Posted 4/5/2013 9:49 PM (GMT 0)
Very interesting that your dr prescribed Xeljanz for UC.  I have read good things about it for UC.  The exciting thing about it is that it is a completely new medicine that has a mode of action that is different from all the other options currently available.  thus, if one of the current options fails, then hopefully xeljanz will help. 

keep us posted how you do on the drug.

Posted 9/26/2013 8:38 PM (GMT 0)
If you're still there,

Have you started this? How are you? My GI suggested it for me.

Posted 9/27/2013 3:47 AM (GMT 0)
I am curious if anyone else has tried this for UC too. I see the commercials all the time but i had no idea that it was an option for UC. I am pretty sure it hasn't been approved for UC but I'd love to see the info if it is.
Posted 9/27/2013 5:41 AM (GMT 0)
Interesting, but for me the cost would be much greater. My insurance covers my Remicade infusions completely, but I'd have a large copay with a prescription drug. Of course, if it isn't approved for UC my insurance wouldn't cover it at all - they're very specific about that. I understand the cost is a bit over $2000 for a months supply.
Posted 9/27/2013 12:25 PM (GMT 0)
I saw a commercial for this the other day and my ears perked up, the ad was for RA specifically. Am I correct in assuming this is a biologic medication that is administered in pill form? I know the other biologics (remi, humira, etc) are all injected via needle or given through an IV.
Posted 9/27/2013 8:02 PM (GMT 0)
Xeljanz is approved for UC, just not widely publicized. My doc was involved in the trials and approval. There is a copay assistance card on the internet, $0 or minimal copay. Good luck.
Posted 9/27/2013 8:06 PM (GMT 0)
Forgot to mention, had a flex sig done today. Significant healing in an area that was previously classified as looking like "chopmeat" by my GI! Not sure if it's the Xeljanz doing the healing, however, I'd like to believe that it is after 6 months.
Posted 9/27/2013 9:16 PM (GMT 0)
Awesome! I've have a few questions, if you don't mind:

Are you having any side effects?

Have your symptoms decreased as well?

How long did it take to notice an effect?

Thank you!

Posted 9/27/2013 11:05 PM (GMT 0)
No side affects....I take it with/without food. Symptoms and urgency decreased within less than 1 month. Dramatic difference than with Remicade where I would start to be symptomatic 2-3 weeks before I was due for my next infusion.
Posted 9/28/2013 12:04 AM (GMT 0)
It is approved for uc?? Somehow missed that....
Posted 11/10/2013 1:02 PM (GMT 0)
No it is NOT approved for FDA for UC.

Source: 1. I am a pharmacist, 2. I am currently enrolled in a drug trial for xeljanz for ulcerative colitis.
Posted 11/10/2013 1:23 PM (GMT 0)
Blue, how is the trial going for you? I am curious...when does it end and is it a long shot for UC?
Posted 11/10/2013 8:23 PM (GMT 0)
I was on a closed label (either drug or placebo) for 8 weeks and I got a flex sig and did not improve so they put me on the drug about 3 weeks ago and will last 52 weeks. I tried every drug out there. this was my last shot. so far it is amazing.
I'm on 10mg xeljanz BiD and Lialda 2 tabs BiD too. and my frequency went from 8+ to about 2-4.
Posted 11/11/2013 5:10 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the info blue. Sounds like you've had a great improvement. please update in the future if you can :)
Posted 11/11/2013 11:34 AM (GMT 0)
yup
Posted 6/10/2014 10:42 PM (GMT 0)
So I have moved from the closed label to open label treatment trial and am getting Xeljanz 10mgBID. There is some improvement!
Flex sigs have shown less bleeding and less inflammation.
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