Rinvoq Vs. Xeljanz For Ankylosing Spondylitis

Xeljanz (tofacitinib) is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. It works by inhibiting the activity of the JAK3 and JAK1 enzymes, which are involved in the signaling of certain cytokines that are important for the development and function of immune cells such as T cells and natural killer cells. By reducing the activity of immune cells, Xeljanz can help to reduce inflammation in the body and improve symptoms in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ulcerative colitis.

Xeljanz is taken orally as a tablet and is usually prescribed twice daily. It is generally well-tolerated, but like all medications, it can cause side effects. The most common side effects of Xeljanz include upper respiratory tract infections, headache, and diarrhea. More serious side effects may include an increased risk of infections, blood clots, and malignancies. Xeljanz should be used with caution in patients with a history of serious infections or blood disorders, and should not be used in patients with active tuberculosis.

*As with all medications, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of Xeljanz, and to report any side effects that you may experience.

Rinvoq (upadacitinib) is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. It works by inhibiting the activity of the JAK1 enzyme, which is involved in the signaling of certain cytokines that are important for the development and function of immune cells such as T cells and natural killer cells. By reducing the activity of immune cells, Rinvoq can help to reduce inflammation in the body and improve symptoms in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Rinvoq is taken orally as a tablet and is usually prescribed once daily. It is generally well-tolerated, but like all medications, it can cause side effects. The most common side effects of Rinvoq include upper respiratory tract infections, headache, and nausea. More serious side effects may include an increased risk of infections, blood clots, and malignancies. Rinvoq should be used with caution in patients with a history of serious infections or blood disorders, and should not be used in patients with active tuberculosis. 

*As with all medications, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of Rinvoq, and to report any side effects that you may experience.

What is Ankylosing spondylitis (AS):

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the joints and bones of the spine, although other joints and organs can also be affected. It belongs to a group of disorders known as spondyloarthropathies, which are characterized by inflammation of the joints and ligaments of the spine and pelvis.

AS typically affects young adults, with symptoms often appearing in the late teens or early twenties. The exact cause of AS is not known, but it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder, in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues.

Symptoms of AS include:

• Pain and stiffness in the lower back and buttocks, which is often worse in the morning and improves with exercise
• Stiffness and pain in other joints, such as the hips, knees, and shoulders
• Fatigue
• Reduced mobility of the spine and other joints
• In some cases, eye inflammation or bowel inflammation

Diagnosis of AS typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies such as X-rays and MRI scans. Treatment options for AS may include medication to reduce inflammation and pain, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise and good posture. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace damaged joints.

 

Rinvoq Vs. Xeljanz For Ankylosing Spondylitis:

Xeljanz (tofacitinib) and Rinvoq (upadacitinib) are both Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors that can be used to treat ankylosing spondylitis, but they work in slightly different ways.

Xeljanz inhibits JAK1 and JAK3, while Rinvoq inhibits JAK1 specifically. This means that Rinvoq may be more selective in its effects on the immune system, potentially reducing the risk of side effects compared to Xeljanz.

Clinical studies have shown that both Xeljanz and Rinvoq are effective in reducing the signs and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis and improving physical function in patients with the disease. However, they have different dosing schedules and potential side effects, such as increased risk of infections and blood clots.

The choice of medication may depend on factors such as the patient's medical history, other medications they are taking, and their risk factors for side effects. Ultimately, the decision on which medication to use for ankylosing spondylitis should be made by a healthcare provider who can evaluate the patient's individual situation and make treatment recommendations based on their experience and knowledge of the medications.

What are JAK1 & JAK3 inhibitors:

JAK1 and JAK3 are members of a family of enzymes called Janus kinases (JAKs) that play a critical role in the immune system by transmitting signals from cytokine receptors to the nucleus of cells, leading to the activation of various immune cells.

Cytokines are proteins that are produced by cells of the immune system and are involved in regulating inflammation, immune cell development, and other immune functions. JAK1 and JAK3 are specifically involved in the signaling of certain cytokines, such as interleukins (ILs) 2, 4, 7, 9, 15, and 21, which are important for the development and function of immune cells such as T cells and natural killer cells.

Inhibitors of JAK1 and JAK3, such as Rinvoq and Xeljanz, respectively, can reduce the activity of immune cells and therefore can be used to treat autoimmune diseases and inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and ankylosing spondylitis. However, they can also increase the risk of infections and other side effects, as they affect the normal function of the immune system.

Common side effects of Rinvoq and Xeljanz may include:

• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Increased cholesterol levels

More serious side effects may include:

• Increased risk of infections, including serious bacterial, fungal, and viral infections
• Increased risk of blood clots
• Malignancies, such as lymphoma and skin cancer
• Liver enzyme elevations
• Decreased neutrophil counts

*It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of Rinvoq or Xeljanz, and to report any side effects that you may experience.