Living with arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can be incredibly tough, whether it’s rheumatoid, psoriatic, ulcerative colitis, ankylosing spondylitis, or polyarticular course juvenile idiopathic arthritis. We understand the daily challenges you face, and we’re here to help.
Our trusted range of brand and generic products is designed to provide the relief you need, so you can get back to enjoying life. Discover the right solution for you!
Here are some of our top medications for arthritis or IBD relief:
Remicade (infliximab) and Avsola (Infliximab-axxq)
Remicade (infliximab) and Avsola (infliximab-axxq) are medications designed to help manage autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and certain types of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
Remicade (infliximab) and Avsola (infliximab-axxq) workby targeting a specific protein in the body that causes inflammation, helping to reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Manufacturer
Remicade (infliximab) is manufactured by Janssen Biotech, Inc.,
Avsola (infliximab-axxq) is manufactured by Amgen Inc.
Strengths
Remicade (infliximab) Is available in 100mg/vial.
Avsola (infliximab-axxq) is available in 100mg/vial.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What’s the difference between Remicade and Avsola?
Remicade is the original biologic medication made by Janssen Biotech, while Avsola is a biosimilar version made by Amgen; both treat similar inflammatory conditions and are given through IV infusions.
What is Biosimilar?
A Biosimilar is a type of biologic medication that is highly similar to an already approved original biologic drug. Biosimilars are designed to have the same effectiveness, safety, and quality as the original biologic, but they may be less expensive.
Do they have the same dosage and administration?
Both Remicade (infliximab) and Avsola (infliximab-axxq) have the same dosage and administration guidelines. Avsola contains infliximab-axxq, which is the biosimilar version of infliximab, the active ingredient in Remicade.
Dosage and Administration
Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Initial Dose: 3 mg/kg given as an intravenous (IV) infusion over at least 2 hours.
- Subsequent Doses: 3 mg/kg at 2 and 6 weeks after the initial dose, then every 8 weeks thereafter.
Crohn’s Disease (Adults and Pediatric Patients ≥ 6)
Initial Dose: 5 mg/kg given as an IV infusion over at least 2 hours.
Subsequent Doses: 5 mg/kg at 2 and 6 weeks after the initial dose, then every 8 weeks after.
Ulcerative Colitis (Adults and Pediatric Patients ≥ 6)
- Initial Dose: 5 mg/kg given as an IV infusion over a period of no less than 2 hours.
- Subsequent Doses: 5 mg/kg at 2 and 6 weeks after the initial dose, then every 8 weeks thereafter.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Initial Dose: 5 mg/kg given as an IV infusion over at least 2 hours.
- Subsequent Doses: 5 mg/kg at 2 and 6 weeks after the initial dose, then every 6 weeks thereafter.
Psoriatic Arthritis
- Initial Dose: 5 mg/kg given as an IV infusion over at least 2 hours.
- Subsequent Doses: 5 mg/kg at 2 and 6 weeks after the initial dose, then every 8 weeks thereafter.
Plaque Psoriasis
- Initial Dose: 5 mg/kg given as an IV infusion over at least 2 hours.
- Subsequent Doses: 5 mg/kg at 2 and 6 weeks after the initial dose, then every 8 weeks thereafter.
Administration
Administered over at least 2 hours as an intravenous infusion, often called an IV infusion, which is a way to deliver fluids or medications directly into your bloodstream through a small tube inserted into a vein, usually in your arm.
Drug interactions
Some medications can affect infliximab, including but not limited to:
- Methotrexate
- Anakinra
- Abatacept
- Tocilizumab
- Live vaccines
Rinvoq (Upadacitinib)
Rinvoq (upadacitinib) is a medication specifically designed to target the Janus kinase (JAK) enzyme in the body, which plays a key role in the inflammatory process.
By inhibiting this enzyme, Rinvoq (upadacitinib) helps to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms associated with various autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
Manufacturer
The manufacturer of Rinvoq is AbbVie Inc.
Strengths
Rinvoq (upadacitinib extended release) is available in 15mg, 30mg, and 45mg tablets.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Can I drink alcohol while taking Rinvoq?
There are no specific restrictions on alcohol consumption while taking Rinvoq, but it’s always a good idea to discuss your alcohol use with your doctor.
How long does it take for Rinvoq to work?
The time it takes for Rinvoq to show its effects can vary from person to person. Some people may start feeling better within a few weeks, while for others, it could take a few months.
Dosage and Administration
Dosage
For Rheumatoid and Psoriatic Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis:
- The recommended dose is 15 mg taken orally once daily.
For Atopic Dermatitis:
- Adults and Adolescents (12 years and older, weighing at least 40 kg): The recommended dose is 15 mg taken orally once daily. For patients who do not achieve an adequate response, the dose may be increased to 30 mg once daily. However, for adults 65 years or older the recommended dose is 15 mg once daily.
For Ulcerative Colitis:
- The recommended dose is 45 mg once daily for the first 8 weeks, followed by 15 mg once daily. For patients who do not achieve an adequate response, the maintenance dose may be increased to 30 mg once daily.
Administration
Rinvoq should be taken once daily with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not split, crush, or chew the tablet.
Drug interactions
Some medications can affect upadacitinib, including but not limited to:
- CellCept (mycophenolate mofetil)
- Diflucan (fluconazole), or ketoconazole
- Clarithromycin
- Remicade (infliximab)
- Orencia (abatacept)
- Rifampin
- Grapefruit juice
Xeljanz, Jaknat, and Generic tofacitinib (Tofacitinib citrate)
Xeljanz, Jaknat, and Generic tofacitinib (Tofacitinib Citrate) are names for the same medication used to treat autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ulcerative colitis. Xeljanz and Jaknat are brand names, while tofacitinib is the generic name.
They all work by targeting specific pathways in the immune system to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms.
Manufacturer
Xeljanz is manufactured by Pfizer Inc.
Jaknat is manufactured by Natco Pharma Ltd.
Strengths
Xeljanz is available in 5mg, and 10mg tablets, and 11mg Extended Release tablets.
Jaknat is available in 5mg tablets.
Generic tofacitinib is available in 5mg and 10mg tablets.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What’s the difference between Xeljanz, Jaknat, and Generic tofacitinib?
Xeljanz is the original and widely studied brand of tofacitinib; Jaknat is a more affordable option, especially in India; and generic tofacitinib, produced by various manufacturers, offers the most cost effective choice with similar efficacy.
Note: Generic medications are often cheaper than brand name but are equally effective because they have the same active ingredients.
Why would someone choose Xeljanz over the others?
Some people prefer Xeljanz because it has been extensively studied and widely used, offering a sense of trust and reliability.
Is it safe to switch between these medications?
Switching between Xeljanz, Jaknat, and generic tofacitinib is generally considered safe.
Are there any differences in availability?
Xeljanz and Generic tofactinib are widely available globally, while Jaknat is more commonly found in India and other regions where Natco Pharma operates.
Do they have the same dosage and administration?
Xeljanz, Jaknat, and Generic tofacitinib have the same dosage and administration guidelines since they contain the same active ingredient (Tofacitinib citrate).
Dosage and Administration
Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, or Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Standard Dose: 5 mg taken orally twice daily.
- Extended-release Tablets: 11 mg taken orally once daily.
Ulcerative Colitis
Induction Dose: 10 mg taken orally twice daily for the first 8 weeks. (or Extended release 22 mg once daily for the first 8 weeks)
Maintenance Dose: 5 mg taken orally twice daily (or extended release 11 mg once daily). Some patients may continue with 10 mg twice daily (or extended release 22 mg once daily) based on their response and doctor’s advice. Administration
You can take these medications with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, crush, or chew them.
Drug interactions
Some medications can affect tofacitinib citrate including but not limited to:
- Cyclosporine
- Diflucan (fluconazole) or ketoconazole
- Orencia (abatacept)
- Remicade (infliximab)
- Rifampin
- Azathioprine
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