If you’re looking at treatment options for certain autoimmune diseases, you may want to learn more about Xeljanz. It’s a prescription drug used to treat the following conditions in adults when certain other treatments haven’t worked to manage symptoms:

Xeljanz may also be prescribed to treat juvenile idiopathic arthritis when it affects multiple joints in certain children.

Xeljanz contains the active ingredient tofacitinib. (The active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) It comes in a tablet and a liquid solution, both of which you swallow.

There’s also an extended-release tablet form of Xeljanz, called Xeljanz XR. To learn more, see the “FAQs about cost and Xeljanz” section below. And check out this in-depth article on both versions of the drug.

Keep reading for details on Xeljanz and cost, and how to save money on prescriptions.

The price you pay for Xeljanz can vary. Your cost may depend on your treatment plan, your insurance coverage (if you have it), and the pharmacy you use. To find out how much you’ll pay for Xeljanz, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Below are answers to some common questions about Xeljanz and cost.

How much does Xeljanz cost without insurance and with insurance?

The cost of Xeljanz with and without insurance will vary from person to person. Factors such as the pharmacy you use can affect Xeljanz’s cost per month.

You can use this website from the drug’s manufacturer to get an estimate of what Xeljanz may cost both with and without insurance.

If you have insurance coverage, call your insurer to learn exactly what you’ll pay for the drug.

Does Xeljanz XR cost more than Xeljanz?

Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR may be prescribed to treat the following conditions in some adults when certain other treatments haven’t worked to manage symptoms:

But unlike Xeljanz, Xeljanz XR isn’t used to treat juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children. For this reason, the Xeljanz solution and Xeljanz XR aren’t interchangeable. These medications may also have different costs.

If you want to learn more about the Xeljanz XR price you may pay, talk with your pharmacist, doctor, or insurance provider.

If you need help with covering the cost of Xeljanz or understanding your insurance, check out these websites:

On these sites, you can find insurance information, details on drug assistance programs, and links to savings cards and other services.

If you have commercial (private) insurance, you may be eligible for the Xeljanz copay savings card. You can learn more by calling 844-935-5269 or by visiting this site.

If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. It’s important to note that if you have government-sponsored insurance, such as Medicare, you won’t be eligible for a copay card or manufacturer coupon. But you may qualify for the Pfizer Patient Assistance Program. You may also be eligible for this program if you don’t have insurance or can’t afford your prescription.

Xeljanz only comes as a brand-name drug. It’s not currently available in a generic version. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. But generics tend to cost less.

Why is there such a difference in the cost of brand-name drugs vs. generic drugs?

Years of research and testing are needed to ensure that brand-name drugs are safe and effective. This testing can make the drugs expensive. The manufacturer of a brand-name drug can sell the drug for up to 20 years. After that, other drugmakers can create generic versions. This competition in the market can lead to lower costs for generics. And because generics have the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs, they don’t need to be studied again. This can also lead to lower generic costs.

If you take Xeljanz long term, you may be able to lower your costs in the following ways:

  • Look into getting a 90-day supply of your medication. You may be able to get a 90-day supply of Xeljanz if approved by your insurance company. This could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost of Xeljanz. If you’re interested in getting a 90-day supply of this drug, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.
  • Use a mail-order pharmacy to get your medication. Using a mail-order pharmacy might help lower your cost for Xeljanz. Plus, you could get your medication without leaving home. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order drugs. You may also be able to get a 90-day supply of the drug through mail order. If you don’t have health insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest online pharmacy options that could work for you.

If you still have questions about the cost of Xeljanz, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to give you a better idea of what you’ll pay for this drug. But if you have health insurance, you’ll need to talk with your insurance provider to learn the actual cost you’ll pay.

Examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor or insurance provider include:

  • How does the cost of Xeljanz compare to the cost of other treatments for my condition?
  • Will the cost I pay for Xeljanz depend on the form of the drug I’m prescribed?
  • What are my options if I can’t afford my medication?

If you have psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) called ulcerative colitis, consider joining a Bezzy community dedicated to your condition. Bezzy communities are safe spaces to connect online with others who live with certain chronic conditions.

For tips on managing any of these conditions, sign up for Healthline’s psoriasis, RA, or IBD newsletter.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.