Xeljanz (tofacitinib) and Humira (adalimumab) are brand-name drugs. They’re both prescribed for certain autoimmune conditions. Xeljanz comes in oral forms, while Humira is given as a subcutaneous injection.
This article explains the main similarities and differences between Xeljanz and Humira. If you’re considering treatment with one of these drugs, discussing this information with your doctor can help you decide whether one of these treatments may be right for you.
Note: For more comprehensive information about these two drugs, you can refer to our Xeljanz and Humira articles.
Key differences between Xeljanz and Humira
These are a few of the main differences between Xeljanz and Humira:
- Dosage. Xeljanz is taken more often than Humira. (See the “Dosages, forms, and administration” section below.)
- Forms. Xeljanz comes as an oral solution, oral tablet, and extended-release* oral tablet. Humira is given as a subcutaneous injection.
- Conditions treated. Xeljanz and Humira are both prescribed to treat ulcerative colitis and certain types of arthritis. Humira also treats other autoimmune conditions, including Crohn’s disease. (See the “Uses of Xeljanz vs. Humira” section below.)
* “Extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.
Below are answers to some common questions about Xeljanz and Humira.
How do Xeljanz and Humira compare with other similar drugs, such as Rinvoq?
Xeljanz, Humira, and Rinvoq are brand-name medications. They’re prescribed to treat some of the same conditions.
Below are a few ways Xeljanz and Humira compare with Rinvoq.
| Xeljanz | Humira | Rinvoq | |
| Active ingredient | tofacitinib | adalimumab | upadacitinib |
| Drug class | Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor | tumor necrosis factor blocker | JAK inhibitor |
| How it’s taken | by mouth | subcutaneous injection | by mouth |
| Uses | • rheumatoid arthritis (RA) • psoriatic arthritis (PsA) • ankylosing spondylitis (AS) • ulcerative colitis (UC) • juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) | • RA • PsA • AS • UC • JIA • Crohn’s disease (CD) • plaque psoriasis • hidradenitis suppurativa • uveitis | • RA • PsA • AS • UC • CD • atopic dermatitis • axial spondyloarthritis |
The approved uses of Xeljanz, Humira, and Rinvoq vary for adults and children. To learn more about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is Xeljanz a better treatment option than Humira, or vice versa?
It depends on several factors. Examples include the condition you’re prescribed the drug to treat and how your body responds to it.
Your doctor can help you decide whether Xeljanz or Humira is a better treatment option for you.
For details about their uses, see the “Uses of Xeljanz vs. Humira” section below. You can also refer to these articles about Xeljanz and Humira or talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How much Xeljanz or Humira costs depends on the treatment plan your doctor prescribes, your insurance plan, and your pharmacy. You can visit Optum Perks* for price estimates of Humira.
Both Xeljanz and Humira are brand-name drugs. Xeljanz is not available in a generic form, while Humira is available in several biosimilar forms. These include Abrilada, Amjevita, Cyltezo, Hadlima, Hulio, Hyrimoz, Idacio, Yuflyma, and Yusimry.
Brand-name medications are often more expensive than generics or biosimilars. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn about the biosimilar forms of Humira.
* Optum Perks is a sister site of Medical News Today.
Here’s information about the generic and biosimilar status of Xeljanz and Humira, as well as details on their active ingredients.
| Xeljanz | Humira | |
| Generic available | no | no |
| Biosimilar* available | no | yes |
| Active ingredient | tofacitinib | adalimumab |
| Drug class | Janus kinase inhibitor | tumor necrosis factor blocker |
* Humira is a brand-name
Xeljanz and Humira have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat the following in certain adults.
- Both Xeljanz and Humira are FDA-approved to treat:
- Humira is also FDA-approved to treat:
Xeljanz or Humira and children
Xeljanz and Humira have been approved by the FDA to treat the following in certain children.
- Both Xeljanz and Humira are FDA-approved to treat:
- juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children ages 2 years and older
- Humira is also FDA-approved to treat:
- UC in children ages 5 years and older
- CD in children ages 6 years and older
- HS in children ages 12 years and older
- uveitis in children ages 2 years and older
Note: For more information about the drugs’ uses, see our articles about Xeljanz and Humira.
Here’s a quick look at the dosage and administration of Xeljanz and Humira for the conditions both drugs treat. Strengths are given in milligrams (mg) and mg per milliliter (mg/mL).
Dosage for rheumatoid arthritis
Below are the dosages of Xeljanz and Humira for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults.
| Xeljanz for RA in adults | Humira for RA in adults | |
| Forms | • Xeljanz: oral tablet and oral solution • Xeljanz XR: extended-release (ER)* oral tablet | subcutaneous injection |
| Strengths | • Xeljanz oral tablet: 5 mg and 10 mg • Xeljanz oral solution: 1 mg/mL • Xeljanz XR: 11 mg and 22 mg | prefilled syringes: • 10 mg/0.1 mL • 10 mg/0.2 mL • 20 mg/0.2 mL • 20 mg/0.4 mL • 40 mg/0.4 mL • 40 mg/0.8 mL • 80 mg/0.8 mL prefilled pens: • 40 mg/0.4 mL • 40 mg/0.8 mL • 80 mg/0.8 mL vial: 40 mg/0.8 mL (for hospital use only) |
| Doses and frequencies | • Xeljanz: 5 mg twice per day • Xeljanz XR: 11 mg once per day | 40 mg once every week or once every other week, or 80 mg once every other week |
| Given by | self | self or healthcare professional (see below) |
* “ER” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.
Your doctor may show you or a caregiver how to give Humira injections at home. Or a healthcare professional may give you these injections in a clinic or doctor’s office.
Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Xeljanz or Humira that’s right for you.
Dosage for psoriatic arthritis
Below are the dosages of Xeljanz and Humira for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in adults.
| Xeljanz for PsA in adults | Humira for PsA in adults | |
| Forms | • Xeljanz: oral tablet and oral solution • Xeljanz XR: ER oral tablet | subcutaneous injection |
| Strengths | • Xeljanz oral tablet: 5 mg and 10 mg • Xeljanz oral solution: 1 mg/mL • Xeljanz XR: 11 mg and 22 mg | prefilled syringes: • 10 mg/0.1 mL • 10 mg/0.2 mL • 20 mg/0.2 mL • 20 mg/0.4 mL • 40 mg/0.4 mL • 40 mg/0.8 mL • 80 mg/0.8 mL prefilled pens: • 40 mg/0.4 mL • 40 mg/0.8 mL • 80 mg/0.8 mL vial: 40 mg/0.8 mL (for hospital use only) |
| Doses and frequencies | • Xeljanz: 5 mg twice per day • Xeljanz XR: 11 mg once per day | 40 mg once every week or once every other week, or 80 mg once every other week |
| Given by | self | self or healthcare professional (see below) |
Your doctor may show you or a caregiver how to give Humira injections at home. Or a healthcare professional may give you these injections in a clinic or doctor’s office.
Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Xeljanz or Humira that’s right for you.
Dosage for ankylosing spondylitis
Below are the dosages of Xeljanz and Humira for ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in adults.
| Xeljanz for AS in adults | Humira for AS in adults | |
| Forms | • Xeljanz: oral tablet and oral solution • Xeljanz XR: ER oral tablet | subcutaneous injection |
| Strengths | • Xeljanz oral tablet: 5 mg and 10 mg • Xeljanz oral solution: 1 mg/mL • Xeljanz XR: 11 mg and 22 mg | prefilled syringes: • 10 mg/0.1 mL • 10 mg/0.2 mL • 20 mg/0.2 mL • 20 mg/0.4 mL • 40 mg/0.4 mL • 40 mg/0.8 mL • 80 mg/0.8 mL prefilled pens: • 40 mg/0.4 mL • 40 mg/0.8 mL • 80 mg/0.8 mL vial: 40 mg/0.8 mL (for hospital use only) |
| Doses and frequencies | • Xeljanz: 5 mg twice per day • Xeljanz XR: 11 mg once per day | 40 mg once every week or once every other week, or 80 mg once every other week |
| Given by | self | self or healthcare professional (see below) |
Your doctor may show you or a caregiver how to give Humira injections at home. Or a healthcare professional may give you these injections in a clinic or doctor’s office.
Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Xeljanz or Humira that’s right for you.
Dosage for ulcerative colitis
Below are the dosages of Xeljanz and Humira for ulcerative colitis (UC) in adults.
| Xeljanz for UC in adults | Humira for UC in adults | |
| Forms | • Xeljanz: oral tablet and oral solution • Xeljanz XR: ER oral tablet | subcutaneous injection |
| Strengths | • Xeljanz oral tablet: 5 mg and 10 mg • Xeljanz oral solution: 1 mg/mL • Xeljanz XR: 11 mg and 22 mg | prefilled syringes: • 10 mg/0.1 mL • 10 mg/0.2 mL • 20 mg/0.2 mL • 20 mg/0.4 mL • 40 mg/0.4 mL • 40 mg/0.8 mL • 80 mg/0.8 mL prefilled pens: • 40 mg/0.4 mL • 40 mg/0.8 mL • 80 mg/0.8 mL vial: 40 mg/0.8 mL (for hospital use only) |
| Doses and frequencies | To cause remission: • Xeljanz: 10 mg twice per day for at least 8 weeks, then 10 mg twice per day for up to 8 more weeks if needed • Xeljanz XR: 22 mg once per day for at least 8 weeks, then 22 mg once per day for up to 8 more weeks if needed To maintain remission: • Xeljanz: 5 mg twice per day • Xeljanz XR: 11 mg once per day | 160 mg once or split into two daily doses, followed by 80 mg once on day 15, then 40 mg every other week starting on day 29 |
| Given by | self | self or healthcare professional (see below) |
Your doctor may show you or a caregiver how to give Humira injections at home. Or a healthcare professional may give you these injections in a clinic or doctor’s office.
Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Xeljanz or Humira that’s right for you.
Children’s dosage
Both Xeljanz and Humira are approved to treat juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in certain children ages 2 years and older. Dosages are based on a child’s weight in kilograms (kg). For reference, 1 kg is about 2.2 pounds (lb).
Dosage for JIA
Below are the dosages of Xeljanz and Humira for JIA in children.
| Xeljanz for JIA in children | Humira for JIA in children | |
| Forms | oral tablet and oral solution | subcutaneous injection |
| Strengths | • oral tablet: 5 mg and 10 mg • oral solution: 1 mg/mL | prefilled syringes: • 10 mg/0.1 mL • 10 mg/0.2 mL • 20 mg/0.2 mL • 20 mg/0.4 mL • 40 mg/0.4 mL • 40 mg/0.8 mL • 80 mg/0.8 mL prefilled pens: • 40 mg/0.4 mL • 40 mg/0.8 mL • 80 mg/0.8 mL vial: 40 mg/0.8 mL (for hospital use only) |
| Doses and frequencies | • body weight 10 kg (22 lb) to less than 20 kg (44 lb): 3.2 mL oral solution twice per day • body weight 20 kg to less than 40 kg (88 lb): 4 mL oral solution twice per day • body weight at least 40 kg: 5 mg oral solution or oral tablet twice per day | • body weight 10 kg to less than 15 kg (33 lb): 10 mg once every other week • body weight 15 kg to less than 30 kg (66 lb): 20 mg once every other week • body weight at least 30 kg: 40 mg once every other week |
| Given by | self or adult | self, adult, or healthcare professional (see below) |
Your child’s doctor may show you or your child how to give Humira injections at home. Or a healthcare professional may give your child these injections in a clinic or doctor’s office.
Your child’s doctor will recommend the dosage of Xeljanz or Humira that’s right for your child.
Note: For more information about dosage, see our dosage articles about Xeljanz and Humira.
Xeljanz and Humira both treat similar conditions. These drugs can cause some of the same side effects, as well as some different ones. Some of the side effects reported in clinical trials of these drugs are mentioned below.
For more details about side effects of the two drugs, see our side effect articles about Xeljanz and Humira. You can also refer to the Xeljanz prescribing information and Humira prescribing information.
Mild side effects
The following table lists some of the more commonly reported mild side effects of Xeljanz and Humira. The table may also include mild side effects that are less common but that you might have concerns about in some cases.
| Mild side effects | Xeljanz | Humira |
| headache | ✓ | ✓ |
| diarrhea | ✓ | |
| mild infection, such as upper respiratory infection | ✓ | ✓ |
| skin rash | ✓ | ✓ |
| injection site reactions, such as swelling or pain around the injection area | ✓ | |
| high blood pressure | ✓ | ✓ |
| increased cholesterol levels | ✓ | ✓ |
| mild allergic reaction | ✓* | ✓ |
These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. If the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
* An allergic reaction wasn’t reported in clinical trials but has happened since the drug was approved.
Serious side effects
The following table lists the reported serious side effects of Xeljanz and Humira.
| Serious side effects | Xeljanz | Humira |
| risk of serious infections* | ✓ | ✓ |
| risk of cancer* | ✓ | ✓ |
| risk of blood clots† | ✓ | |
| risk of major cardiovascular events† | ✓ | |
| risk of death in certain people† | ✓ | |
| low levels of certain blood cells, including white blood cells and red blood cells | ✓ | ✓ |
| holes or tears in the digestive tract | ✓ | |
| nervous system problems, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) | ✓ | |
| heart failure | ✓ | |
| liver damage | ✓ | |
| lupus-like syndrome | ✓ | |
| severe allergic reaction | ✓‡ | ✓ |
If you have serious side effects during treatment with Xeljanz or Humira, call your doctor immediately. If the side effects feel life threatening or you believe you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.
* Xeljanz and Humira have a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Precautions for Xeljanz and Humira” section below.
† Xeljanz has a boxed warning for this side effect. To learn more, see the “Precautions for Xeljanz and Humira” section below.
‡ An allergic reaction is possible with Xeljanz, but this side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials.
Keep reading to learn more about the effectiveness of Xeljanz and Humira.
Prescribing information. For information about how effective these drugs were in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Xeljanz and Humira. Keep in mind that trial results may not apply to your individual health situation.
Treatment guidelines. Another way to find out whether a drug is considered effective is to look at treatment guidelines. When an organization includes certain drugs in treatment guidelines, this means that research has shown the drug to be safe and effective.
Xeljanz and Humira are recommended as treatment options for people with:
- rheumatoid arthritis in guidelines from the American College of Rheumatology (ACR)
- psoriatic arthritis in guidelines from the ACR/National Psoriasis Foundation
- ankylosing spondylitis in guidelines from the ACR and other groups
- ulcerative colitis in guidelines from the American College of Gastroenterology
Xeljanz and Humira may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. The two drugs share some of the same precautions, but they also have different ones. Some of these precautions are mentioned below.
Boxed warnings
Xeljanz and Humira have boxed warnings. These are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.
Both Xeljanz and Humira have the following boxed warnings:
- Risk of serious infections. Xeljanz and Humira may increase the risk of serious infections. Examples include cellulitis (a severe skin infection) and tuberculosis (TB). Serious infections may require treatment in a hospital and may even be fatal in rare cases. Your doctor will test you for TB and check for other infections before you start treatment with either drug. They’ll treat any infection you have before starting Xeljanz or Humira. If you develop an infection during treatment, your doctor may have you temporarily stop either drug until the infection is treated.
- Risk of cancer. Xeljanz and Humira may increase the risk of cancer, including lymphoma. This side effect is rare but can be fatal. If Xeljanz is taken with certain medications that help prevent organ rejection after a kidney transplant, your risk of a certain type of cancer is increased. Your doctor can advise you on your risk of cancer with Xeljanz and Humira.
Xeljanz also has the following boxed warnings:
- Risk of blood clots. Taking Xeljanz may increase the risk of blood clots, which can sometimes be fatal. This risk may be greater at higher doses of Xeljanz and in people with certain risk factors. Examples include smoking and having high blood pressure. Your doctor can tell you more about your risk of blood clots with Xeljanz.
- Risk of major cardiovascular events. Taking Xeljanz may increase the risk of major cardiovascular events. These include stroke, heart attack, and death related to a cardiovascular condition. This risk may be greater at higher doses of Xeljanz. Your doctor can discuss your risk of major cardiovascular events with Xeljanz.
- Risk of death in certain people. Xeljanz may increase the risk of death in certain people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This risk affects people with at least one heart-related risk factor who are age 50 years or older. Your doctor can explain any heart-related risk factors you have. Due to this risk, your doctor will prescribe a lower dosage if you’re taking Xeljanz to treat RA, psoriatic arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis.
Precautions
In addition to boxed warnings, Xeljanz and Humira have other warnings.
If any of the following medical conditions or other health factors are relevant to you, talk with your doctor before starting Xeljanz or Humira.
| Precaution | Xeljanz | Humira |
| you’ve had an allergic reaction to either drug or any of its ingredients | ✓ | ✓ |
| you have an allergy to rubber or latex | ✓ | |
| you’re pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant | ✓ | ✓ |
| you’re breastfeeding or thinking about breastfeeding | ✓ | ✓ |
| you have a low level of white blood cells | ✓ | |
| you have heart-related risk factors, such as smoking or having high blood pressure | ✓ | |
| you have an active infection | ✓ | ✓ |
| you have diverticulitis or ulcers in your stomach or intestines | ✓ | |
| you have a liver or kidney problem | ✓ | |
| you have hepatitis B | ✓ | ✓ |
| you have heart failure | ✓ | |
| you have a problem with your nervous system | ✓ |
Note: For more comprehensive information about these two drugs, you can refer to our Xeljanz and Humira articles.
Switching between Xeljanz and Humira might be possible.
If you’d like to know more about switching between Xeljanz and Humira, talk with your doctor. They can give you additional details and help determine the best course of action for your personal situation. Even if two drugs treat the same condition or are in the same drug class, your body can still respond differently.
It’s important that you do not stop, start, or switch any of your drug treatments without your doctor’s recommendation.
Some key points to remember when comparing Xeljanz and Humira include:
- Xeljanz and Humira treat some of the same conditions. These include certain types of arthritis and ulcerative colitis. However, Humira also treats other other autoimmune conditions that Xeljanz doesn’t treat.
- Xeljanz comes in several oral forms that you take by mouth, but Humira is given as a subcutaneous injection.
- Xeljanz is taken daily, while Humira is injected less often.
If you’d like to learn more about Xeljanz or Humira, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about similarities and differences between the drugs. They can also help determine whether one drug or the other might work well for you.
Note: For more information about your condition, see our arthritis hub and list of psoriatic arthritis, rheumatology, and ulcerative colitis articles.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today 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.