Does Xeljanz work in treating its stated indications, what is its mechanism of action, and are there any side effects to be concerned about? Here are some answers to those frequently asked questions for those who are being prescribed the medication or have suffered injuries after taking Xeljanz.

What Is Xeljanz?

Known generically as tofacitinib citrate, Xeljanz is a prescription medication manufactured by pharmaceutical giant Pfizer Inc., and indicated for the following:

• rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
• psoriatic arthritis
• ulcerative colitis
• osteoarthritis
• spinal inflammation (ankylosing spondylitis)

Xeljanz received initial FDA approval in November of 2012 for the treatment of adults with “moderately to severely active RA” for those who for one reason or another, are unable to take biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as Trexall (methotrexate) or Humira (adalimumab).

Does Xeljanz Work for Other Conditions?

Xeljanz gained approval for treating ulcerative colitis in May of 2018. Currently, it is being studied for its potential therapeutic effects on inflammatory bowel disease.

Other research suggests that Xeljanz may be effective for skin conditions such as psoriasis, alopecia areata (patchy hair loss), eczema and vitiligo (loss of skin pigment).

How Does Xeljanz Work?

Xeljanz is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor. The term Janus kinase refers to a group of enzymes that communicate with cytokines, a type of protein involved in inflammation. Patients suffering from RA have elevated cytokine levels; these can attach themselves to certain receptors on immune cells; Janus kinase is the messenger that tells the immune cells to increase cytokine levels even more. Xeljanz blocks that communication pathway, thus slowing down the out-of-control immune reaction that causes RA.

What Are the Benefits of Xeljanz?

As noted earlier, approximately 35 percent of patients do not respond to or are unable to tolerate biologic medications; either they do not respond to DMARDs or their bodies are unable to tolerate them. Studies indicate that approximately 50 percent of RA patients who do not benefit from older medications get relief from Xeljanz or another JAK inhibitor.

The other advantage is administration; while DMARDs must be injected or infused into the bloodstream, JAK inhibitors can be taken orally in pill form.

What Are the Side Effects of Xeljanz?

Because Xeljanz is an immunosuppressant, it can leave the patient vulnerable to opportunistic infections; common side effects are upper respiratory tract illnesses and head colds. Patients may also experience headaches and diarrhea.

Recently, the FDA required the drug maker to include a black box warning on Xeljanz labels about serious injuries and death that can result from taking the medication. These can include lymphoma and other types of cancer as well as tuberculosis and life-threatening bacterial or viral infections.

In February of 2019, another clinical trial found that patients who took Xeljanz or Xeljanz XR were at a higher risk of pulmonary embolism, or blood clots in the lungs. This was observed in patients taking 10 mg. twice daily for ulcerative colitis as opposed to the more common 5 mg dosage prescribed for RA patients.

The FDA warned the public about the results of this clinical trial. The agency has not yet called for all patients taking tofacitinib to stop use of the medication, especially without talking with their health care professional. The FDA further cautioned that patients taking Xeljanz should be aware of these signs of serious problems:

• Sudden shortness of breath or difficulty swallowing
• Chest pain or pain in your back
• Coughing up blood
• Excessive sweating
• Clammy or bluish colored skin

Filing a Xeljanz Lawsuit

A growing number of people are coming forward with allegations of serious side effects after exposure to Xeljanz, including cancer.

If you or someone you love has suffered from a blood–clot related injury after taking Xeljanz prescribed for arthritis or ulcerative colitis, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation. Of course, filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by complications like pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis, nor can it bring a loved one back to life, but it can at least help to alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

Filing a lawsuit can be a daunting prospect, especially in the wake of major health complications, so Top Class actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.

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This article is not legal advice. It is presented 
for informational purposes only.