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Ulcerative Colitis Overview
Ulcerative colitis medication Xeljanz may cause patients to develop blood clots and related conditions like deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. These blood clot conditions can be extremely dangerous, and in some cases, fatal.
What is Xeljanz?
Xeljanz is a biologic medication manufactured by Pfizer originally meant to treat rheumatoid arthritis. It was later approved for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. However, according to a recent FDA Safety Warning, the drug may do more harm than good to patients.
The FDA Xeljanz warning from Feb. 25, 2019 states that a 10 mg twice daily dose of the drug has been associated with an increased risk of blood clot complications, like pulmonary embolism (PE) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The twice daily dosage has also been linked to blood clots in the lungs, which may also increase the risk of death.
The report recommends that patients seek immediate medical attention if they develop any symptoms related to blood clots in the lungs, including:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Back pain
- Coughing up blood
- Excessive sweating
- Clammy or blue colored skin
What is Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis, as explained by WebMD, is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation of the innermost lining of the large intestine, colon, and rectum. Ulcerative colitis also causes ulcers or sores to develop in this lining, causing a variety of symptoms including pain and diarrhea.
The disease often develops gradually, and symptoms may come and go, as well as varying in intensity. While there is no known cure for ulcerative colitis or other IBDs, treatments are available and may improve quality of life while reducing symptoms.
Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis can cause a variety of uncomfortable or painful symptoms for sufferers. Due to the nature of the condition, these symptoms may be embarrassing, distressing, or in some cases, debilitating. Symptoms may include fever and fatigue, as well as more extreme symptoms, such as:
- Abdominal cramping or pain
- Diarrhea, often with pus or blood
- Rectal pain or bleeding
- Feeling an urgent need to defecate
- Inability to have a bowel movement
- Weight loss
Many people with ulcerative colitis have mild to moderate symptoms, but some people may have very serious cases that can lead to major health problems or disability.
Ulcerative Colitis Treatments
While Xeljanz can be taken for the treatment of ulcerative colitis, it comes with its own side effects and risks.
According to Pfizer’s Xeljanz website, the drug may increase the risk of developing serious infections and conditions including tuberculosis, shingles, lymphoma or skin cancer, immune system disorders, or tears in the stomach or intestines.
Who is at Risk?
Although what causes ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory bowel diseases is unknown, doctors have suggested several possible causes, including immune system malfunction and heredity. Diet and stress can both also aggravate the condition, but are not responsible for causing it.
Approximately 900,000 Americans suffer from ulcerative colitis. The condition affects men and women relatively equally, and may develop at any age, although it usually presents before age 30. People of white or Ashkenazi Jewish descent are at the highest risk for developing the condition.
If you have taken Xeljanz for the treatment of ulcerative colitis and have suffered Xeljanz side effects from the medication, including developing blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, or pulmonary embolism, you may be able to file a Xeljanz lawsuit with the help of a lawyer and receive compensation for your injuries and suffering.
