What is Xeljanz?

Xeljanz (tofactinib) is a biologic drug manufactured by Pfizer for the purpose of treating ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and other rheumatic conditions.

Tofacitinib works by decreasing immune system activity; an overactive immune system contributes to ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s Disease, and RA.

The drug was also approved to treat psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in 2017. The drug is often prescribed to patients for whom other arthritis drugs have not been effective in treating their condition.

Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR work by blocking Janus kinase enzymes in the immune system. These enzymes are responsible for joint inflammation and pain. By blocking these enzymes, Xeljanz reduces inflammation and immune system responses.

What Are Xeljanz Side Effects?

Although Xeljanz may be helpful for controlling patients’ ulcerative colitis and arthritis, the drug may also result in several serious side effects, including blood clots and pulmonary embolism, which is blood clots in the lungs.

According to a recent announcement by the Food and Drug Administration, patients who take Xeljanz or Xeljanz XR are at an increased risk for experiencing blood clots in the lungs. This risk is associated with a 10 mg twice daily dose of the drug. According to the FDA, this high dosage is only approved for treatment of ulcerative colitis and is not approved for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Patients who take this high dosage of the drug for treatment of ulcerative colitis may want to be aware of the symptoms of blood clots in the lungs. When blood clots are formed in the body’s extremities, they may dislodge and travel to the lungs.

Once there, these blood clots may be fatal. Symptoms of blood clots in the lungs may include:

• Chest or back pain
• Coughing that produces blood
• Difficulty breathing
• Sweating excessively
• Shortness of breath
• Clammy skin
• Blue skin

In addition to these serious Xeljanz side effects, several other common side effects have been linked to use of the medication. These additional Xeljanz side effects may include:

• Cellulitis
• Infections, including bacterial infections
• Tuberculosis
• Pneumonia
• Shingles
• Nose, throat, and sinus problems
• Diarrhea
• Head Pain
• Anemia
• Rash
• Nausea
• High Cholesterol
• Urinary Tract Infection
• Jaundice
• Loss of appetite
• Fever or chills
• Stabbing chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Skin redness or swelling
• Cough with mucus or blood

Are There Safety Warnings Regarding Xeljanz Side Effects?

The FDA has added a boxed warning for Xeljanz after safety trials indicated that the drug is linked to an increased risk of pulmonary embolism, which may be fatal to some patients.

Additionally, the FDA has also limited the approved usage of Xeljanz to patients who have experienced severe side effects from other medications, or have found other medications to be ineffective in treating their ulcerative colitis or rheumatoid arthritis.

Xeljanz side effects such as heart problems and cancer have prompted the FDA to be hesitant when approving other drugs in the same class. For example, AbbVie’s proposed JAK inhibitor class faces repeated delays in the FDA approval process.

Victims who have experienced serious Xeljanz side effects may be eligible to pursue compensation. Victims who file class action lawsuits against the drug manufacturer may be able to collect damages for their injuries, pain and suffering, and medical expenses, as well as other costs.

Filing a lawsuit can be a daunting prospect, especially while dealing with medication side effects, 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.