If you have taken the prescription drug Xeljanz for treatment of ulcerative colitis or rheumatoid arthritis and suffered side effects including blood clots, thrombosis in the legs, or pulmonary embolism, you may be able to pursue compensation for these injuries.

What is Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Thrombosis in the legs is caused a blood clot trapped in a deep vein. This condition can quickly become dangerous if the blood clot travels to other parts of the body, including the lungs. These blood clots may be caused by a sedentary lifestyle, an imbalance in hormones, being overweight, or taking certain medications. According to a recent warning issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Xeljanz may be one medication linked to an increased risk of thrombosis in the legs, as well as blood clots in other parts of the body.

What is Xeljanz?

Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR are prescription drugs manufactured by Pfizer for the treatment of ulcerative colitis or rheumatoid arthritis. The active ingredient in these drugs, tofacitinib, has reportedly been linked to an increased risk of blood clots. The drugs are often prescribed to patients who have not responded well to other treatment methods.

What are the Alleged Dangers of Xeljanz?

According to a warning released by the FDA on Feb. 25, 2019, a clinical trial studying the effects of Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR concluded that patients taking a 10 mg twice daily dose of these medications may face an increased risk of blood clots in the lungs, as well as thrombosis in the legs. This Xeljanz dosage is currently only approved for patients with ulcerative colitis, not rheumatoid arthritis. However, anyone taking these drugs may want to be aware of the risks associated with these medications, and be alert to any potentially dangerous symptoms.

Health authorities in Europe have rejected Xeljanz, due to safety concerns regarding potential side effects including internal stomach bleeding, infections, liver damage, and an increased risk of cancer and high blood pressure.

What are the Symptoms of Thrombosis in the Legs?

There are many possible dangerous side effects of Xeljanz. Symptoms of blood clots in the lungs or legs may include:

• Warmth or tenderness over the affected vein
• Pain or swelling in the leg
• Skin redness or sensitivity
• Chest or back pain
• Coughing with blood
• Difficulty breathing
• Excessive sweating
• Clammy or bluish skin

In addition to increasing the risk of blood clots and thrombosis, Xeljanz may also increase the risk of skin cancer or lymphoma, change the way patients’ immune systems work, cause tears or ulcers in the stomach or intestines, or prompt allergic reactions including swelling or hives.

If you have been prescribed Xeljanz or Xeljanz XR for the treatment of ulcerative colitis or rheumatoid arthritis and have suffered from blood clots, you may be able to hire a skilled pharmaceutical attorney and file a lawsuit. Victims who file drug side effect lawsuits may be able to recoup compensation including damages for medical expenses, injuries, and pain and suffering.

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