Tracy Colman  |  May 4, 2021

Category: Legal News

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arthritic hands with Xeljanz pills

According to a growing number of reports, as well as a warning from the FDA, the rheumatoid arthritis drug Xeljanz is linked with serious side effects, and may even cause blood clots.

What is Xeljanz?

Xeljanz,also known by its generic name tofacitinib, is a prescription medication from the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer Inc. Xeljanz was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions such as psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and more.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the joints by mistake, creating inflammation, swelling, and pain. The joints most typically affected by the disease are those of the feet, ankles, knees, hands, wrists, and elbows.

Untreated inflammation can cause damage to the cartilage or even the bones themselves, so seeking treatment is important. RA can affect more than the joints, and may also cause problems for the circulatory system, heart, lungs, and eyes. Because of this, it is seen by medical professionals as a systemwide disease.

RA symptoms can come and go throughout the lifetime of the sufferer. When symptoms are relatively nonexistent, the disease is considered to be “in remission”—much like cancer. It can just as easily reactivate and the patient must always be in tune with his or her body.

Are There Other Conditions That Xeljanz is Approved to Treat?

According to Medical News Today, Xeljanz is used to treat not only RA but also psoriatic arthritis (PA) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Xeljanz comes in 5 and 10mg immediate-release tablets and extended-release 11mg tablets. Its an oral medication and is often taken twice daily, but some patients find it works for their particular condition to take just once a day.

Its effectiveness in helping UC patients get to a state of remission over a two-month period of time was reportedly measured in one study. It was found to be 10 to 13 percent higher in patients taking Xeljanz than in patients taking a blind placebo. Over a year-long study, those percentages more than doubled to 23 to 30 percent.

The National Psoriasis Foundation reports that after three months of treatment for PA with a twice-daily dose of 5mg, the American College of Rheumatology found a 20 percent improvement over a placebo for enrollees taking Xeljanz. This improvement was identified subjectively through self-assessment as well as by physician assessment using several scales. It involved reduction of inflammation and skin clearing.

What Are Xeljanz Side Effects?

Any medication will come with certain side effects, and Xeljanz is no exception. Mild side effects include headaches or diarrhea, but it should be noted that if these complications worsen or persist, that is also something to share with your doctor or pharmacist.

More serious side effects of Xeljanz can include unusual tiredness, fast heartbeat, shortness of breath, severe stomach/abdominal pain, and signs of liver disease.

Can Xeljanz Cause Blood Clots?

Unfortunately, Xeljanz has been linked with a serious and potentially fatal complication: blood clots. Taking Xeljanz at certain doses may be able to cause blood clots, which can, in turn, lead to pulmonary embolisms, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or even death.

The FDA recently released a warning about a serious risk of Xeljanz uncovered in a safety trial. The federal agency noted that a safety clinical trial found an increased risk of blood clots in the lungs and even risk of death when patients take a Xeljanz dose of 10 mg twice daily. It should be noted that this dose has not been approved for RA, and has only been approved for patients with ulcerative colitis.

In July 2019, the FDA approved a black box warning about Xeljanz’s potential to cause blood clots.

While the risk exists, if you are currently taking tofacitinib, do not stop taking it or change your dosage without first consulting your doctor.

In February 2021, the FDA revealed that Xeljanz may be associated with other serious problems such as heart issues and cancers. These new risks are still under investigation but were brought to the FDA’s attention by the same trial which revealed Xeljanz clotting issues.

Can I File a Xeljanz Lawsuit?

If you or someone you love has suffered from side effects after using Xeljanz, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation. Of course, filing a lawsuit cannot undo the pain and suffering caused by these complications 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 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.

Join a Free Xeljanz Blood Clot Lawsuit Investigation

If you or someone close to you suffered a pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, or died after taking Xeljanz or Xeljanz XR, you may benefit from participating in a free Xeljanz blood clot lawsuit investigation. Learn more by filling out the short form on this page. 

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

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