The side effects of Xeljanz have been a cause of action in recent lawsuits by arthritis patients who have been prescribed the drug. Plaintiffs in these lawsuits claim they have been injured by Xeljanz, and that the drug makers either knew or should have known about these risks.

What is Xeljanz?

Xeljanz is one of several trade names under which the medication tofacitinib citrate is sold by generic drug manufacturers. Other brand names include Jakvinus, Tofacinix, and Xeljanz XR, among others.

Why is Xeljanz Prescribed?

Xeljanz has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is indicated primarily for rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis. In May of 2018, the FDA approved Xeljanz for “adult patients…with moderate to severely active ulcerative colitis. It may be used in combination with other prescription medications, or as a single treatment method.

What are Common Side Effects of Xeljanz?

Patients taking Xeljanz may experience diarrhea, headaches, and hypertension. Other common side effects of Xeljanz may include:

• Respiratory infections and distress
• Chest and back pain
• Hyperhidrosis disorder (excessive sweating)
• Methemoglobinemia (bluish skin)
• Others

Are There More Serious or Life-Threatening Side Effects of Xeljanz?

One of the most problematic and serious side effects of Xeljanz is its effects on the immune system. This has to do with the way the medication works to reduce inflammation. Because of its effects on the immune system, patients who take the medication can be left vulnerable to opportunistic infections, including bacterial, fungal and viral illnesses. This is of particular concern to patients who are elderly and/or suffer from diabetes.

Another serious potential side effect of Xeljanz is blood clots, which can lead to pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis and/or stroke. This was noted in patients being treated for rheumatoid arthritis who took twice-daily doses of Xeljanz at 10 milligrams during a study conducted in 2019.

Xeljanz has also been linked with potentially deadly heart problems.

I’ve Heard Xeljanz Causes Cancer. Is this True?

Patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis do run a higher risk of lung cancer, melanoma, and lymphoma. The FDA safety trials of Xeljanz found an increased risk of serious heart-related problems as well as an increased cancer risk. The federal agency initially warned in 2019 that interim trial results showed an increased risk of blood clots and death, and added a black box warning to Xeljanz.

Now, the trial is complete, and preliminary results show that rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with 10 mg twice daily doses of Xeljanz face a higher risk of heart-related events and cancer compared with those treated with a TNF inhibitor.

Because of the cancer risk and other serious side effects, the FDA began requiring drug manufacturers to include a black box warning on Xeljanz. Black box warnings appear on a prescription drug’s label to call attention to serious or life-threatening risks, and is the FDA’s strongest consumer warning for a product on the market.

What Interactions does Xeljanz Have?

Drugs that are known to interact with Xeljanz include CP3A4 inhibitors and inducers, such as the antifungal medication ketoconazole (Xolegel, Nizoral) and rifampin (an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis). Xeljanz may also interact with Fluconazole, an antifungal medication used for the treatment of vaginal yeast infections, and certain immunosuppressives.

What is the Status of Xeljanz Litigation?

The alleged side effects of Xeljanz have led to a number of lawsuits. These complaints are primarily about the increased risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Even though this information did not become available until the current year, plaintiffs claim that the drugmakers had prior knowledge of this risk, or should have had been aware of it.

If you were taking 10 milligrams twice a day for rheumatoid arthritis and suffered an internal blood-clotting injury (i.e., embolism or stroke), chances are good that you have an actionable claim.

Filing a lawsuit can be a daunting prospect, 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.