There are a number of possible risk factors and causes of pulmonary embolism, a dangerous blood clotting condition. Reportedly there is a concern that Xeljanz causes pulmonary embolism.

What is a Pulmonary Embolism?

Essentially, a pulmonary embolism (PE) is a sudden lung artery blockage, which generally occurs when a blood clot breaks loose from elsewhere and travels to the lung, blocking it. This can lead to a number of serious issues, including:

• Permanent damage to the lungs
• Low levels of oxygen in the blood
• Damage to other organs due to lack of oxygen

If a pulmonary embolism is not diagnosed and treated quickly, the condition may become life-threatening. Approximately 50,000 to 200,000 people die every year due to pulmonary embolism, often because the condition was not diagnosed in time to treat it.

What are the Symptoms of a Pulmonary Embolism?

Symptoms of pulmonary embolism may include chest pain that extends into the jaw, neck, or shoulder, sudden shortness of breath, rapid breathing, a cough with bloody phlegm, pain or swelling in the lower leg, discolored or blue skin, fever, excessive sweating, weak pulse, rapid or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting.

What Causes a Pulmonary Embolism?

Usually, PE is caused by a blood clot in the leg, known as deep vein thrombosis. PE may occur when this blood clot breaks loose and moves through the bloodstream to the lung.

There are a number of possible factors that can contribute to developing these dangerous, pulmonary embolism–causing blood clots, including:

• Having surgery (especially joint replacement surgery)
• Certain medical conditions, like cancer, heart disease, or lung disease
• Hormone-based medicines
• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Not moving for long periods
• Age
• Family history and genetics
• Obesity

What is Xeljanz?

Xeljanz (also known by its generic name, tofacitinib) is a prescription drug manufactured by pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, Inc. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic conditions, like osteoarthritis and spinal disorders, according to drugs.com. The drug has also been approved for the treatment of ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disorder that causes inflammation and ulcers to form inside the digestive tract.

Xeljanz is still a relatively new addition to the market, but according to healthline.com, Pfizer projects it will earn an annual profit of $18.2 billion by as early as 2023 from the drug.

Can Xeljanz Cause Pulmonary Embolism?

As a condition of Xeljanz’s 2012 approval for treating rheumatoid arthritis, the FDA required Pfizer to conduct a safety trial of Xeljanz use at different doses. The clinical trial found that patients taking a 10 mg dose of Xeljanz twice daily faced a higher risk of blood clots than those taking 5 mg twice daily.

The FDA noted in a safety announcement that it “has not approved this 10 mg twice daily dose for RA [rheumatoid arthritis treatment]; this dose is only approved in the dosing regimen for patients with ulcerative colitis.”

Unfortunately for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), there are few treatment options available for them. The chronic condition may be debilitating for some people and can lead to life-threatening complications in some cases if it is not treated.  The condition may also increase the likelihood of developing colon cancer. Due to the serious nature of ulcerative colitis, some patients with UC may choose to continue taking Xeljanz as a course of treatment, despite the risks associated with developing blood clots.

Blood clots, of course, can lead to pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, or even death. The FDA has required Pfizer to continue to evaluate the safety of its drug by sticking with the clinical trial through 2019. While the FDA has not determined conclusively that Xeljanz is the cause of pulmonary embolism, the agency has recommended that patients be closely monitored for signs of PE, and Pfizer is transitioning trial patients to the 5 mg dose.

Health authorities in Europe have rejected Xeljanz over safety concerns about internal bleeding, high blood pressure, cancer, infections, and liver damage.

In addition to the possibility that the drug causes PE, Xeljanz is linked to other risks, like an increased chance of developing upper respiratory tract infections, shingles, perforations in the stomach or intestines, immune system disorders, lymphoma, and skin cancers.

Can I File a Xeljanz Lawsuit?

If you or someone you love has suffered from a pulmonary embolism after using Xeljanz, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation. Of course, filing a lawsuit cannot take away 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.

Pursuing litigation can be an intimidating prospect, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting a lawyer 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.