Xeljanz is a relatively new medication, approved by the FDA in 2012, and has a couple of approved uses. Unfortunately, the drug Xeljanz has been linked with some major blood clot–related complications, and the FDA is currently investigating these risks.

What is Xeljanz?

Xeljanz
(also known by its generic name, tofacitinib) is a medication manufactured by pharmaceutical giant Pfizer Inc. Xeljanz is part of a class of drugs known as Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, and works to block the activity of enzymes that affect the proper functioning of the immune system.

Most patients have Xeljanz prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis, generally after trying methotrexate or other arthritis drugs unsuccessfully. Sometimes, Xeljanz is used along with methotrexate or other drugs. One advantage of Xeljanz is that it can be administered orally, whereas other medications for rheumatoid arthritis must be injected.

Since its approval, Xeljanz has become more and more popular as an option for rheumatoid arthritis. Xeljanz is also used to treat ulcerative colitis. Different doses are approved for each of these conditions.

How Does Xeljanz Work?

Xeljanz is classified as a “JAK,” or janus kinase inhibitor. Patients who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis experience excess amounts of certain protein molecules, known as cytokines. These cytokines are important in communication between cells when activating the immune system; when infection or trauma is detected, cytokines send a signal to antibodies, directing them toward where they are needed.

In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, there are too many of these cytokines, which hook up to immune cells. A good way to imagine this is to think of an old-time telephone switchboard, when live operators had to plug certain jacks into specific openings in order to route the call correctly. In this case, the cytokine is the jack and the immune cell receptors are the “line in.” When there is an oversupply of cytokines, the immune system goes into a sort of feedback loop, and cells start producing even more cytokines, attracting more antibodies – and eventually, they start attacking the tissues of the joints.

JAK inhibitors such as Xeljanz work by blocking these signals, essentially pulling the plug. This way, the immune system is slowed down, which in turn, relieves the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Unfortunately, this also compromises the body’s ability to fight infections, leaving the patient vulnerable to bacterial and viral diseases. Fortunately, JAK inhibitors do not stay in the body for long, so this effect is temporary.

Is Xeljanz Safe?

If you have taken Xeljanz prescribed for either arthritis or ulcerative colitis, you may be at risk of a number of complications, especially issues associated with blood clots.

When Xeljanz was initially approved by the FDA in 2012, the agency required a Xeljanz safety clinical trial as a condition of its approval. The FDA is currently investigating major problems that have been associated with Xeljanz in the drug’s trial and in patient complaints.

What are the Risks of Xeljanz?

According to the safety clinical trial, patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) faced an increased risk of blood clots in the lungs—as well as risk of death—when taking 10 mg of tofacitinib twice daily. The Xeljanz FDA safety notice notes that this dose has not actually been approved for RA patients but only for those with ulcerative colitis patients.

The use of Xeljanz has been linked with blood clot­­–related injuries like pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis. Pulmonary embolism is the blocking of a pulmonary artery in the lungs, which can be a life-threatening complication. Immediate treatment can alleviate much of the risk of death. Watch out for symptoms of pulmonary embolism, which may include shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is caused by a blood clot in one of the body’s deepest veins, generally in the legs. This can cause leg pain or swelling but, sometimes, no apparent symptoms occur. DVT can, in turn, lead to blood clots breaking loose and traveling into the lungs, causing pulmonary embolism.

The FDA notes that patients taking Xeljanz prescribed for any reason should not stop taking it or change how much they’re taking without talking to their doctor.

Filing a Xeljanz Lawsuit

If you or someone you love has suffered a blood-clot related injury after taking Xeljanz prescribed for arthritis or ulcerative colitis, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation. Of course, filing a lawsuit cannot undo the pain and suffering caused by blood clot injuries like pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis, but an experienced attorney can help you determine if you have a claim and maximize your possible compensation to help alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

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