FREE Case Review (866) 588-0600

Xeljanz Side Effects
Upper Respiratory Infections, Headache & More

Serious side effects of the rheumatoid arthritis drug Xeljanz (generic: tofacitinib) may include blood clots, cardiovascular problems, cancer and more.
Award Logos
Awards & recognition
Collen Clark Published by Collen Clark

Free Lawsuit Review
If you or a loved one developed a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, blood clot or other major side effects after using Xeljanz for rheumatoid arthritis, you should contact our personal injury attorneys immediately for a free case review. Our attorneys are actively investigating lawsuits in all 50 states.

Please click the button below for a Free Case Evaluation or contact our law firm toll-free 24 hrs/day by dialing (866) 588-0600 if you had serious heart-related problems after taking Xeljanz.

Start My Free Lawsuit Review

What Does Xeljanz Do to the Body?

Xeljanz is intended to decrease pain/tenderness/swelling in the joints. The drug may also be prescribed to treat a bowel disease called ulcerative colitis. Xeljanz helps reduce symptoms of ulcerative colitis including diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and stomach pain.

How Does it Work?

Xeljanz belongs to a class of drugs known as Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. These medications work by blocking the action of Janus kinase enzymes, which are involved in the inflammation that causes the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.

Related Article: Xeljanz Lawsuit Update

How Does Xeljanz Make You Feel?

In addition to the serious side effects associated with long-term use of Xeljanz, the drug may cause the following common Xeljanz side effects in certain patients:

  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold
  • Rash
  • Increased cholesterol levels
  • High blood pressure

How Long Can You Stay on Xeljanz?

Most patients are prescribed Xeljanz 10 mg twice daily for at least 8 weeks; then 5 mg twice daily. A higher dose of 10 mg twice daily can be continued for up to 16 weeks, depending on the patient’s response.

Does Xeljanz Cause Weight Gain?

No. Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR don’t specifically cause weight gain or weight loss in most patients. However, serious side effects of Xeljanz, or the patient’s condition itself, may cause unexplained weight loss. For example, weight loss can result from diarrhea, serious infections, and cancer.

Can I Stop Taking Xeljanz Cold Turkey?

You should never stop using Xeljanz or any other prescription medication without talking to your doctor first. Quitting Xeljanz abruptly may cause the symptoms of your condition to return. However, some patients are able to stop Xeljanz without their symptoms flaring up.

What is the Safest Drug for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Methotrexate (Otrexup, Rasuvo, RediTrex) is widely regarded as one of the safest of all arthritis drugs, though it may cause serious side effects in some patients. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting are its most frequent side effects.

Related Articles:

See the other dangerous drug lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

Choose our lawyers

Have you or a loved one suffered from the adverse side effects caused by defective medication?

Get a Free Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Attorneys

The Pharmaceutical Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial attorneys that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new class action lawsuits against Xeljanz in all 50 states.

Free Lawsuit Evaluation: Again, if you were harmed after taking Xeljanz to treat rheumatoid arthritis, you should contact our attorneys immediately. Xeljanz patients may be entitled to a settlement for medical expenses by filing a class action lawsuit and our Attorneys can help.

Free Confidential Case Evaluation

Verified 100% Secure SiteTo contact us for a free review of your potential case, please fill out the form below or call us toll free 24 hrs/day by dialing: (866) 588-0600.