Xeljanz Side Effects
Upper Respiratory Infections, Headache & More

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.

FAQs

Are there any long-term side effects associated with Xeljanz?

Long-term use of Xeljanz can increase the risk of chronic infections, liver damage, cardiovascular issues, and cancer. Regular monitoring and consultations with your healthcare provider are crucial to manage these risks.

Can the dosage of Xeljanz be adjusted to minimize side effects?

Yes, your healthcare provider can adjust the dosage of Xeljanz based on your response to the medication and the severity of side effects. It is important to follow their guidance and not adjust the dosage on your own.

How does Xeljanz increase the risk of serious infections?

Xeljanz suppresses the immune system to reduce inflammation, which can also reduce the body’s ability to fight off infections. Patients are at an increased risk of developing serious bacterial, fungal, or viral infections.

Related Articles:

• Xeljanz XR Lawsuit
• Xeljanz Dosage and Administration
• Xeljanz and Alcohol – A Toxic Combination?

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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.