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Xeljanz and Alcohol – A Toxic Combination?
What You Need to Know

Although Pfizer does not warn about the risk of drinking alcohol with Xeljanz, you should not drink excessive amounts of alcohol while using the drug because both are metabolized by the liver, and can thus lead to liver damage over time.
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C.L. Mike Schmidt Published by C.L. Mike Schmidt

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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.

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Is Xeljanz Hard on the Liver?

One of the severe side effects Xeljanz (generic: tofacitinib) can cause is liver damage. Clinical trials indicated that Xeljanz users were more likely to have elevated levels of serum enzymes and other chemicals, including alanine transaminase (ALT).

Can You Drink Alcohol on JAK Inhibitors?

Taking Xeljanz or any other Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor with alcohol can lead to serious medical problems, especially if you are also taking methotrexate (MTX), formerly known as amethopterin, to treat rheumatoid arthritis. However, Pfizer never mentions alcohol on the Xeljanz warning label.

Related Article: Xeljanz Lawsuit Update

Can You Drink Alcohol While on Immunosuppressants?

The active ingredient in Xeljanz, tofacitinib, is an immunosuppressant, a drug that reduces the activity of the immune system. Alcohol is also an immunosuppressant and may affect how well immunotherapy works in the body. This could also lead to worse side effects of treatment. In general, it’s recommended to avoid alcohol if you’re taking an immunosuppressant like Xeljanz.

Why Mixing Alcohol With Prescription Drugs is Dangerous

Millions of people in the United States struggle with alcohol use disorder (AUD), which used to be called alcoholism. Thousands more struggle with other forms of problem drinking, including drinking to the point of intoxication while they take, misuse, or abuse prescription medications. Accidentally mixing a potent prescription drug with alcohol is risky enough; however, some people struggle with addiction to prescription drugs and may mix these with alcohol.

Side Effects of Mixing Prescription Drugs and Alcohol

  • Stomach upset, nausea, or vomiting
  • Drowsiness, fatigue, or excessive sleep
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Headaches
  • Blood pressure changes or heart damage
  • Changes in behavior
  • Changes in emotions or mental state
  • Loss of coordination, leading to accidents

Does Xeljanz Make You Gain Weight?

In most patients, Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR won’t cause weight gain or weight loss. However, serious side effects of the medications or your condition itself may cause unexplained weight loss. For example, weight loss can occur in conjunction with diarrhea, serious infection, and cancer.

FAQs

What should I do if I have been drinking alcohol while taking Xeljanz?

If you have been drinking alcohol while taking Xeljanz and are concerned about potential liver damage, consult your healthcare provider. They may recommend liver function tests to monitor your liver health and advise you on safe alcohol consumption levels.

Can moderate drinking be safe with Xeljanz?

Moderate drinking may be safe for some individuals taking Xeljanz, but it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your health history, liver function, and overall treatment plan.

How can I protect my liver while taking Xeljanz?

To protect your liver while taking Xeljanz, follow your doctor’s dosage instructions carefully, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, maintain a healthy diet, stay hydrated, and have regular liver function tests as recommended by your healthcare provider.

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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.

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