Xeljanz Side Effects

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English: Rheumatoid Arthritis in the hands (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Xeljanz: Do the Benefits of this Outweigh the Side-Effects

Xeljanz is an anti-rheumatism drug that was certified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2012. This drug is endorsed for adults who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. It is manufactured by pharmaceutical giants, Pfizer. This drug is a circular and film-coated tablet with “JKI5” embossed on one side and “Pfizer” on the other side.

Xeljanz is the first oral drug to be approved for rheumatoid arthritis in more than a decade. In addition, it also belongs to a class of “new medicines” known as JAK inhibitors. Xeljanz can be combined with methotrexate or other non-biologic supplements. It can also be used alone. However, under no circumstances must it be used with biologic supplements or potent immunosuppressants like cyclosporine or azathioprine.

Xeljanz works by impeding the pathway inside cells that play a dominerring role in inflammation which causes rheumatoid arthritis. This drug is not a biologic drug. It is a small medication molecule that hinders pro-inflammatory activity in the cell membrane or outside lining of the cell which triggers off severe arthritis. Xeljanz should be taken in 5mg daily two times a day. It can be taken with or without food.

Symptoms associated with the use of Xeljanz include, diarrhea, sinus infections, nasal congestion, a runny nose, headaches, sore throats and respiratory tract infections. Xeljanz reduces the effectiveness of the immune system and its ability to ward off infections.

Clinical trials have shown that people suffer serious infections like tuberculosis and other infections caused by fungi, bacteria and viruses when they use this drug. These infections spread like wildfire within the body because the immune system is porous and overworked. Some people have been known to have died as a result of this setback.

Xeljanz also ups the risks of people getting cancer. Furthermore, the drug can also cause incisions to the stomach wall and intestines. Patients should inform their doctors immediately once they sense pain around the stomach area or notice a drastic change in their bowel habits. This drug is also responsible for low blood cell count, increased liver diseases and high cholesterol levels.

Patients who are suffering from gastrointestinal complications should not use this drug. People with liver problems are not recommended to use this drug. Xeljanz causes changes in white blood cells, lipids, liver enzymes and hemoglobin. On the other hand, pregnant women should only use this drug if the benefits largely outweigh the risk factors.

Check with your doctor before using this drug. If you notice any of these symptoms, stop using the drug and start receiving treatment immediately. Remember that your immune system will not be functioning at optimum. So you would need to get prompt and adequate assistance from a doctor if things are to return to normal.

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