Myelofibrosis –  A Rare Form of Chronic Leukemia

Myelofibrosis is a type of cancer which involves fibrous scar tissue replacing the bone marrow found inside most bones.  The bone marrow produces too many megakaryocytes, which are giant cells that normally release small fragments called platelets.  Along with too many megakaryocytes, there a release of cytokines, which are proteins that cause inflammation and the formation and building up of fibrous tissue within the bone marrow.   Myelofibrosis is also known as a chronic form of leukemia.

There are two types of Myelofibrosis: Primary myelofibrosis if it occurs on its own without another bone marrow disease being present. If another bone marrow cancer, such as essential thrombocythemia or polycythemia vera is present, it is called Secondary myelofibrosis or post-essential thrombocythemia or post-polycythemia vera myelofibrosis.

Myelofibrosis is rare in the United States, with only 1.5 cases per 100,000 people reported each year.

Many of the symptoms of Myelofibrosis do not appear for years, but patients may experience the following symptoms:


Treatment for Myelofibrosis involves managing the condition through medication.

Jakafi (ruxolitinib) is the most common prescription drug for Myelofibrosis treatment.  Jakafi is known as Jakavi in Canada. 

Jakafi (Ruxolitinib) belongs to a group of anti-cancer medications, also known as antineoplastics.  To be precise it is a protein kinase inhibitor.  This powerful medication is used to Myelofibrosis and relieve some of the symptoms Myelofibrosis such as the enlargement of the spleen, itching, night sweats, fever and weight loss.  In addition it is prescribed to patients who have polycythemia vera, who have not responded to other medications, to control the amount of red blood cells in their blood (hematocrit).

Jakafi comes in four pill sizes:

Adult dose:  The dose of this medication depends on several factors, such as the baseline of various blood cells such as platelets, hemoglobin, and neutrophils, and the condition your doctor is treating. Doses are adjusted according to the patient’s needs.  Most doses range between 5mg and 20mg taken twice daily, however you should only follow your doctor’s prescribed doses as per your individual test results and needs.

If you have questions about Jakafi or any other medication, please contact our team  at Jason’s at 1-800-991-0282. One of our pharmacy representatives will be happy to answer your questions.


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