User Reviews for Xeljanz oral

I was diagnosed with RA and Lupus in 2012. I have been on MTX along with Humira (horrible side effects), Enbrel (still pain and swelling) and of course, prednisone. Finally tried Xeljanz (2 mos.) and I am pain/swelling free. No side effects except WEIGHT GAIN that is horrible. I have gained 10 lbs. since starting! The weight came on so fast. I'm questioning whether to continue Xeljanz...weight gain causes low energy and just all over uncmfortable! I'm worried that I might develop Type II diabetes! I will be talking to my doctor for advise at my next visit.Read More Read Less

I started xeljanz four months ago when plaquinel stopped working. I felt pain relief after two months but now I am out of breath after walking one block and more exercise doesn't help.

Nothing seems to work for me. My RA has progressed and gotten worse since diagnoses. I started with Humira, then Remicade ( bad allergic reaction) then Rituxan and now Xeljanz. I have gained about 15 lbs and it just keeps creeping. I have multiple auto immune problems, diabetes (on insulin), thyroid, also HBP, high cholesterol and I get shingles. ( shingles started when I was only 34). Any wound including mosquito bites get infected, I have a standing RX for an antibiotic. I am strongly considering stopping Xeljanz and living with the consequences. Read More Read Less

this medicine has caused me to have heart fibulation, and shortness of breath, which is not added in on possible side effects I'm really concerned.

No side effects so far started taking 6 months ago knock on wood I think its a great drug except the price is just wrong period.

I have used just about every other RA drug out there. Some worked pretty well, some very well, but all stopped working after a while. Xeljanz has worked the best and given me the least problems. It's much easier to travel with than injectables. Added bonus - it has cleared my palmo-plantar pustular psoriasis completely!

I am so happy to see that Xeljanz has worked for some reviewers, but it was very detrimental to my health. I am 64 and was diagnosed with RA at age 18. For the last 15 years Enbrel was my miracle drug, but it eventually lost its efficacy and I then tried Remicade to no avail. I started Xeljanz last January and immediately my immune system crashed. I caught the flu and bronchitis, had a very sore and unusually uncomfortable throat, my first experience with headaches, and so much fatigue that I was in bed by 7 every night. Although my joints did not suffer, the rest of my body certainly did. I was just told I have hypothyroidism, although my thyroid function was normal at my physical a month before starting Xeljanz. I discontinued it 2 weeks ago and am just taking Azulfadine and prednisone until deciding what to try next. My joints are sore but the rest of my body feels SO much better overall! Although there are no studies on restarting Enbrel after a "drug holiday" or time out, I just may have to try it again.Read More Read Less

I'm a 63 year old woman diagnosed about 15 years ago. I've been through the gamut of meds--none of which worked for very long. Xeljanz is the same. I felt relief almost immediately but couldn't tolerate two doses a day. Without doctor's consent, I only took morning dose which seemed to help. I have gained 20 pounds and have been on a modified vegetarian diet for one month with a 2 pound weight loss (on 800 calories!?). In January my heart went into Atrial Fibrillation which we have not been able to control. There is nothing in side affects related to weight gain or heart problems, however, I have seen both on this site. I am getting depressed and feel as though I'll never feel good again. I am ready, as someone else, to check all meds and just deal with whatever comes. Added to side effects--body aches especially in my back and extreme fatigue. Hot flashes. yes, although I've had a full hysterectomy. I am blessed to have excellent insurance that pays this expensive drug. But, again, am ready to chuck it.Read More Read Less

73 yr. old female,9 months on Xeljanz, one flare, no troubles with taking medications.

Since I have been taking Xeljanz my pain has gone away but the side effects are awful. I have experienced headache not bad but bothersome, high fever, chills, and the worse the break out of rash, hives. I cannot believe how painful rash and itching can be. I thought I had been give a wonder drug until the side effects kicked in. No pain but awful, just awful side effects.

Still waiting for results but med is really expensive I tried everything nothing work

I have been on Xeljanz for 10 months and still must also use prednisone and salsalate to keep my inflammation down. I question whether this drug prevents joint damage as I have seen more adverse change in my hands in the last year than I'd experienced in my previous 30 years of fighting this disease. I also feel that THE COST OF Xeljanz IS OUTRAGEOUS!

After a year of illness and numerous tests (even for cancer) I was diagnosed with RA. Did the Prednisone thing. Metotrexate and finally now the Xeljanz. Been on the Xeljanz for about a year. I don't think my illness is that severe since reading some of the reviews on this site. My Dr suggested I try Xeljanz. Don't know why he made this change. I am not in pain but I ache. My knees and my feet. All my symptoms are the same since I was originally diagnosed so I can't say this drug is better than some other drug. The only problems with the drug for me is weight gain (20 lbs) and acid reflux on occasion. I'm supposed to take two 5 mil tablets twice a day but I usually forget the bedtime one. I have recently been put on a cholesterol medication. Don't know if its because of the Xeljanz. Read More Read Less

I have had RA for 18 years. Believe me I have tried most everything. My DR recently put me on Xeljanz I'm not sure yet I feel a little better but the side affects are horrible (diarrhea, headaches,depression, sore throat) just to start with. I am a heart patient also I have been experiencing some weird chest pains don't know yet if it is related to the medication. Going back to RA DR soon for some more tests.

I have had great results with this drug! I was diagnosed in 2012, a week after my 30th birthday. I've been on methotrexate, steroids, humeria but nothing has worked as well as this. I work with children had a ton of infections with the other mess. So far so good with this!

I try to take Xeljanz but it gives me nasty hot flushes so I have to get off it. I would advise people to get an IGG and IGE tests to see what food they are allergic to because it greatly improved my health when I found out what I was allergic too 4 months ago (wheat, cinnamon and egg whites for me). My body is no longer fighting these allergies so my overall health and RA has improved.

In the beginning, it worked great. Over the course of two months, it began to loose its efficiency. But, huge weight gain (8 lbs. in about two months with no change of eating patterns) and red, flushed face and eyes.

I am in week 2 of Xeljanz, and my RA pain has been lessened, but the side affects are, so far, not worth the little relief I'm getting. The fatigue and muscle aches are brutal. I have zero energy, and deepening depression. I have lost time I can't account for, and don't seem to be functional enough to take care of myself and my home, not to mention my poor cat. I have had problems with every RA drug (Methotrexate, prednisone, Enbrel, Humira, etc.)prescribed for me so far, and it looks like Xeljanz is going to be added to that list. Losing hours with no idea of where/what/when has really put the fear into me. I didn't see any side effects like that one listed by Pfizer. I did see where Humira & Xeljanz together may cause severe problems. Pfizer says Humira can stay in your system for up to 10 weeks, so it's possibly part of my problem...I believe I'll report this one to the FDA.Read More Read Less

I have had RA for almost 9 years. I have tried most of the other drugs available including, Enbrel, Humira, Remicade, and the list goes on. None of the DMARD's with the use of methotrexate worked for me. My previous physician while attempting to help me seemed rather complacent. We moved after my husband retired and I found a new physician. It took us about 6 months but we finally agreed to try this drug. Within the first week I felt so much better. I could actually wake up without excruciating pain everyday. No more prednisone ( hate that stuff!) For me, the good outweighs the bad any day. While any biologic is harmful, you have to decide for yourself what quality of life you want. Read More Read Less