Tofacitinib for Rheumatoid Arthritis User Reviews (Page 3)

• Pjhopp
• February 9, 2017

Xeljanz (tofacitinib) "Xeljanz has made a hugh improvement in my ability to function. Early meds like methotrexate and steroids only had bad side effects. Costs made Remicade no longer affordable. Enbrel and other injectables did nothing. In the year I have used Xeljanz. I can use my hands much better. My psoriasis is gone. I still know when the weather is changing. I no longer suffer like I did."

• Sad
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 19, 2019

Xeljanz XR (tofacitinib) "This drug Xeljanz has worked incredibly well, however, 7 months after taking the medication I was diagnosed the hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) . It may be a coincidence but the doctors are baffled as to “why” because I meet none of the criteria. My liver function tests and bilirubin are all good but I have multiple tumors throughout my liver which, means I am not a candidate for transplant. This has been a tremendous shock for my entire family. I have stopped the Xeljanz in hopes that the tumors will stop multiplying and am hopeful the planned treatments get me to a place where transplant is an option."

• Trooper...
• August 20, 2016

Xeljanz (tofacitinib) "Been on this med for at least a year the joint pain has dramatically improved with no ill side effects. Was on Humira prior to Xeljanz, that provided me little or no relief, no to mention sticking myself every two weeks. This little pill twice a day has helped bunches."

• Kwren...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 16, 2017

Xeljanz (tofacitinib) "I went off Enbrel due to fungal and other bad infections. My body and brain sped up on withdrawal for a month. My RA Dr. recommended to try xeljanz almost 2 years later. My arthritis got worse, and I had most of the same symptoms within one and 1/2 months. I went off and I had worse side effects of speeding brain for over three months. Which included 1 month of pychiatric inpatient treatment for withdrawal. Does xeljanz stand behind their drug? Will I be compensated for the results. I hope to start working again in the next month or so. These two drugs have greatly impacted my health and working ability."

• Adele
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 27, 2019

Xeljanz (tofacitinib) "I had to stop Xeljanz due to severe intestinal pain and diarrhea but I was on it for about 8 months and that's when it started. So now going back to my doctor to see if there is something else I can take"

• Jules...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 7, 2017

Xeljanz (tofacitinib) "I could tell it was going to work from the second day and had a wonderful 6 or so pain-free weeks until it started to stop working :(. Having bad flares again at the 2-month mark - swelling seems to still be slightly controlled but pain and stiffness are bad and about to turn to prednisone"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 3, 2019

Xeljanz (tofacitinib) "I've been on this for almost a month I have worst joint pain and flare ups since I've been on this. I love getting my Remicade infusions they worked wonderfully but unfortunately it raise my liver enzymes very high. I'm not sure how much longer I should wait to notify the doctor that I don't think the stuff is working."

• Roxy
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 28, 2019

Xeljanz (tofacitinib) "Xeljanx XR was very effective for all of my RA symptoms. It did take a few weeks to really notice the effectiveness, but by then I was also congested and had a sore throat. I finally had to discontinue due to reoccurring sinus congestion and sore throat."

• nett
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 6, 2018

Xeljanz (tofacitinib) "Xeljanz started working by the first week. I felt a serge of energy and was able to get out of bed and walk with very little pain and stiffness. I am on my 6th week and I feel better then I have since I was diagnosed with RA. So far my side effects are upset stomach, headaches, tiredness and insomnia. So far so good. I pray it continues to work with little to no side effects. My insurance only covers a portion but with the co pay card I have no copay. This drug gives me hope. I am able to get more cleaning and chores done since I have been on this drug."

• Pepper
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 10, 2020

Xeljanz (tofacitinib) "I was diagnosed with RA when I was 15 years old, I am now 22. I started Xeljanz after trying methotrexate(pill form) and Enbrel (injectable). I’m trying to find an arthritis medication that is in a pill form rather than injection. I was only on Xeljanz for about 4 months and did not have any noticeable improvement. What did happen was my face broke out in what appeared to be acne. Before this medication I never had issues with my skin, never had to use any special products. At first I thought it was due to having to wear a face mask 10hours a day at my job(due to covid) but as soon as I stopped the xeljanz my skin went back to normal. I was really disappointed as methotrexate did a similar thing to my skin but not as bad. Now I am trying Arava and hoping for the best."

• jk0117
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 28, 2020

Xeljanz XR (tofacitinib) "I’ve been on Xeljanz XR for 2.5-3 months now and the difference is night and day. I used to have weekly flares, but now I haven’t had a major flare ever since I started taking it. I still have some low-level pain and stiffness but I am far better off and I now have a quality of life that I was lacking before. It’s so nice to be able to do the things I enjoy again."

• mamab...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 12, 2019

Xeljanz XR (tofacitinib) "I've been on Xeljanx Xr almost 3 months with no relief for my arthritis. Still need to take prednisone (10 mg daily) for pain. First few weeks were horrible with constant headache, stomach ache. Still get a stomach ache a few hours after taking it. Cholesterol levels have increased and I have night sweats. I will be switching to a plant-based diet and taking myself off this medication. I see there are now lawsuits regarding this med...be careful."

• hopeful
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 19, 2018

Xeljanz (tofacitinib) "I was diagnosed 11 years ago with Psoriatic RA I have tried several different medications. I am trying Xeljanz for the first time its been 4 weeks the three things I have noticed is my I have pain in my back and dark color urine and muscle stiffness. My doctor thinks the side effects will dissipate after a couple of months. I am hopeful and running out of medication options."

• PPenny
• October 14, 2017

Xeljanz (tofacitinib) "After taking this medication for a few weeks, I began experiencing really dark urine and diarrhea, as well as pain in my stomach. My doctor instructed me to go off the medication immediately. My symptoms began to subside. It was a painful experience. I won't be taking this medication again."

• Sunny
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 2, 2020

Xeljanz (tofacitinib) "I am on 11mg Xeljanz for RA and it has only been five days. I had diarrhea several times a day since starting it. I really hope that goes away or I will have to stop it. My upper body is really hurting since starting this medication. Nothing is helping. I take pain medication, methotrexate, and prednisone also. The pain isn’t subsiding."

• Kitty...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 27, 2018

Xeljanz (tofacitinib) "Started Xeljanz last Wednesday and now today is Monday. I have the worse pain in my stomach after I take it, and I feel so depressed. I didn't see the depression in the leaflet as a side effect. I taken in the past Humira, Embrel, Cimzia, Plaquenil and Methotrexate---all made me sick and my asthma worse. The Plaquenil made me itch so bad, I got skin infections/ cellulitis. The best was Remicade infusions. That did beautifully until I got an infection that landed me in the hospital."

• Patri...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 25, 2020

Xeljanz XR (tofacitinib) "Been taking xeljanz xr for almost 2 years with not much pain relief Plus much back and upper right quadrant pressure. Now I’m taking pills for increased liver counts and high blood pressure and sinus meds to try to breathe. I’ve had shingles outbreak and it’s damaged my nerves in my right pectoral area. It’s impossible to shut out the pounding and ringing in my ears. Insomnia despite sleeping pills. Oh and I gained around 40 pounds without changing my diet clean eating. Tingling hands and feet. Only mild pain relief for a very short time along with all the negative effects. Now I have to take care of my liver and blood pressure along with all the other things that went downhill while on xeljanz xr."

• Flora
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 10, 2020

Xeljanz (tofacitinib) "Took Xeljanz for 2.5 months. Got UTI (urinary tract infection), then yeast infection. Then another UTI, vaginal infection and yeast. This is still going on regularly for one year after quitting this drug. My immune system is compromised now. But my inflammation is gone. Now I have to worry about chronic infections and possibly a really bad virus. Xeljanz is dangerous and I only took it 2.5 months. I'm 61 female. 130 lbs average. No other health issues except inherited high cholesterol."

• Deeya
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 8, 2020

Xeljanz (tofacitinib) "Have been taking Xeljanz for RA for over 2 years. It has changed my life, pain and fatigue are greatly diminished. I am 68 and probably more active than most women my age. I have had two total knee replacements which helped greatly with activity, too."

• Milly...
• March 3, 2017

Xeljanz (tofacitinib) "I was prescribe to this med. I have Alopecia Areata ,to regrow my hair, but I've been reading about this pill and is sooo scary that I haven't even started taking them. Please give me your opinion, what should I do, keep my self without hair, and been healthy, or taking the pill and see what happens with the side effects?"

• BPosi...
• August 20, 2017

Xeljanz XR (tofacitinib) "Along with starting XELJANZ XR I've changed my entire diet. Taking on this fight to put myself in remission so that I don't have to live my life with needles, infusions, severe pain, I wanted to find my own path to remove the inflammation, joint pain out of my body. Today has been three successful weeks of living on a plant based diet I've discovered ((it's what we put in our bodies)) that's got us so sick. You must change your diet today. This medication is working! after trying infusions, injections, 7 different pills a day and I still couldn't move, enough of that! This is the best I've ever felt In four years. This medication and diet have changed my life."

• adele
• July 19, 2019

Xeljanz (tofacitinib) "Been off of Xeljanz since June 5th. I am in so much pain going on Cimzia but insurance denied it but Dr working on getting it approved as I am in so much pain. I can honestly say this is the worst I have felt"

• Pratt
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 9, 2019

Xeljanz XR (tofacitinib) "I've been taking Xeljanz XR for over 3 months and have found much relief from morning stiffness, pain and inflammation. I almost never need to use prescribed pain medications, I sleep soundly, and am almost back to pre-RA workouts! I have had to discontinue daily dosages on occasion, due to colds and flu, and I cannot seem to get rid of sinus congestion and discharge, but the trade off is worth it."

• Annalea
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 14, 2018

Xeljanz (tofacitinib) "I have been taking xeljanz for 7 weeks now. Not only it did not improve anything but each day it gets worse. I was happy to go to sleep before because that was the only time, I did not have much pain. Now, when I sleep, I am in pain and for a week or so now, I wake up with a horrible pain in my leg and I take 2 Tylenol and stay awake in bed till early morning when I can sleep a little. I am going to write to my rheumatologist to tell her that I think it's insane to keep taking this medicine that makes my pain worse, no doubt about it. I am sorry I did not do it before."

• Audene
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 26, 2018

Xeljanz XR (tofacitinib) "I’ve been taking Xeljanz XR for 5 weeks. So far it is helping me immensely. My pain is 70% decreased and my energy is 70% increased. This is the best I’ve felt in 7 years. I am cautiously optimistic, so far I haven’t had any negative side effects except I have gained 6 pounds but I think the weight increase has stopped. I’ve been blessed with a copay card so the expense isn’t an issue. I’m so glad I asked my rheumatologist to prescribe it!"