Xeljanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis User Reviews (Page 3)

• Pjhopp
• February 9, 2017

"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."

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

"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"

• Trooper...
• August 20, 2016

"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

"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."

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

"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

"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

"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 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

"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."

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

"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

"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

"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

"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."

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

"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."

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

"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."

• Milly...
• March 3, 2017

"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?"

• adele
• July 19, 2019

"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"

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

"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."

• Jack
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 20, 2020

"62 years old and have had RA for 22 months. Tried methotrexate pills and then injections. Next, I tried Humira injection with limited relief. Switched to Xeljanz XR and found immediate relief. I have had no known side effects except some skin rash and the rash might not be associated with Xeljanz. I am able to function in life again."

• KLT
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 6, 2022

"I was diagnosed 15 years ago with seropositive RA. I have literally been on every medication and combo. A few years ago I was given Xeljanz and it was pure bliss for 6 months. I felt like a normal person and very quickly! After about 6 months it suddenly lost its effect and I went back to trying new medications. Three years later and out of options I asked to go back on Xeljanz to see if enough time had passed that maybe I could get some relief for even a short period. I began taking Xeljanz XR this time and again within a week my pain and inflammation was lessening greatly. I couldn’t write more than a sentence and now I have zero struggle. I couldn’t use my right wrist and now I can use it completely. It is the 6 month mark this month and I am holding my breath that I continue on this track of amazingness. I have had no side effects, no illnesses and feel fantastic. (43 years old)"

• PSA...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 29, 2022

"I have psoriatic arthritis and methotrexate, suphazalazine, anti inflammatory drugs, cimzia, Cosentyx all worked a little, but only took the edge off in terms of pain. I have been on and off Xeljanz (because of covid) for over 18 months. Initial reaction was good and very quick compared to other meds, a few days for results. I have recently suffered with high blood pressure for the first time, white spots/boils on my torso and legs, extreme bloating and rectal bleeding (led to an emergency colonoscopy), and general anxiety which led to a burst blood vessel in my eye. I explained all of this to my long standing and trusted Rheumy and he didn't flag any of these as linked with Xeljanz. However, I decided to stop my meds. Within a few weeks my blood pressure has returned to normal levels, my spots and boils have all cleared, I have no anxiety, chest pains have stopped and my gut has returned to normal. I can't say for sure they're all linked but I certainly won't be taking it again."

• MrsPaul
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 3, 2022

"I was hesitant to try Xeljanz. The reviews scared me to death. I decided to give it a try, and I’m glad I did. I’ve had a few sinus infections in the last year, but I stopped the Xeljanz for ten days, and antibiotics cleared it right up. I’ve had none of the terrible side effects I read about, and it’s been over a year now. My RA is close to remission. I’m thankful for this drug, and hopefully with careful monitoring, I will continue to do well on it."

• Amanda
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 19, 2022

"I have been taking Xeljanz for 4 months now. I have experienced less joint pain & swelling in some joints but increased significantly in other joints to the point of crying. EXTREME fatigue, dizziness, nausea and a general unwell sick feeling. I was previously on other biologics and then just on prednisone. I would much rather feel the way I felt before taking the Xeljanz. The way I feel on this drug is worse than being on nothing."

• Jenny
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 24, 2020

"I was on prednisone for 6 mo then did Cimzia injections no improvement Xeljanz- I am on month 2 so far so good, I did develop a sinus infection but I dealt with it I am not giving up just because of that. I will keep you posted feeling good today"

• Name
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 15, 2023

"Have been on Xeljanz for a year, and now it’s not as effective. Got a blood clot in my leg. My doctor says it's not from Xeljanz and that there’s no way of knowing. This drug has an interaction with aspirin, so if you did get a blood clot, taking aspirin wouldn’t be optimal. I told my doctor that I want to switch medications to avoid long-term problems that may develop with this drug. If you take a look at all the different medications prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis, you will see how differently they work. I am trying to figure out what to target. These drugs all work differently. Methotrexate (Mtx) was the most effective for me, but it meant one to two days in bed due to nausea. You will notice that as you continue taking it over time, you feel sicker than the week before. However, I had absolutely no pain with this drug (Mtx). I think maybe switching drugs yearly may prevent side effects."