Just started taking Xeljanz XR. Doctor wants me to get Covid -19 vaccine. I do not know which one to take (Pfizer, moderna, or J&J) or what to expect as far as side effects as a RA patient on Xeljanz XR.
Has anyone taken a Covid-19 vaccine while taking Xeljanz XR?
Question posted by Anonymous on 5 July 2021
Last updated on 10 September 2021 by Charles Bronson
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
3 Answers
Charles Bronson
10 Sep 2021
Do some more research as I take 11 mg of xeljanz daily for RA. Had covid and was only slightly symptomatic. Have not been vaccinated. Appears that xeljanz is used for people who get covid are in potential risk for severe symptoms related to covid. Look it up.
mikmagkat
5 July 2021
I am on Xeljanz 5mg twice a day and naprosyn. I had both injections of Moderna and the only side effects I noticed was fatigue the next day.
craighen
5 July 2021
Hi! I’m on Xeljanz twice a day along with 25mg of Methotrexate by injection once per week. I should also mention that I’m in Ontario, Canada, so J&J isn’t an option for us at this time.
RA patients are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated by both the American Rheumatology College (ACR) and Canadian Rheumatology Association.
Based on the discussions I had with both my Rheumatologist and Primary Care doctor, I held both my Xeljanz and Methotrexate for one week after receiving my vaccinations (Pfizer for my first, and Moderna for my second). Based on the side effects my family, my friends and I experienced, I’d go for both shots being Pfizer, but that’s just a personal observation. I see the CDC recommends that you should receive the same vaccine for both vaccinations. The ACR website where that information is located is at rheumatology.org, then look for ‘ACR Update: COVID-19 Information & News.’
Because I live in a former hotspot area of the province of Ontario, I realize that the best vaccination is the first one you can get, but I know that’s not always the case for everyone.
Good luck, and take care!
Inactive
5 July 2021
Thank you for the helpful information.
rntamtam
28 July 2021
How did you tolerate holding your RA meds for that week? That's really the main thing that's holding me back. I do socially distance on the rare occasions that I leave the house, I order everything I need to be delivered and wear a mask when I go to a doctor.
craighen
28 July 2021
I tolerated holding both my Xeljanz and MTX for a week quite well as my RA is fairly well controlled. I’m still shelter-in-place, mask wearing, order in groceries, etc. I hope you get the chance to discuss this with your doctor
Take care!
Inactive
28 July 2021
I did very well holding my Xeljanz XR, prednisone and methotrexate for one week with the first injection on July 6th of the Pfizer vaccine. I had NO side effects or RA flares. I also stay home, wear a mask when I go to the doctor and order groceries for curbside pickup.
Related topics
rheumatoid arthritis, xeljanz, vaccine, xeljanz xr, covid-19
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