Jakafi and Fatigue: What Users Say

• ann...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 9, 2021

For Polycythemia Vera "I have been on Jakafi for 10 months for Polycythemia Vera. It has reduced my itching, bone and joint pain, fatigue, and my counts are actually normal for the first time in decades! I have gained about 5 lbs on it, but no other significant side effects. I am taking a very low amount (5 mg 2x day), and maybe that's why I haven't gained a lot of weight. This medication has literally given me my life back."

• zfa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 20, 2017

For Myelofibrosis "I have post-essential thrombocythemia myelofibrosis. Jakafi has my platelet count and white cell count normal again. However, it caused my red cell count to go way too low, and so I am on Procrit shots to avoid transfusions. I am very fatigued after the slightest physical activity. I gained about 10 pounds and get pimples from it. Jakafi instantly got rid of my joint aches and pains."

• Kau...
• November 24, 2017

For Polycythemia Vera "I am 74 years old and have polycythemia vera (PV) since I was 62. Was on Hydrea and phlebotomy every 3 months. Was seriously very depressed and low energy. On Jakafi since May 2016, and no more phlebotomy. Now taking Jakafi 25 mg twice a day. My life is back and feels like not having PV. The medication is expensive at 25 mg because I need 20 + 5 mg. The cost is doubled because they don't make 25 mg pills."

• MAB...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 22, 2023

For Polycythemia Vera "I've been enjoying not feeling awful all the time. With Jakafi, I have had no problems with skin blisters when I am in sunlight, as I did with the previous medication. It is hard to say which med gives me vertigo issues the most. I suppose the dizziness is mild with Jakafi. In general, I have more energy and less stress over shortness of breath - until recently, again. I don't know if the current fatigue I have suddenly again is due to the medication dose or if I am experiencing another drug side effect or my body is simply old and wearing out. I know that Jakafi has given me my life back again. But currently, my body is not in balance - I'm not sure why: chest pain, increased heart rate, higher BP, shortness of breath, fluid retention, weight gain, fluid gain, headache, and low kidney function. My cholesterol went up - and I'm not sure why. I am currently being worked up again for a cardiac issue. For a year, however, I felt so much better than I did without Jakafi."