Ruxolitinib and Cramps: What Users Say

• Cra...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 22, 2018

For Polycythemia Vera "Took Jakafi for approximately 10 months. My itching was completely cleared up. During this entire time, my bowel movements were intense. I had cramping in my stomach most mornings. Initially, my dosage had to be adjusted because all of my blood levels were very low. I had developed cytopenia. Was taken off the med for 6 weeks and resumed. The last straw for me was the aching I experienced in all of my joints. The medication states a side effect can be arthralgia. Well, I got it. Had to get cortisone injections in both thumb joints, both knees, right hip, and shoulder. I refuse to go back on this medication. Wish anyone able to take this med good luck."

• Peg...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 6, 2018

For Polycythemia Vera "I have been taking this medication, Jakafi, for 10 months. Once the correct dosage was figured out, I have experienced no itching, and there has been no need for phlebotomy treatments. The downside to taking this medication is that for days at a time I have trouble with my bowel movements and pain and cramping in my stomach. This happens when I eat healthy, broccoli, kale, multi-grain bread. Also when I eat fried foods."

• zoe...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 26, 2023

For Graft Versus Host Disease "So far, it seems to be working. If I forget to take it, I get a definite onset of itchy skin with a very marked response and regular and multiple bowel movements in the mornings. I am not sure if it is Jakafi related, but I had a stroke. I have found that my blood levels definitely stabilized and GvHD skin flares reduced quickly too. I do have regular and severe cramps in the calf in the mornings."