Skip to main content

Tofacitinib User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

Brand names: Xeljanz, Xeljanz XR, Xeljanz Oral Solution

Tofacitinib has an average rating of 5.7 out of 10 from a total of 173 reviews on Drugs.com. 44% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 39% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Tofacitinib

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Ann...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 28, 2019

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "It's been almost two months on this medication. Stomach issues, but I've always had stomach issues. No relief from pain, in fact, it's been worse, and I've had to get back on prednisone to knock the pain out. I'm off and on Pred for three or four days to see if this drug is working, but I don't think so because every time I get off the prednisone, the pain rolls in again, and prednisone does not even seem as effective as in the past."

2 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
27 Report
  • Com...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 8, 2019

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I was on the Xeljanz for rheumatoid arthritis and had side effects of stomach pain, fatigue, and also no reduction in joint pain. I envy those who find relief from their symptoms, I am glad it helps you."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
26 Report
  • mta...
  • September 3, 2016

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Methotrexate was damaging my lungs (fibrous complications), so my rheumatologist put me on 5 mg Xeljanz twice daily. The Humira/Methotrexate combination I was using previously worked very well for me, except for the lung problems. I've been using the Xeljanz for about a month, and it's not been good. My hands and feet hurt a lot more and all the time. I see my doctor in a couple of weeks, so I'm hoping he can come up with something more effective."

3 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
36 Report

See also:

Frequently asked questions

  • Bai...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 20, 2018

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Took this one time. Next morning, my stomach hurt horribly, as well as my back. Also gave me a rash. Did not take it a second time. My back is still killing me. I think these medications are scary to take, worse than the disease itself."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
29 Report
  • pat...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • March 4, 2021

For Ulcerative Colitis "Life saver for me since I started using it 2 years ago, it took a few weeks to a month to finally get me under control, but once that happened, it has been really good. I was very sick and now in remission. I only hope it stays this way. Just remember that it took a year and a half on prednisone and other drugs to keep me somewhat healthy, and that it only took this a month and a half to get me back to where I could leave the house and not be scared."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
20 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

Your review helps others make informed decisions.
Write a review
  • rev...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 11, 2020

For Ulcerative Colitis "I've had a huge flare of Ulcerative Colitis for 2 years now. Used very different types of medicines. After using infliximab for half a year (which didn't help at all), I ended up in the hospital for a dexamethasone infusion for a few days. After taking prednisone for several months, I started on Xeljanz 2 x 10 mg. I have to say, my UC is improving every day! No more blood in my stool within a month, but my stool is still a bit restless with gas, sometimes diarrhea, and mucus. It takes a while for it to work properly, the experts say (because the colon was so damaged). But it has already improved from going to the toilet 30 times a day to sleeping 5 times a night! After 3 months on 2 x 10 mg, I will soon be on 5 mg twice daily. The only side effect is that you gain (a little) weight and also get tired (but that is a side effect of all these types of medicines). Bottom Line: The best-acting drug for my UC so far."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
20 Report
  • Sad...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • November 19, 2019

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "This drug, Xeljanz, has worked incredibly well, however, 7 months after taking the medication, I was diagnosed with 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."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
23 Report
  • Ade...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • June 27, 2019

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "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."

4 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
24 Report
  • Tro...
  • August 20, 2016

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "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, not to mention sticking myself every two weeks. This little pill twice a day has helped bunches."

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
34 Report
  • Jul...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 7, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "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."

6 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
31 Report
  • Rox...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 28, 2019

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Xeljanz 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."

5 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
24 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 3, 2019

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I've been on this for almost a month. I have the worst joint pain and flare-ups since I've been on this. I love getting my Remicade infusions, they worked wonderfully, but unfortunately, it raised 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."

3 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
23 Report
  • net...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 6, 2018

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Xeljanz started working by the first week. I felt a surge 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 than 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 copay 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."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
26 Report
  • RAW...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 18, 2020

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "This drug, like so many RA drugs, is awful and may be the end of you. I was on this drug and was promised the doctor only had one failure? Did that mean death? I have a history of heart disease on both sides of my family. Within one week, my blood pressure was up by more than 20 points, I had palpitations, and was sick all the time due to stomach complaints. This is one of many RA 'drugs' I have tried, with limited to no effect except worsening pre-existing conditions. Get a clue, doctors. Prescribing steroids like prednisone, which only lead to further bone degeneration in a population with this problem? Doctors do not know what they are doing. Remember, there is no cure for RA. Do not trust your doctor. That is my advice. They do not have time to deal with you, they have patients booked back to back due to insurance. You are lucky if they really know your name without your chart or nurse telling them."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
49 Report
  • jk0...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 28, 2020

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "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."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
18 Report
  • Pep...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 10, 2020

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "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 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 10 hours 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."

3 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
16 Report
  • mam...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 12, 2019

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I've been on Xeljanz 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 a 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."

2 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
20 Report
  • PPe...
  • October 14, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "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."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
24 Report
  • hop...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 19, 2018

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I was diagnosed 11 years ago with psoriatic RA. I have tried several different medications. I am trying Xeljanz for the first time, it's been 4 weeks. The three things I have noticed are that I have pain in my back, dark-colored 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."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
21 Report
  • Kwr...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 16, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I went off Enbrel due to fungal and other bad infections. My body and brain sped up on withdrawal for a month. My RA doctor recommended trying Xeljanz almost 2 years later. My arthritis got worse, and I had most of the same symptoms within one and a half months. I went off, and I had worse side effects of a speeding brain for over three months, which included one month of psychiatric 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."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
30 Report
  • mre...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • January 23, 2025

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have been on Xeljanz-XR 11 mg for 5 years. My RA has been so wonderful: no pain, no swelling in the joints. It has given my life back. Also, I'm a single mom with 2 kids and very busy. I'm able to work full time. I'm not in pain. I can take walks with no pain! Thank you for making the drug that gives my life back!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
2 Report
  • Dee...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 30, 2019

For Ulcerative Colitis "I had a flare of ulcerative colitis due to life stress. Was bleeding again. Xeljanz at a dose of 10 mg per day, it took 3 days to start getting no blood in stool. Quite amazing. I do have an ear infection though that I got from my small daughter, so I'm taking precaution. Will follow up in a few months."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
16 Report
  • Pat...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • January 25, 2020

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "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 a 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."

2 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
16 Report
  • Aud...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 26, 2018

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "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!"

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
18 Report
  • Dee...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • November 8, 2020

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "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."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
13 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

Your review helps others make informed decisions.
Write a review
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.