Xeljanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis User Reviews (Page 3)
Reviews for Xeljanz
- Ade...
- 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."
- Jul...
- 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."
Frequently asked questions
- What are the new drugs for rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
- What are JAK inhibitors and how do they work?
- Which JAK inhibitors are approved in the U.S?
- What happens when you stop taking Xeljanz?
- Rox...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- February 28, 2019
"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."
- Anonymous
- Taken for less than 1 month
- June 3, 2019
"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."
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.- net...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- April 6, 2018
"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."
- RAW...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- February 18, 2020
"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."
More FAQ
- How long does Xeljanz take to work?
- Does Xeljanz cause hair loss?
- What is Xeljanz used for and is it a biologic?
- Can I drink alcohol while taking Xeljanz?
- Pep...
- 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 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."
- PPe...
- 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."
- hop...
- 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, 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."
- Kwr...
- 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 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."
- Dee...
- 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."
- Flo...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- June 10, 2020
"Took Xeljanz for 2.5 months. Got a UTI (urinary tract infection), then a 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 for 2.5 months. I'm 61, female, 130 lbs, average. No other health issues except inherited high cholesterol."
- Kit...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- August 27, 2018
"Started Xeljanz last Wednesday, and now today is Monday. I have the worst 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, Enbrel, 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."
- mre...
- Taken for 5 to 10 years
- January 23, 2025
"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!"
- PSA...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- September 29, 2022
"I have psoriatic arthritis and methotrexate, sulfasalazine, 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 longstanding 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."
- Ann...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- January 14, 2018
"I have been taking Xeljanz for 7 weeks now. Not only did it 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 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."
- Jac...
- 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."
- Sun...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- March 2, 2020
"I am on 11 mg 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."
- 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."
- Mil...
- March 3, 2017
"I was prescribed this med. I have alopecia areata, to regrow my hair, but I've been reading about this pill and it's so scary that I haven't even started taking it. Please give me your opinion. What should I do, keep myself without hair and be healthy, or take the pill and see what happens with the side effects?"
- ade...
- 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. is working on getting it approved as I am in so much pain. I can honestly say this is the worst I have felt."
- Ama...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- October 19, 2022
"I have been taking Xeljanz for 4 months now. I have experienced less joint pain and 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."
- Mrs...
- 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."
- Jen...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- October 24, 2020
"I was on prednisone for 6 months, 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."
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"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."