Xeljanz and Stomach Pain: What Users Say

• Deb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 10, 2019

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "This medication does help with my arthritis symptoms, but the side effects are chronic fatigue, stomach pain, and diarrhea. After being on it for just two weeks, I don't think I will stay on this medication. I can do nothing but sleep all day. I have tried several medications, and only one worked somewhat that didn't cause fatigue, but it didn't stop the pain. However, because I got migraines, I couldn't increase the medication. Leflunomide may be my only choice. Desperate."

• 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."

• 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."

• Kit...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 27, 2018

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "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."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 9, 2023

For Ulcerative Colitis "I’ve been taking Xeljanz for just over a year. I’ve been through all the other biologic meds since I was diagnosed 12 years ago. Stelara was the last one I tried, and it didn’t work at all. My fecal calprotectin was over 8,000 when I started Xeljanz, and after 3 months, it was down to 22, which I think is the best it’s ever been. So, Xeljanz is definitely working. The downside to that are the side effects. It started with fatigue and headaches for the first month or so, then progressed to stomach pain, burning, loss of appetite, nausea, and diarrhea. I thought maybe it wasn’t working and I was flaring again, but my calprotectin was even lower than before. I’ve also developed high cholesterol and high blood pressure (never had that before in my life). It’s making me feel absolutely horrible, I have all the flare symptoms without the flare! Now I have to decide if I should keep taking it or not, I don’t have many options left :("

• Joy...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 15, 2019

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "This medication gave me migraine headaches. I took this medication for four days, and I had to stop. I also had bad stomachaches. Definitely a negative experience for me."