Jakafi Side Effects

Generic name: ruxolitinib

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 24, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Jakafi.

Applies to ruxolitinib: oral tablet Side Effects associated with ruxolitinib. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Jakafi.

Applies to ruxolitinib: oral tablet.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood tests will be needed to check for unwanted effects.

If your condition does not improve within 6 months, or if it becomes worse, check with your doctor.

This medicine lowers the number of some types of blood cells in your body. Because of this, you may bleed or get infections (eg, herpes, tuberculosis, hepatitis B, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, fungal infection). Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections while you are using this medicine. Wash your hands often. Stay away from rough sports or other situations where you could be bruised, cut, or injured. Brush and floss your teeth gently. Be careful when using sharp objects, including razors and fingernail clippers.

This medicine may increase your risk of a serious brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Call your doctor right away if you have weakness on one side of your body, loss of coordination, clumsiness, memory problems, trouble thinking clearly, or loss of interest in things.

Check with your doctor right away if you have burning or stinging of the skin, or painful cold sores or blisters on the lips, nose, eyes, genitals, or on the trunk of the body. These may be symptoms of herpes simplex or herpes zoster (shingles).

Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely. This may help prevent a possible worsening of your condition and reduce the possibility of withdrawal symptoms such as a fever, chest tightness, trouble breathing, lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.

This medicine may increase your risk of cancer (eg, lymphoma, non-melanoma skin cancer). Tell your doctor right away if you have black, tarry stools, general feeling of illness, swollen glands, weight loss, yellow skin and eyes, persistent non-healing sore, reddish patch or irritated area, shiny bump, pink growth, or white, yellow or waxy scar-like area on the skin.

This medicine may increase your risk of serious heart or blood vessel problems, including heart attack or stroke. Call your doctor right away if you have chest pain or discomfort, confusion, difficulty in speaking, double vision, headache, inability to move arms, legs, or facial muscles, nausea, pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck, sweating, trouble breathing, or vomiting.

Check with your doctor right away if you have anxiety, chest pain, cough, dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, fast heartbeat, pain, redness, or swelling in the arm or leg, pains in the chest, groin, or legs, especially calves of the legs, severe headaches, sudden loss of coordination, sudden onset of slurred speech, sudden vision changes, or trouble breathing. These may be symptoms of serious blood clots (eg, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, arterial thrombosis).

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects of Jakafi

Along with its needed effects, ruxolitinib (the active ingredient contained in Jakafi) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking ruxolitinib:

Other side effects of Jakafi

Some side effects of ruxolitinib may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to ruxolitinib: oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most common adverse reactions were anemia, thrombocytopenia, bruising, dizziness, and headache.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Flatulence, gastrointestinal bleeding^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Very common (10% or more): Urinary tract infection (up to 14.4%)^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very common (10% or more): Anemia (up to 96.1%), thrombocytopenia (up to 69.8%), neutropenia (up to 18.7%)^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Tuberculosis
• Frequency not reported: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Hypercholesterolemia (up to 17.4%), weight gain (up to 10%)^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Dizziness (up to 18.1%), headache (up to 14.8%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Intracranial bleeding^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Bruising (up to 23.2%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Herpes zoster^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Very common (10% or more): Bleeding (up to 32.6%)^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Very common (10% or more): ALT increased (up to 27.1%), AST increased (up to 19.3%)^[Ref]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• What are JAK inhibitors and how do they work?
• Which JAK inhibitors are approved in the U.S?
• What are the most common skin conditions? (with photos)

Further information

Jakafi side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer