Xeljanz (Tofacitinib) was approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment in 2012, psoriatic arthritis in 2017, and ulcerative colitis in 2018. Manufactured by Pfizer, Xeljanz is considered a Janus Kinase 1 and 3 (JAK) inhibitor, meaning it is designed to block the enzymes that cause specific inflammatory reactions in the body. Although Xeljanz has been used to treat the conditions listed effectively, it carries various risks of serious conditions. Unfortunately, the arthritis drug increases the risk of death and blood clots in the lungs when taken at a certain dosage (10 mg, twice daily). A recent clinical trial found that the risks associated with Xeljanz are significant and could lead to life-threatening blood clots in patients who have rheumatoid arthritis.

If you or a loved one were impacted or suffered after being prescribed Xeljanz, contact the dangerous drug lawyers at Wormington & Bollinger. Since the FDA issued an announcement warning of the risks associated with Xeljanz in February of 2019, our dangerous drug lawyers have been keeping a watchful eye on the associated lawsuits. When you are prescribed a medication to treat a specific condition based on your doctor's knowledge and expertise, only to suffer in the end, you may be able to take legal action. To learn more about your options and what steps to take, contact the Xeljanz attorneys at Wormington & Bollinger today.

In 2019, the FDA issued a boxed warning about an increased risk of blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) and death if patients take the 10 mg twice daily dose of Xeljanz. Previously, the arthritis drug had been approved for 5 mg twice daily. With the higher dosage of 20mg a day, many patients experienced mild to severe side effects.

Some of these side effects include:

• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Cold-like symptoms
• Diarrhea
• Rash
• Singles
• Headache
• Serious Infections
• Cancer
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Stroke
• Death

Although most patients experience minor side effects like headaches and cold symptoms, some people are at a higher risk than others and may develop more serious problems.

If you have a history of blood clots or heart problems, it is important to consult a physician before taking Xeljanz. Given the serious risks associated with the drug, the FDA has recommended a dosage of no more than 10 mg per day. If you experience any of the above symptoms, seek emergency medical attention right away. Common signs of a blood clot include:

• Sudden shortness of breath
• Chest pain that gets worse when taking a deep breath
• Sudden difficulty breathing
• Back pain
• Coughing up blood
• Profuse sweating
• Clammy skin
• Swelling of the legs or arms
• Leg pain or tenderness
• Red or discolored skin

From 2013 to 2018 (prior to the FDA issuing their warning), there were more than 45,000 reports of adverse reactions after taking Xeljanz. Nearly 15,000 were serious reactions, and 983 fatalities were reported. Individuals who have suffered serious side effects or death after taking Xeljanz may have the right to compensation. Some of the claims against Pfizer state that the drug manufacturer did not:

• Provide accurate warnings about the potential side effects of taking Xeljanz
• Disclose information about cases of pulmonary embolism, stroke, or other blood clots
• Adequately research the side effects of Xeljanz before marketing it to physicians and consumers
• Perform post-market studies to evaluate the potential risks, including blood clots and other cardiovascular problems
• Issue a recall of Xeljanz
• Issue a safety warning of Xeljanz

The pharmaceutical litigation attorneys at Wormington & Bollinger have your best interests in mind and will work tirelessly to get you the justice you deserve. Our team is dedicated to going above and beyond and will do everything we can to ensure those responsible for your suffering are held accountable. Taking on big pharma companies like Pfizer can be intimidating and challenging, but our lawyers are prepared to represent you. With a strong legal team by your side, your rights will be protected, and you may receive compensation for the suffering you experienced. To learn more about your options, contact a defective drug lawyer at Wormington & Bollinger today.