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Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Xeljanz

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Toronto, ON

Hopefully I will be starting to take Xeljanz soon. Have people who have taken/are taking Xeljanz tolerated it well?
What side effects did you have, when you first started taking the medication?

December 6, 2019
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Answer Summary

Members shared mixed experiences with Xeljanz for rheumatoid arthritis, with many reporting significant pain relief and no side effects, while... Read more

Members shared mixed experiences with Xeljanz for rheumatoid arthritis, with many reporting significant pain relief and no side effects, while others experienced weight gain, elevated blood pressure, increased cholesterol, yeast infections, or found the medication stopped working after several months. Several members described successfully taking Xeljanz alone without methotrexate, achieving remission or dramatically reduced pain within days to weeks, though some noted the medication either provided no benefit or lost effectiveness over time. A recurring theme was the deeply personal nature of medication response, with members emphasizing the importance of monitoring for adverse effects, staying in close contact with rheumatologists, and maintaining hope while navigating the trial-and-error process of finding the right treatment.

A myRAteam Member

I love Xeljanz! I had zero noticeable side effects and it cut my pain and stiffness by 75% within 3 days. I'm sure that's not a typical response though. Unfortunately, it stopped working for me after 6 months.

December 9, 2019
A myRAteam Member

I've been on xeljanz for a couple of years now. My pain level has gone down a lot. I dont take half the amount of pain I use too.

December 6, 2019
A myRAteam Member

I’ve been on xeljanz xr for 2 years. I’m doing good my numbers have been good enough to get off of methotrexate. No side effects that I’m aware of

December 6, 2019
A myRAteam Member

I too was on Xeljanz only for a month. So i didnt get the full effect of the drug. I am pushing my RA Dr. to put me back on it. I have been on sooooo many drugs (biologics) i could probably write a book on them and what they did to me. Lol. Good luck with your endeavors and stay pain free.

December 7, 2019
A myRAteam Member

@A myRAteam Member I took Xeljanz Jan 2019 to May 2019. It helped a lot with my pain around 3 weeks. Unfortunately I gained almost 18lbs, it raised my blood pressure and I had to go on medication and it also raised my cholesterol levels. Unfortunately I had to stop it. Now on Erelzi (bio similar to Enbrel) since October and so far it is helping with my pain. I have minor headaches which is a side effect. Doctor also added methotrexate 10 mg per week. I hope and pray that Xeljanz helps you and you have no side effects. 🤗🙏

December 6, 2019
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