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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.

Has anyone taken xeljanz or cimzia and have you had any good results or any side effects? Thanks

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Ontario canada
August 22, 2024
 · 
Reactions
A myRAteam Member

I get 2 shots of cimzia once a month in the doctor's office. I've been on them since November and I haven't any side effects and my pain and fatigue is so much better 😊

August 22, 2024
myRAteam

Xeljanz (Tofacitinib) for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Overview
- Usage: Xeljanz is prescribed for adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to methotrexate.
- Mechanism: It is an immunomodulator and a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) that works Show Full Answer

Xeljanz (Tofacitinib) for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Overview:
- Usage: Xeljanz is prescribed for adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to methotrexate.
- Mechanism: It is an immunomodulator and a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) that works by inhibiting Janus kinases, which are involved in signaling the immune system to attack the body’s connective tissues.
- Administration: Taken orally as a tablet once or twice daily.

Common Side Effects:
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Respiratory tract infections
- Common cold
- Urinary tract infections

Serious Side Effects:
- Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism)
- Serious infections
- Lymphoma and other cancers

Safety Concerns:
- Recent studies have raised concerns about heart and cancer risks.
- The FDA has a boxed warning for blood clots, infection, and certain cancers.
- Ongoing research is needed to understand additional risks.

FDA Recommendations:
- Patients should not stop taking Xeljanz without consulting their provider.
- Providers should weigh the benefits and risks when prescribing or continuing the medication.

Cimzia (Certolizumab Pegol) for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Note: Specific details about Cimzia were not provided in the context. For more information, please consult a healthcare provider or a reliable medical source.

If you have any specific questions or concerns about these treatments, it's best to discuss them with your healthcare provider.

August 22, 2024
A myRAteam Member

I've been on Cimzia injections every other week. I do my injection at home. 400 mg. The first month. 2 shots. Skip a week. Then 2 shots. 2nd months 200mg shots. 1 week 1 shot skip a week then 1 shot. It's working good for me. Everyone is different.

August 23, 2024
A myRAteam Member

Thanks Paula

August 22, 2024
A myRAteam Member

Thanks I have to decide between the two.The other one is oral and I have found oral ones seem to have more side effects.I am now on idacio and it seems to have stopped working.

August 22, 2024

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