It's always scary to start a new biologic. I've had bad side effects with some and not with others. Usually if your going to have bad side effects it will be at the first. Tell your doctor your nervous. Some I have taken a benadryl before I take med. Talk to your doctor first.

Some of the RA meds take up to four months before you can tell if it’s working. I took xeljanx but I had side effects from it. Just make a journal each day on how you feel, any side effects or concerns that you may have and share with your doctor.

Hi SamathaD
I was made aware from my rheumatologist that the side effects are always stated for legal purposes, but the actual possibility of getting all of them is not likely.
I’ve never taken Xeljanz, but I use Leflunimide daily and have for 20 months. I like the effects this drug has it acts similar to Xeljanz .
Only you can weigh out the side effects. Six days isn’t near enough time to see any side effects unless you’re allergic to it. Nor at 6 days can you judge the long term of any drug.
Talk to your doctor as you weigh out all the possibilities for an outcome
Take care Hugs

Hi Samantha,
I was part of the clinical trials to develop Xeljanz and XeljanzXR (this is time released), as nothing else was working for me. After 12 years total, a hospital stay,1 week, stopped all meds and when I went back on the XeljanzXR it had stopped working. My Rheumatologist put me on Rinvoq for a year and a half, which did little for my flares and increase dental issues. I ask to try the XeljanzXR again for a three month period to see if it would kick back in. I restarted it 06-05-2026, so far so good. The test will be completed once my bloodwork is done for my September visit with my Rheumatologist. Then we will reevaluate and see where we go. If it continues at the rate it is now, my goal is to walk in for my appointment without my walker! My balance and right knee still need improvement but I am getting there.
I pray you find your working med(s) as it can make all the difference! We are each so different in how we react to RA and the meds we take.
Good Luck!