What You Need to Know About Xelijanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Defective Drugs Issues Attorneys
Xeljanz has become a popular Pfizer drug used to help treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ulcerative colitis. Although Xeljanz was approved by the FDA back in 2012, the FDA has recently released a safety communication about the risk of blood clots in the lungs and risk of death.
“FDA is alerting the public that a safety clinical trial found an increased risk of blood clots in the lungs and death when a 10 mg twice daily dose of tofacitinib (Xeljanz, Xeljanz XR) was used in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). FDA has not approved this 10 mg twice daily dose for RA.”
Symptoms to Look For
If you’ve recently taken, or are currently taking Xeljanz for rheumatoid arthritis, be aware of the following symptoms of a blood clot and contact your doctor immediately if you notice:
- Sudden shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chest pain or pain in your back
- Coughing up blood
- Excessive sweating
- Clammy or bluish-colored skin
Continued use of Xeljanz can lead to blood clots, pulmonary embolism, thromboembolism, and even death.
Xeljanz is Not Approved for Rheumatoid Arthritis in Europe
The European Medicines Agency rejected Xeljanz. Their findings show there is no substantial benefit of Xeljanz over other rheumatoid arthritis drugs. Also, there are serious side effects associated with the drug including severe infections, liver damage, gastrointestinal bleeding, increased blood pressure and cholesterol, and an increased risk of cancer.
We can’t help but wonder why the FDA would clear this drug in the United States if it poses such a risk? Did the manufacturer give the FDA the whole story?
Our Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help
If you suffered blood clots or embolisms, or if one of your family members died as a result of taking Xeljanz for rheumatoid arthritis, we’re here to help. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation with our Louisville personal injury lawyers to discuss what your legal options are.