Xeljanz Linked to Increased Risk of Blood Clots and Death

Xeljanz Linked to Increased Risk of Blood Clots and Death

In Feb. 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that patients who take a 10 mg twice-daily dose of tofacitinib (Xeljanz, Xeljanz XR) to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at a greater risk of developing fatal blood clots in their lungs.

The FDA’s announcement came after an external data safety monitoring committee reviewed information from an ongoing clinical trial conducted by Pfizer, the drug’s manufacturer, and discovered the increased risks. The FDA’s currently approved dosage is 5 mg twice daily.

What Are the Symptoms of Xeljanz Injuries?

If you or someone you love takes Xeljanz, seek medical attention right away if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Sudden shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Chest pain or back pain
  • Coughing up blood
  • Excessive sweating
  • Clammy or bluish colored skin

Don’t stop taking Xeljanz without first speaking to your doctor, as doing so may put your health at risk.

We’re Here to Help After a Xeljanz Injury

Xeljanz is associated with serious injuries and complications, including blood clots in the lungs and even death. Our drug injury lawyers want to speak to you if you or a loved one took Xeljanz for at least three months and then had one or more of the following:

  • A cancer diagnosis
  • A serious heart problem (such as a heart attack, stroke, or heart-related death)
  • A blood clot (such as deep vein thrombosis, arterial thrombosis, or pulmonary embolism)

At Ferrer Poirot Feller, it’s our goal to help drug injury victims like you get the money they deserve when dangerous medications cause serious harm. Contact our drug injury lawyers today—we’ll put our experience to work for you and your family.

Xeljanz® and Xeljanz XR® are registered trademarks of Pfizer Inc., and are used here only to identify the products in question. Ferrer Poirot Feller is not associated with, sponsored by, or affiliated with Pfizer Inc. or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Do not stop taking a prescription medication without first consulting with your doctor. Discontinuing a prescribed medication without your doctor’s advice can result in injury or death. 

Cases may be referred to another attorney or law firm.