Should I Stop Taking Xeljanz?

Jed Dietrich, Esq. and His Team of Relentless, Zealous, and Tenacious Attorneys at the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. Take Legal Action to Demand Substantial Compensation for Victims Who Developed Cancer After Being Prescribed Xeljanz in Buffalo, New York; Niagara Falls, New York; Rochester, New York; Throughout New York State and Beyond.

In 2012, Xeljanz (tofacitinib) was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat adults suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Later, the drug was also approved to treat psoriatic arthritis and ulcerative colitis. Xeljanz is typically prescribed to patients who have not responded to other arthritis drugs. However, by February 2019, safety clinical trials conducted by Pfizer Inc., the manufacturer of Xeljanz, began to demonstrate an elevated risk of blood clots and death when taking the drug at higher dosages. Consequently, the Food and Drug Administration mandated a Black Box Warning label for Xeljanz to caution patients. After completion of the clinical trial in February 2021, an FDA Drug Safety Communication warned of higher occurrences of serious heart-related problems and cancer. Finally, on September 1, 2021, the Food and Drug Administration concluded that Xeljanz users had an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, cancer, blood clots, and death even at lower dosages. 

Suppose you, or a family member, has been prescribed Xeljanz and developed heart problems, blood clots in the lungs, or cancer and are hesitant about your course of action; you owe it to yourself to contact Buffalo, New York’s finest dangerous drug attorney. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s seasoned litigators promise to aggressively fight to hold Pfizer liable for all your Xeljanz-related damages. After practicing law for over 2 decades, Jed Dietrich, Esq. has the proficiency and knowledge necessary to win your case. Jed Dietrich, Esq. has made insurance companies and defective drug manufacturers pay more than $175,000,000.00 in judgment and settlements to resolve his client’s lawsuits. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s highly experienced team provides confidential, no-obligation case evaluations and consultations. Our battle-tested attorneys are readily available twenty-four-seven by calling 716-839-3939. There has never been a better time for us to assess the particulars of your claim. Pursuing a claim can provide you with a sense of justice by holding Pfizer responsible for its recklessness.

Especially when considering the Black Box Warning placed on Xeljanz in 2019, the recent FDA Drug Safety Communication issued regarding Xeljanz’s connection with serious heart-related problems and cancer risks is extremely concerning. Furthermore, the Food and Drug Administration’s completed review found that patients were susceptible to blood clots and infections even at lower doses of Xeljanz. Blood clots can form when blood thickens just about anywhere in the body, such as the limbs, heart, kidneys, lungs, and brain. When a clot in a deep vein, known as deep vein thrombosis, travels to the lungs and blocks vital blood flow, this is called a pulmonary embolism. Stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure are some other complications caused by blood clots. As a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, Xeljanz suppresses the patient’s immune system and blocks the creation of cytokine, which can disturb the growth and spread of cells. Consequently, Xeljanz significantly increases the risk of developing various types of cancer. Studies have frequently associated prostate cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, melanoma, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma with the use of Xeljanz.

The Food and Drug Administration recommends that patients taking Xeljanz tell their doctor if they smoke or have a history of heart problems, stroke, or blood clots. The same can place patients at a higher risk for suffering serious side effects. Patients should seek emergency medical treatment if they have any symptoms related to blood clots, heart issues, heart attack, or stroke. Additionally, to ensure that the benefits of the drug outweigh the risks, approved uses are limited to patients who are unresponsive or have no tolerance for tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s compassionate team highly recommends talking to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. If you are currently prescribed Xeljanz, please consult with your health care provider before discontinuing the use of the medication.

Unfortunately, there is no existing cure for rheumatoid arthritis. Over the last few years, there has been a shift towards an early introduction of disease-modifying medications, and the availability of new drugs has helped improve patients’ results. The primary objective of rheumatoid arthritis treatment seeks to minimize joint damage, achieve the lowest possible level of arthritis activity, enhance physical functioning, and improve the overall quality of life. Both patients and their families must be properly educated regarding the nature and course of rheumatoid arthritis. An optimal patient treatment program combines medical, emotional, and social support. Viable treatment options may include any combination of the following:

1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs);
2. Corticosteroids;
3. Hydroxychloroquine;
4. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs);
5. Methotrexate;
6. Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors;
7. T-cell costimulatory blocking agents;
8. Sulfasalazine;
9. Leflunomide;
10. Physical and occupational therapy;
11. Reduction of joint stress; and
12. Surgical intervention.

The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s veteran lawyers have the practice and demonstrated results necessary to demand the highest possible compensation. You can always count on our battle-tested team of experts to deliver the outcome that you deserve. Negligent drug manufacturers and defense teams have been forced to pay Jed Dietrich, Esq. at least $1,000,000.00 or more on 38 separate occasions to compensate his clients. Our unrivaled success can be attributed to our vast legal expertise and elite reputation. You have absolutely nothing to lose by retaining Western New York’s finest dangerous and defective drug law firm. Contact our leading litigators today at 716-839-3939 or by completing the online consultation form. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our knowledgeable team for your complimentary case evaluation and consultation!

Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at 716-839-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Buffalo, New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!