FDA Requires New Warnings for Xeljanz and Other Arthritis Medicines Due to Heart Risks
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Drug Safety Communication (DSC) regarding the arthritis and ulcerative colitis drug Xeljanz (and Xeljanz XR), otherwise known as tofacitinib. After studying the results of a large, randomized safety clinical trial of the medicine, the agency stated there was evidence of “serious heart-related events,” including heart attack, stroke, cancer, blood clots, and death.
The Dangers of Xeljanz
Patients who have taken the drug Xeljanz to treat certain forms of arthritis and ulcerative colitis are learning that the cure could be worse than the disease.