Xeljanz Side Effects

I have been on Xeljanz for almost 7 weeks and seeing great results. My flare has improved by 85%. I just have a question for other Xeljanz users. I have been feeling very achy since last week. My body feels very stiff and achy especially when I wake up or after sitting for a long time. I'm just not sure if this is a result of the Xeljanz or not. I would have thought if this were a side effect it would have showed up sooner. My muscles also get more fatigued than normal when I am working out - another recent symptom. Other than this minor issue, I am thrilled with the progress with this medication.

ipoop - yes, it could be part of that, but my UC symptoms are greatly improved. It could just be aches and pains of arthritis and overuse. Again, I'll take it as long as my UC is under control. Thanks for your response. You are a great source of support and information for all of us on this site. Have a good day!

It's always a tough one, are my pains an extra-intestinal-manifestation or are they due to the med I am on? There's no way for certain to know, and stopping a med when you're doing very well is more than a little bit risky. Many do motor-through-it, when the pains aren't debilitating.

With large cell-surface protein monoclonal antibody therapy, like remicade/entyvio/humira, you can take an antibody blood test as antibodies can cause adverse reactions like joint pains. However, xeljanz is a tiny protein that works inside our cells, and outside of the reach of antibodies. So that is not a cause with xeljanz; impossible. Xeljanz technically isn't a biologic and it isn't a monoclonal antibody therapy like the others are. The immune system can attempt to build antibodies against any monoclonal antibody.

iPoop - What does that all mean? If you have antibodies, it will react and manifest itself with side effects like joint pain? If so, what do you do about it other than coming off the medicine?

I am just pushing through some of the side effects of joint pain and muscle aches and very grateful for the almost 100% remission I've achieved on Xeljanz after months of misery.

It is normal to experience more gas when transitioning from active flare to remission (or something close to remission). You could try a probiotic, but many people report that probiotics actually increase gas. You might try Gas-X (simethicone).