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Xeljanz - how long to stay on? Joint pain getting worse

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 10/7/2019 1:50 PM (GMT 0)
I have been on Xeljanz for almost 2 months now. It's working very well for me. I will soon be going from 10 mg twice a day to 5 mg twice a day. My only complaint is joint pain. It is getting pretty bad to a point where I have a hard time going down stairs first thing in the morning. How long do people stay on Xeljanz if it's working for you? My GI told me 6 months when I went to see him last week. Just wondering what others have heard and are doing.
Posted 10/7/2019 2:11 PM (GMT 0)
it is intended for life (or until it stops working). There is some research on using biologics as short-term rescue drugs, and then discontinuing - but there is currently no standard of care saying to do that.

6 months is usually how long to stay on the drug before trying something else if it is NOT working.

Maybe you joint pain will resolve once you go to lower dose. Maybe your GI is pioneering the "rescue drug" use. I am more concerned that there may not be clear communication between you and your GI, because the "stay on it for just 6 months if it works" is such unusual advice.

good luck
Posted 10/7/2019 11:46 PM (GMT 0)
If Xeljanz is working for you you should stay on it. Not sure why your doc would tell you it's ok to stop a med if it's working.

You should talk with your doc if the joint pain continues or gets worse.
Posted 10/8/2019 7:12 PM (GMT 0)
I ve been on Xeljanz since early March and its been a saviour for me.
I get a little joint pain but can't say I can pin it down to that as I am 78 years of age.
Ive been off it for 7 days now because of surgery tomorrow and I can't say the little pain I have has reduced.
The trial of 5 mg did not work well for me so went back to 10 mg in late May
Posted 10/9/2019 1:06 PM (GMT 0)
I corresponded with my nurse practitioner who told me I need to stay on Xeljanz indefinitely. If side effects become more of an issue, she will consider switching to something else, but for now I'm all set. It was my GI who told me at a follow-up visit that I would be on it for 6 months. I like my NP better, and I'll be sticking to her for care from now on!
Posted 10/10/2019 6:42 AM (GMT 0)
I am on methotrexate for joint pain and Xeljanz for UC.
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