Question 1

Should I Avoid Certain Vaccines During Xeljanz XR Treatment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you should avoid live vaccines while taking Xeljanz XR. Live vaccines contain weakened versions of viruses or bacteria that trigger your immune system to build protection. Since Xeljanz XR weakens your immune system, getting a live vaccine could lead to an infection from the virus or bacteria in the vaccine. Examples of live vaccines include MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), smallpox, and chickenpox (varicella).

Question 2

Will I Have Withdrawal Symptoms if I Stop Using Xeljanz XR?

Accepted Answer

It’s possible that your symptoms could return or worsen if you stop taking Xeljanz XR. A small study found that about 37% of people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who stopped taking Xeljanz were able to remain off the medication for a year without their disease getting worse. People with less severe RA symptoms were more likely to stop the medication without their symptoms worsening.

Question 3

Can I Take Xeljanz XR with a Biologic?

Accepted Answer

No, you should not take Xeljanz XR with a biologic drug. Biologics are medications made from living cells and are often used to suppress the immune system in autoimmune disorders. Combining Xeljanz XR with a biologic can overly suppress your immune system, raising the risk of serious infections.

Question 4

Does Xeljanz XR Cause Mouth Sores?

Accepted Answer

Mouth sores are a possible side effect of Xeljanz XR. This medication can weaken your immune system, which may increase the risk of viruses in your body, like the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores, becoming active again.