In the past, we have written about Xeljanz-related blood clots and Xeljanz pulmonary embolism risks, i.e., blood clots in the lung, which can lead to death in some cases. Recently, however, we saw there are some new clinical trial findings of serious infections linked to Xeljanz.
In March 2020 the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) published this report, “Tofacitinib (Xeljanz▼): new measures to minimise risk of venous thromboembolism and of serious and fatal infections”, which includes a discussion of at the clinical trial findings regarding serious infections linked to Xeljanz. From the MHRA Xeljanz Drug Safety Update report, in relevant part, here is what is being pointed out:
[Xeljanz (tofacitinib)] is known to increase the risk of serious and fatal infections such as pneumonia, cellulitis, herpes zoster, and urinary tract infections. Existing advice contraindicates use of [Xeljanz (tofacitinib)] in patients with active infections, and advises healthcare professionals to consider the benefits and risks in patients with recurrent infections, a history of serious or opportunistic infection, or travel to areas of endemic mycoses, and in those who have underlying conditions that may predispose them to infection.
We will continue to watch for significant Xeljanz drug safety developments with respect to Xeljanz-related blood clots, Xeljanz pulmonary embolism risks, serious infections linked to Xeljanz.
[Read article in full at original source]