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Uses

What is Jakafi used for?

Jakafi (ruxolitinib) is commonly used to treat certain types of blood cancers, including myelofibrosis (MF) and polycythemia vera. It is also used to treat graft versus host disease (GVHD).

Your Guide to Jakafi for Polycythemia Vera: What You Need to Know

Jakafi may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Jakafi work (mechanism of action)?

Jakafi is a type of medicine known as a JAK inhibitor. It inhibits specific kinases called Janus associated kinase 1 and 2 (JAK1 and JAK2). Janus associated kinases (JAKs) are proteins that become overactive in blood cancer and can cause your body to make blood cells that are not healthy. Jakafi blocks the action of JAK1 and JAK2 to slow down the creation of blood cells that are not normal. It also blocks JAK from sending certain signals that can cause GVHD. Jakafi blocks these signals to treat GVHD. 

How is Jakafi supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Jakafi

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 5 mg oral tablets
  • 10 mg oral tablets
  • 15 mg oral tablets
  • 20 mg oral tablets
  • 25 mg oral tablets

Ruxolitinib is also available in a topical form that is applied to the skin and is used to treat different conditions than Jakafi. See Opzelura for more information. 

How should I store Jakafi?

Jakafi should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Jakafi?

The most common side effects of Jakafi are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Low platelet levels (see below)
  • Low red blood cell levels, also called anemia (see below)
  • Bruising
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Low neutrophil levels (see below)
  • Infections (see below)
  • Fluid retention

There may be other side effects of Jakafi that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Jakafi?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Jakafi are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Jakafi may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Jakafi and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Anemia. Jakafi may cause anemia, which is when you have low levels of red blood cells. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of anemia.

  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat
  • Pale or yellowish skin
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Shortness of breath

Severely Low Platelet Levels. Jakafi can cause you to have a severely low number of platelets in your blood, also called thrombocytopenia. Platelets help to form blood clots. Having a low level of platelets may increase your risk of bleeding. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of low platelet levels.

  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Bleeding that does not stop
  • Nosebleeds

Low Neutrophil Levels (Neutropenia). Jakafi may cause low levels of a type of white blood cell (called neutrophils), which is known as neutropenia. Neutrophils help prevent infection. Having a low level of neutrophils may increase your risk of infection. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low neutrophil levels.

  • Fever, chills, or sweats
  • Tiredness
  • Sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath
  • Mouth or throat sores
  • Swollen lymph nodes

Reactivated and New Infections. Jakafi can increase your risk of new or reactivated infections, including serious infections. Some types of microbes that cause infections (such as bacteria or viruses) can remain in the body after you recover from that infection. When a microbe stays in the body but does not cause an infection, it is called a “latent” microbe. Jakafi may increase your risk of a latent microbe becoming active again, causing an infection. Before you start treatment with Jakafi, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis B, herpes (cold sores, genital herpes, or shingles), or any other serious infections. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of infection.

  • Burning or stinging when you pee
  • Cough or coughing up blood
  • Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
  • Shortness of breath
  • Diarrhea or stomach pain
  • Weight loss

Cancer. Jakafi can cause new skin cancers, including certain types of non-melanoma skin cancers. Tell your healthcare provider about any new changes to your skin while taking Jakafi. 

High Fat Levels In Blood. Jakafi may cause high levels of lipids (fats). This can include high levels of cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides. Attend all of your appointments so that your healthcare provider can monitor these levels while you take Jakafi. 

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Jakafi?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Jakafi.

  • Jakafi
  • Ruxolitinib
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Jakafi.

What should I know about Jakafi before using it?

Do not take Jakafi unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Jakafi with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Jakafi out of the reach of children.

Attend all appointments with your healthcare provider so they can do blood tests to make sure Jakafi is safe for you to take. 

If you are unable to swallow Jakafi and have a nasogastric tube, ask your healthcare provider how to take the medicine. 

Do not stop taking Jakafi without talking to your healthcare provider. Stopping Jakafi suddenly can cause symptoms of your condition to return. These symptoms can be dangerous and even life-threatening. If you need to stop taking Jakafi, your healthcare provider will give you instructions on how to stop the medicine.

If you have kidney problems and are on dialysis, you should not take your Jakafi dose before your dialysis. Take Jakafi after you have completed dialysis.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Jakafi?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Jakafi is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Current infection or past serious infections, including tuberculosis, shingles (herpes zoster), or hepatitis B
  • Low red blood cell levels
  • Low white blood cell levels
  • Liver problems
  • Kidney problems or are on dialysis
  • High fat levels in your blood
  • Smoke or have previously smoked
  • Heart problems, including blood clots, heart attacks, or a stroke
  • Have had any other cancer

Rheumatoid Arthritis. Some people with rheumatoid arthritis who took another medicine that is very similar to Jakafi had an increased risk of new cancers and of heart problems, including a heart attack, blood clots, and stroke. Tell your healthcare provider if you have rheumatoid arthritis or take any medicines for rheumatoid arthritis.   

Other Medicines and Supplements. Jakafi may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Jakafi, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is unknown if Jakafi may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. 

Breastfeeding. Do not take Jakafi while you are breastfeeding and for at least two weeks after your last dose. It is not known if Jakafi passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Jakafi?

For more information about Jakafi, you can visit the manufacturer’s website www.jakafi.com or call them at 855-452-5234.

Interactions

Does Jakafi interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Jakafi and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Jakafi.

Does Jakafi interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are taking fluconazole, which is a medicine used to treat fungal or yeast infections. 

Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of Jakafi. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Jakafi. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Jakafi?

If you or someone else has used too much Jakafi, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Jakafi?

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

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