Managing potential side effects of Jakafi medication
Jakafi, a brand-name oral tablet, is prescribed for myelofibrosis, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and other blood conditions in some adults and children. However, like any medication, it comes with potential side effects. Here's what you should know about the long-term side effects of Jakafi.
Immunosuppression and Infections
One of the main long-term side effects of Jakafi is immunosuppression, which can lead to an increased risk of bacterial infections and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), potentially causing bleeding risks. Regular monitoring of blood counts is essential to manage these risks.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Common and potentially long-term gastrointestinal symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and diarrhea. These symptoms may persist in some patients.
Skin Side Effects
Compared to other treatments like hydroxyurea in polycythemia vera (PV) patients, Jakafi has a relatively low risk (approximately 3.0%) of skin toxicity, including ulcers or cancers.
Encephalopathy Risk
Though more associated with another JAK inhibitor, fedratinib, monitoring for neurological symptoms like confusion or coordination problems is advised since ruxolitinib might have overlapping safety concerns.
Other Side Effects
Hemorrhage and other cytopenias have been observed in myelofibrosis patients. Symptoms of anemia, such as dizziness, weakness, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, and shortness of breath, should be reported to your doctor.
Blood Clots
Though rare in clinical trials, Jakafi may cause blood clots. If you experience symptoms such as breathing problems, chest pain, fast heart rate, low blood pressure, pain, warmth, or swelling in an arm or leg, call your doctor right away.
Monitoring and Precautions
Because Jakafi is used in complex diseases with multiple co-morbidities, long-term therapy requires careful hematologic and clinical monitoring to mitigate these risks. No generic version is currently available, underscoring the importance of treatment oversight by specialized providers.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Jakafi is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before starting Jakafi.
Interactions and Risks
There are no known interactions between Jakafi and alcohol. However, if you have questions about drinking alcohol while taking Jakafi, talk with your doctor. Kidney problems and liver damage may increase your risk of Jakafi side effects. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dosage of Jakafi if you have a kidney condition or liver damage.
Infections and Allergic Reactions
If you notice any new infections, let your doctor know as you may need treatment with an antibiotic or other medication. If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away.
Other Precautions
Factors that increase your risk of cardiac events, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and smoking, may increase the risk of cardiac events with Jakafi treatment. If you have tuberculosis, taking Jakafi increases the chance of the bacteria becoming active again. Your doctor will give you a TB test before you take Jakafi.
If you have hepatitis B, taking Jakafi can increase the amount of this virus in your body. Your doctor will likely monitor your liver function to reduce the chance of hepatitis B flare-ups. If you have a herpes infection, taking Jakafi may cause the infection to come back. If it does, your doctor may have you stop taking Jakafi while they treat the herpes infection.
In summary, long-term side effects of Jakafi include immunosuppression leading to infections, cytopenias causing bleeding risk, gastrointestinal symptoms, and low but notable risk of skin problems and neurological effects which necessitate continual monitoring in patients with myelofibrosis, polycythemia vera, and GVHD.
- In some cases, Jakafi may increase the risk of cardiac events for individuals with preexisting risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and smoking.
- If you have tuberculosis, taking Jakafi increases the chance of the bacteria becoming active again, and a TB test is required before starting the medication.
- For individuals with hepatitis B, taking Jakafi can increase the amount of this virus in your body, and your doctor will likely monitor your liver function to reduce the chance of hepatitis B flare-ups.
- If you have a herpes infection, taking Jakafi may cause the infection to come back, and your doctor may have you stop taking Jakafi while they treat the herpes infection.
- Long-term therapy with Jakafi requires careful hematologic and clinical monitoring to mitigate risks associated with blood cell disorders, cancer, mental health, and other medical conditions.
- Because no generic version is currently available, treatment oversight by specialized providers is crucial.
- In case of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away, and if you notice any new infections, make sure to inform your doctor since you may need treatment with an antibiotic or other medication.
