Tofacitinib was first approved by the FDA in 2012 for the treatment of adults with rheumatoid arthritis. In 2017, the FDA approved tofacitinib for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis. In 2018, the FDA approved the medicine to treat ulcerative colitis. Upon FDA approval of tofacitinib, Pfizer was required to conduct a safety clinical trial in patients with rheumatoid arthritis to evaluate the risk of cardiac events, cancer and infections. Based on interim trial results In February 2019 and July 2019, the FDA warned of an increased risk of blood clots and death with dosages of 10 mg twice daily and required a Black Box Warning of such risks on July 30, 2019.
Upon completion of the clinical trial, the FDA released a drug safety communication on February 4, 2021 reported initial safety results showing an increased risk of serious heart-related problems and cancer with use of Xeljanz® and Xeljanz XR® (tofacitinib) in both tested dosages of 5 mg and 10 mg twice daily. While further data may be necessary to determine which cancers Xeljanz® usage is most associated with, if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with any cancer other than skin cancer or smoking-related lung cancer, you may be a candidate to file a Xeljanz® lawsuit. If you would like to pursue a potential claim against Pfizer for a cancer diagnosis, blood clots, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, serious cardiac event, or death, please fill out the form above to speak to a Xeljanz® lawyer at the Gori Law Firm about your potential case.
Per the FDA’s communication, patients should not stop taking tofacitinib without first consulting with their health care professionals, as doing so may worsen their condition.
We are currently accepting potential claims against the makers of Xeljanz® and Xeljanz XR® by users who were diagnosed with cancer. If you or a loved one took Xeljanz® or Xeljanz XR® and were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer or lung cancer, please send us your contact information and we will respond promptly.