Jakafi Medication is used to treat certain bone marrow disorders like myelofibrosis, polycythemia vera. There are some substances called as growth factors, these cells are there to grow and divide, and cause the blood cell and spleen problems found in these disorders. This medication works by blocking your body from producing such substances. Though medicines belong to this group are not a cure for these disorders, but they may help with some of the symptoms.
Jakafi, also termed as ruxolitinib, works by blocking certain enzymes in the body that affect blood cell production. It is generally used to treat myelofibrosis or polycythemia vera, which are bone marrow disorders that affect your body's ability to produce blood cells. It may also be used for other purposes. It is important to note that you should not use Jakafi if you are allergic to ruxolitinib, or if you have severe kidney disease or tuberculosis. Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, if you are on dialysis, or if you are pregnant. You should not breast-feed while you are using this medicine. Grapefruit may interact with Jakafi and can affect the amount of the medication in your blood. So use this fruit after discussing with your doctor.
In order to check whether Jakafi is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested often. When you first start taking Jakafi, your blood will need to be tested every 2 to 4 weeks. It’s important to have follow-up visits to your doctor. Using Jakafi may increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Jakafi will harm an unborn baby or not, is still unknown.Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medcine. It is not known whether ruxolitinib passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using ruxolitinib.
Jakafi Medication Cost, Side Effect
You can find all relevant information about this medication including its cost, uses and side effects.
Jakafi Medication Cost
The cost for Jakafi tablet 5 mg is around $11,254 for a supply of 60 tablets. The cost of medicine may also depend on the pharmacy you visit. Jakafi is not available as a generic version, rather as a brand name drug.
Jakafi Medication Side Effect
Like all other medications, Jakafi Medication can also cause side effects, ranging normal to severe. Dizziness, headache, weight gain, or gas are some common side effects that may occur. Serious side effects can also be there but the point is that doctor has prescribed you this drug because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
- In case of easy bleeding/bruising, unusual skin changes, consult your doctor immediately.
- This medication may lower your ability to fight infections, and you may get a serious infection including some brain infections more easily. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection such as fever, chills, cough, painful skin rash/blisters, persistent sore throat, loss of coordination, weakness, or sudden change in your thinking .
- Although a very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, like itching/swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
Jakafi Medication Uses
Jakafi Medication is taken orally, with or without food as directed by your doctor. You have to take it twice daily. If you have difficulty in swallowing the tablets, ask your doctor about other ways to take this medication. The dosage that you have to take is based on your medical condition, laboratory test results, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. You should tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the drugs and even the herbal products, you are taking.
In order to reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. But this you can do only after discussing with your doctor, since decision can be made as per your problem extent. Likewise, don’t increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.
