Jakafi Helps Treat the Following Conditions:

Myelofibrosis

Myelofibrosis is a rare type of chronic leukemia, which restricts the ability of bone marrow tissue to produce normal blood cells. Symptoms can include weakness, fatigue, anemia, and spleen issues.

Patients may live for years without experiencing symptoms. Myelofibrosis can lead to more serious forms of leukemia. There is no cure for this disease, but symptoms can be managed with treatment.

Polycythemia Vera

Polycythemia vera is a rare, slow-growing, blood cancer that affects bone marrow function and leads to elevated levels of red blood cells. Blood thickens and slows blood flow. Many patients can lead symptom-free lives, though the most common symptoms include: headache, dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision, excessive sweating, shortness of breath, and itchiness (especially after a hot shower).

There is currently no cure for polycythemia vera, however, symptoms can be managed successfully with a number of treatments.

Marketed Internationally as Jakavi

In some countries, Jakafi is sold under the brand name Jakavi.

Jakafi Active Ingredient

Jakafi contains the active ingredient ruxolitinib, which belongs to a class of drugs known as JAK inhibitors. Like other drugs in the class, ruxolitinib stops the production of growth factors in the body, helping to manage negative symptoms associated with certain bone marrow disorders.

Generic Jakafi Alternative

Generic alternatives to Jakafi are not yet available on this website.

General Drug Information

What is Jakafi and What Is It Used For?

Jakafi is prescribed to patients who suffer from bone marrow disorders like myelofibrosis and Polycythemia Vera. The medication blocks the body’s ability to produce signaling molecules – the very substances which cause cells to grow and divide.

While essential for normal function of the human body, these molecules may cause blood cell and spleen problems in patients with myelofibrosis and polycythemia vera.

Jakafi is not a cure for these disorders. However, it may help with some of the negative symptoms: abdominal discomfort, pain under ribs, early feelings of fullness from meals, night sweats, itching, and bone and/or muscle pain.

Usage and Application

Before sourcing Jakafi, please read the medication guide prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist.

Jakafi should be taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor. Dosage is based on a patient’s medical condition, response to treatment, laboratory test results, and other medications that the patient may be taking.

Most patients are directed to take Jakafi by mouth, twice a day, with or without food. The medication should be swallowed whole. Patients who are unable to swallow tablets should ask their doctor for alternative ways to ingest Jakafi.

To reduce the risk of side effects, some patients may be directed to start Jakafi at a lower dose, increasing it gradually. Patients should follow their doctor's instructions carefully. Do not increase your dose or use it more often/for longer than prescribed. This will not speed up the improvement of your condition and increases the risk of side effects.

Eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice also increases the risk of side effects while using Jakafi. Patients should ask their doctor or pharmacist for more details.

To experience the greatest benefit, Jakafi should be taken regularly and at the same time each day.

Patients should not stop taking Jakafi without consulting their doctor. If Jakafi is stopped suddenly, patients may experience symptoms like fever, trouble breathing, and dizziness. Unusual bleeding and bruising are also possible.

To reduce the risk of such symptoms, patients may be directed to reduce their dose of Jakafi gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any new or worsening symptoms immediately.

Considerations Before Taking Jakafi

Before starting treatment, discuss the possibility of allergic reactions to Jakafi with your doctor. This medication contains inactive ingredients which may also cause an allergic reaction.

It is vital to discuss the patient’s medical history, especially relating to liver disease, kidney disease, and skin cancer. Any past or current infections (e.g. tuberculosis) should also be reported.

Jakafi may cause dizziness, and alcohol and marijuana can exacerbate this effect. Patients should not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires alertness until they are in a position to do so safely. Limit alcohol and discuss marijuana use with your doctor.

Patients who take Jakafi may be more prone to get infections or may experience worsening pre-existing infections. Wash your hands well and avoid contact with people who have chickenpox, measles, flu, tuberculosis, or any other infections that spreads easily. Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection.

Patients should not have immunizations or vaccinations without the consent of their doctor. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (e.g. flu vaccine inhaled through the nose).

Before surgery or dental procedures, inform your doctor or dentist of all the prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and herbal products that you are taking.

During pregnancy, Jakafi should only be used only when clearly needed. Women should discuss the risks and benefits with their doctor.

It is unknown if Jakafi passes into breast milk. Due to possible risk, women should not take this medication while breastfeeding, or for the following two weeks after stopping treatment.

Delayed and Omitted Doses

Patients who miss a dose of Jakafi should skip the missed dose and resume their usual dosing schedule. Patients should not double their dose to catch up.

Other Medications and Jakafi

Drug interactions may change the way Jakafi works, increasing the risk of side effects. Before starting treatment, patients need to discuss the full list of medications and supplements they are taking with their doctor. Patients should not change their dose or stop taking this medication unless their physician advises them to do so.

Some products – like drugs that weaken the immune system – may interact negatively with Jakafi. Examples include the cancer drug rituximab and natalizumab, which is prescribed to patients with multiple sclerosis and Crohn’s disease.

This document does not contain a full list of all possible interactions. Please consult your physician before buying Jakafi.

Adverse Reactions

Patients who use Jakafi may develop serious side effects. However, patients are prescribed Jakafi because their doctor has decided that the benefit of treatment is greater than the risk of side effects. Patients who are carefully monitored by their doctor often have a smaller risk of side effects.

Common side effects include dizziness, headache, weight gain, and gas. Consult your doctor if any of these effects persist or worsen.

Serious side effects include unusual tiredness, unusual skin changes, and easy bleeding and/or bruising.

Jakafi may decrease the body's ability to fight infections. This can that patients may be more prone to getting new infections or experiencing the worsening of existing ones. Patients should monitor for: fever, chills, cough, persistent sore throat, and painful skin rash. Contact your doctor immediately in the event of such symptoms.

People treated with Jakafi face an increased risk of getting a rare – but very serious – brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). This condition may sometimes be fatal, and patients must monitor for the following symptoms: clumsiness, loss of coordination, weakness, seizure, speech problems, and difficulty flexing muscles.

PML also can cause vision changes and sudden changes in thinking (e.g. confusion, difficulty concentrating).

Serious allergic reactions to Jakafi are rare, yet patients should be aware of allergic symptoms such as rash, itching, and swelling (tongue/throat), severe dizziness, and trouble breathing.

How to Store Jakafi

Jakafi should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep away from children and pets.

Unwanted medication should be disposed of properly. Jakafi should never be poured into drains or flushed down the toilet. Patients should consult a pharmacist or their local waste disposal company to find out more about safe disposal methods.