Jakafi is a brand-name prescription medication. It’s FDA-approved to treat the following conditions in certain situations:

For more details, see the “Jakafi uses” section below.

* Acute GVHD refers to GVHD occurring within 3 months of a stem cell transplant. Chronic GVHD refers to GVHD occurring between 3 months and 1 year after a stem cell transplant.

Drug details

Jakafi contains the active drug ruxolitinib. It belongs to a drug class called kinase inhibitors.

Jakafi comes as an oral tablet in the following strengths: 5 milligrams (mg), 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, and 25 mg.

Effectiveness

For information about the effectiveness of Jakafi, see the “Jakafi uses” section below.

Jakafi is available only as a brand-name medication. It’s not currently available in a generic version.

A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs.

Jakafi can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Jakafi. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

Side effects might differ slightly among people with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), polycythemia, and myelofibrosis.* For example, infection might be a more common side effect among people with GVHD than those with polycythemia or myelofibrosis.

For more information about the possible side effects of Jakafi, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Jakafi, you can do so through MedWatch.

* Jakafi is FDA-approved to treat these conditions. For more information, see the “Jakafi uses” section below.

Mild side effects

Below is a partial list of mild side effects of Jakafi. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or view Jakafi’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects of Jakafi can include:

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. However, if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* For more information about allergic reaction and Jakafi, see “Allergic reaction” below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Jakafi aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:

  • Increased risk of certain cancers, including skin cancer. Symptoms can vary depending on the type of cancer but may include:
    • skin discoloration or unusual growths on the skin
  • Serious infections, such as tuberculosis and shingles. Symptoms can vary depending on the type of infection but may include:
    • fever or chills
    • loss of appetite
    • painful skin rash on one side of the body, usually on the back, chest, abdomen, or waist
  • Anemia (low level of red blood cells). Symptoms can include:
    • fatigue
    • pale-looking skin or gums
    • lightheadedness
  • Thrombocytopenia (low level of platelets). Symptoms can include:
    • skin discoloration
    • bleeding or bruising more easily than usual
  • High blood pressure, which may not cause symptoms unless it’s severe. Symptoms can include:
    • headache
    • nosebleed
    • shortness of breath
  • Increased risk of cardiac side effects, including heart attack and stroke.* Symptoms can vary depending on the heart condition but may include:
    • tightness, squeezing, pressure, or pain in the chest
    • nausea and vomiting
    • headache
    • numbness or weakness on one side of the body, usually in the face, arm, or leg
  • Increased risk of blood clots.* Symptoms can vary depending on where the blood clot occurs but may include:
    • pain, swelling, or warmth in the affected area
    • trouble breathing
    • chest pain
  • Neutropenia (low level of neutrophils, which are a type of white blood cell). This condition doesn’t typically cause symptoms, but it can be detected with a blood test.
  • High cholesterol and triglyceride levels. These conditions don’t typically cause symptoms, but it can be detected with a cholesterol blood test.
  • Severe allergic reaction.†

* This side effect was not reported in clinical trials of Jakafi. It has been reported with another kinase inhibitor, which is the class of drugs Jakafi belongs to. Your doctor can advise you on your risk of this side effect with Jakafi.
† For details about allergic reaction and Jakafi, see “Allergic reaction” below.

Long-term side effects of Jakafi

Most of Jakafi’s side effects are expected to be temporary. They should last only a few days or weeks. The drug’s side effects will likely go away shortly after you start or stop taking Jakafi.

However, in rare cases, certain serious side effects have occurred with drugs that are similar to Jakafi. These include cancer, heart attack, stroke, and blood clots. If these conditions occur while taking Jakafi, they can cause long-term complications.

Keep in mind that how long Jakafi side effects last can vary from person to person. If you’re concerned about long-term side effects of Jakafi, talk with your doctor.

ALLERGIC REACTION

As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking Jakafi. This side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials of this drug, but it can still occur.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:

  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
  • trouble breathing

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Jakafi, as the reaction could become severe. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

As with all medications, the price of Jakafi can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use. To find current costs for 10-mg Jakafi tablets (and other strengths) talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help determine the cost of Jakafi per month and more.

Keep in mind that you may be able to get a 90-day supply of Jakafi. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company.

It’s important to note that you’ll have to get Jakafi at a specialty pharmacy. This type of pharmacy is authorized to carry specialty medications. These are drugs that may be expensive or may require help from healthcare professionals to be used safely and effectively.

Before approving coverage for Jakafi, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the prior authorization request and decide if the drug will be covered.

If you’re not sure if you’ll need to get prior authorization for Jakafi, contact your insurance company.

Financial and insurance assistance

If you need financial support to pay for Jakafi, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.

A program called IncyteCARES is available for Jakafi. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 855-452-5234 or visit the program website.

To learn more about saving money on prescriptions, check out this article.

Mail-order pharmacies

Jakafi may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to get your medication without leaving home.

If recommended by your doctor, you may be able to receive a 90-day supply of Jakafi, so there’s less concern about running out of the medication. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications.

If you don’t have insurance, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist about online pharmacy options.

Generic version

Jakafi is not available in a generic version. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Jakafi.

Why is Jakafi so expensive?

Many factors can influence the cost of medications, including Jakafi. Examples include:

  • the manufacturing and development cost required to produce the drug
  • the treatment plan you’re prescribed
  • your insurance coverage if you have it
  • whether you’re eligible for financial support to help pay for the drug

To learn more about the cost of Jakafi and the factors that affect it, talk with your doctor.

How does Jakafi compare with fedratinib (Inrebic) and hydroxyurea (Hydrea)?

Jakafi, Inrebic, and Hydrea are used to treat similar conditions. (For details about the approved uses of Jakafi, see the “Jakafi uses” section below.)

Jakafi and Inrebic are used to treat myelofibrosis. In fact, Inrebic may be used for myelofibrosis that did not improve after treatment with Jakafi. Both medications belong to a class of drugs called kinase inhibitors. They work in similar ways to treat myelofibrosis.

Both Jakafi and hydroxyurea (Hydrea) are used to treat polycythemia vera (PV). Jakafi is used for PV that did not improve after hydroxyurea treatment. Or it can be used when hydroxyurea caused side effects that were too bothersome to continue treatment. Jakafi belongs to a drug class called kinase inhibitors, while hydroxyurea is an antimetabolite drug. So, each medication works differently in the body to treat PV.

If you have other questions about how Jakafi compares with Inrebic and Hydrea, talk with your doctor.

Can stopping Jakafi treatment cause any side effects?

Yes, stopping Jakafi may cause certain side effects. Specifically, the symptoms of the condition you were using Jakafi to treat may return. They may return within 1 week of stopping the drug. (For details about possible symptoms that may occur, see the “Jakafi uses” section below.)

If you’re interested in stopping Jakafi treatment, talk with your doctor first. If they agree it’s safe for you to stop treatment, they may lower your dosage slowly over time. This will help lower the risk of symptoms returning when you stop taking Jakafi. (For details about Jakafi’s dosage, see the “Jakafi dosage” section above.)

Your doctor may also temporarily stop Jakafi treatment. This is to find out if symptoms of your condition come back or worsen. If your symptoms return or get worse, they may advise that you restart Jakafi treatment. However, it’s best not to start or stop the drug on your own. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions for taking Jakafi.

Is hair loss a side effect of Jakafi?

Probably not. Alopecia (hair loss) wasn’t reported as a side effect in clinical trials of Jakafi.

However, hair loss can be a symptom of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), which Jakafi is used to treat. (For details about Jakafi’s approved uses, see the “Jakafi uses” section below.)

If you’re taking Jakafi to treat GVHD, you may have hair loss while taking the drug. However, hair loss is more likely to be caused by GVHD than by Jakafi itself.

To learn more about hair loss and Jakafi, talk with your doctor.

The Jakafi dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • the type and severity of the condition you’re taking Jakafi to treat
  • other medical conditions you may have, such as liver or kidney disease
  • other medications you’re taking
  • the level of platelets in your blood
  • any side effects you may have

Typically, your doctor will start your treatment with a low dosage. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Drug form and strengths

Jakafi comes as an oral tablet in the following strengths:

  • 5 milligrams (mg)
  • 10 mg
  • 15 mg
  • 20 mg
  • 25 mg

Dosage for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)

Jakafi is approved to treat acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Below are the recommended dosages of Jakafi for these conditions.

Dosage for acute GVHD

The usual starting dosage of Jakafi for acute GVHD is 5 mg twice per day. After 3 days, your doctor may increase your dosage to 10 mg twice per day.

After 6 months of treatment, your doctor may lower your dose of Jakafi every 8 weeks. This is to find out if symptoms of GVHD come back or worsen. If your symptoms return or get worse, they may have you continue treatment with your previous dosage.

However, you should not start or stop treatment on your own. Be sure to follow your doctor’s dosage instructions.

Dosage for chronic GVHD

The usual dosage of Jakafi for chronic GVHD is 10 mg twice per day.

After 6 months of treatment, your doctor may lower your dose of Jakafi every 8 weeks. This is to find out if symptoms of GVHD come back or worsen. If your symptoms return or get worse, they may have you continue treatment with your previous dosage.

However, you should not start or stop treatment on your own. Be sure to follow your doctor’s dosage instructions.

Dosage for polycythemia vera

The usual starting dosage of Jakafi for polycythemia vera is 10 mg twice per day. After 4 weeks, your doctor may increase your dosage. This depends on how your body responds to the drug. The maximum recommended dosage is 25 mg twice per day.

Dosage for myelofibrosis

The starting dosage of Jakafi for myelofibrosis is 5 mg to 20 mg twice per day. The maximum recommended dosage is 25 mg twice per day.

Your exact dosage of Jakafi will be based on the level of platelets in your blood. (Platelets are types of blood cells that are involved in blood clotting.) Your doctor will measure your platelet level before starting Jakafi treatment. And they’ll keep checking your platelet level every 2 to 4 weeks until it’s stable. This is because the drug may lower platelet levels as a side effect. (For details, see the “Jakafi side effects” section above.)

Your doctor may adjust your dosage of Jakafi each time they check your platelet level. They’ll do this until your platelets reach a steady level.

To learn more about Jakafi’s dosage for myelofibrosis, talk with your doctor. You can also view the drug’s prescribing information.

Children’s dosage

Jakafi is approved to treat acute and chronic GVHD in children ages 12 years and older.

The dosage of Jakafi used in children is the same as the one used in adults. For details, see “Dosage for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)” above.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Jakafi, skip the missed dose. You can take your next dose on your regular schedule.

Do not take an extra dose of Jakafi to make up for a missed dose. Doing so could increase your risk of side effects with the drug. (For more information about possible side effects, see the “Jakafi side effects” section above.)

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

How long can you take Jakafi?

Whether you’ll take Jakafi long term depends on how your condition responds to treatment.

If you and your doctor determine that Jakafi is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

If your condition hasn’t improved after 6 months of treatment, your doctor may recommend you stop taking Jakafi.

Talk with your doctor about how long you’ll take Jakafi.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Jakafi to treat certain conditions.

Jakafi for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)

Jakafi is approved to treat graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in adults and children ages 12 years and older.

Specifically, Jakafi is used to treat:

  • Acute GVHD. Jakavi is used when acute GVHD has not improved after treatment with corticosteroids. Examples of corticosteroids include prednisone (Rayos) and methylprednisolone (Medrol).
  • Chronic GVHD. Jakavi is used when chronic GVHD has not improved after treatment with one or two other therapies. Examples of these therapies include:
    • corticosteroids, such as prednisone and methylprednisolone
    • immunosuppressants, such as sirolimus (Rapamune) and tacrolimus (Astagraf XL, Envarsus XR, Prograf)

Graft-versus-host disease explained

GVHD is a condition that may occur after receiving a stem cell transplant. (A stem cell transplant is when healthy stem cells are injected to replace damaged stem cells.)

With GVHD, donated stem cells attack your healthy cells. There are two types of GVHD:

  • Acute GVHD, which typically occurs within 3 months after a stem cell transplant. Symptoms can include:
    • digestive problems, such as abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea
  • Chronic GVHD, which typically occurs between 3 months and 1 year after a stem cell transplant. Symptoms can include:
    • skin changes, such as dryness, discoloration, or scaling
    • liver damage
    • dry eyes

Effectiveness for graft-versus-host disease

Jakafi has been found effective for treating acute and chronic GVHD. The drug is included as a treatment option for acute and chronic GVHD in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for GVHD.

To find out how the drug performed in clinical trials, see Jakafi’s prescribing information.

Jakafi for polycythemia vera

Jakafi is approved to treat polycythemia vera (PV) in certain adults.

Specifically, Jakafi is used when PV has already been treated with hydroxyurea (Hydrea). For this use, one of the following must apply:

  • PV did not improve after hydroxyurea treatment, or
  • hydroxyurea caused side effects that were too bothersome to continue treatment with the drug

Polycythemia vera explained

PV is a type of blood cancer. With PV, your body makes too many red blood cells. This condition can lead to complications, such as blood clots, enlarged spleen, and anemia (low level of red blood cells).

Symptoms of PV can include:

  • fatigue
  • discolored skin
  • bruising or bleeding more easily than usual

You can learn more about PV by visiting our cancer hub.

Effectiveness for polycythemia vera

Jakafi has been found effective for treating PV. The drug is included as a treatment option in NCCN guidelines for PV.

To find out how the drug performed in clinical trials, see Jakafi’s prescribing information.

Jakafi for myelofibrosis

Jakafi is approved to treat intermediate or high-risk myelofibrosis in adults.*

This includes the following types of myelofibrosis:

* Whether myelofibrosis is intermediate or high-risk is based on certain factors that predict your life expectancy with this condition. Your doctor can advise you on your personal risk and the factors used to determine it.

Myelofibrosis explained

Myelofibrosis is a type of bone marrow cancer. (Bone marrow is the spongy tissue inside your bones. It helps make blood cells.)

With myelofibrosis, scar tissue in the bone marrow prevents the body from making healthy blood cells. This condition can lead to complications that include enlarged spleen and anemia.

Symptoms of myelofibrosis include:

  • muscle and bone pain
  • night sweats
  • itchiness
  • pain in the abdomen or under the left ribs

You can learn more about myelofibrosis by visiting our cancer hub.

Effectiveness for myelofibrosis

Jakafi has been found effective for treating intermediate and high-risk myelofibrosis. The drug is included as a treatment option in NCCN guidelines for this condition.

To find out how the drug performed in clinical trials, see Jakafi’s prescribing information.

Jakafi and children

Jakafi is approved to treat GVHD in children ages 12 years and older.

For details about GVHD, see the “Jakafi for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)” section above.

Note: Jakafi is not approved to treat PV or myelofibrosis in children.

Other drugs are available that can treat your condition. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Jakafi, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

Note: Some of the drugs listed here are used off-label to treat these specific conditions. Off-label drug use is when a drug that’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.

Alternatives for graft-versus-host disease

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat graft-versus-host disease include:

Alternatives for polycythemia vera

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat polycythemia vera include:

  • interferons, such as:
    • interferon alfa-2b (Intron A)
    • peginterferon Alfa-2a (Pegasys)
    • ropeginterferon Alfa-2b (Besremi)
  • hydroxyurea (Hydrea)
  • busulfan (Myleran)

Alternatives for myelofibrosis

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat myelofibrosis include:

  • other kinase inhibitors, such as:
    • fedratinib (Inrebic)
    • pacritinib (Vonjo)
  • interferon alfa-2b (Intron A)

Jakafi is approved to treat graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), polycythemia vera (PV), and myelofibrosis in certain situations. (For details about these conditions, see the “Jakafi uses” section above.)

Jakafi belongs to a class of drugs called kinase inhibitors. It’s not an immunosuppressant drug. Instead, Jakafi is a type of targeted therapy.

Jakafi works by blocking the action of proteins called Janus kinases (JAKs). JAKs are thought to play a role in GVHD, PV, and myelofibrosis. For example, JAKs send signals that help the body make blood cells. In this case, overactive JAK signals could worsen GVHD, PV and myelofibrosis.

By blocking the action of JAKs, Jakafi helps treat GVHD, PV, and myelofibrosis.

How long does it take to work?

Jakafi starts working as soon as you take your first dose. However, you may not notice the drug working in your body. Your doctor can order tests during Jakafi treatment to check wither the drug is working to treat your condition.

This drug comes with several precautions. These are considered drug-condition interactions.

Before taking Jakafi, talk with your doctor about your health history. Jakafi may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. These include:

Liver damage. Before starting Jakafi treatment, tell your doctor if you have liver problems such as liver failure. Your doctor may give you a lower dose of Jakafi than usual.*

Hepatitis B or tuberculosis (TB). Before taking Jakafi, tell your doctor if you’ve ever had hepatitis B or TB. Jakafi may reactivate the hepatitis B virus (HBV) or TB bacterium in people who already have them in their body. (Reactivation can happen when a virus or bacterium that you already have flares up and causes symptoms.)

If you’ve ever had hepatitis B or TB, your doctor can recommend whether Jakafi is right for you. If you have HBV, taking Jakafi may increase the risk of the virus becoming active again. Your doctor will watch for symptoms of hepatitis B while you’re taking Jakafi. They’ll advise you on what to do if the infection becomes active.

Kidney problems. Before starting Jakafi treatment, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems such as kidney failure. Your doctor may give you a lower dose of Jakafi than usual.*

Having certain factors that increase the risk of cardiac side effects. Taking Jakafi may increase your risk of certain heart problems, including heart attack and stroke. Your risk of these side effects may be greater if you have an increased risk of heart problems.

Examples of factors that may increase your risk include diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and smoking. If you have these risk factors, talk with your doctor before starting Jakafi treatment. They’ll recommend whether it’s safe for you to take the drug.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Jakafi or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Jakafi. Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options for you.

Pregnancy. It isn’t known for sure if Jakafi is safe to take during pregnancy. For more information, see the “Jakafi and pregnancy” section below.

Breastfeeding. It may not be safe to breastfeed while taking Jakafi. For more details, see the “Jakafi and breastfeeding” section below.

Note: To learn about the potential negative effects of Jakafi, see the “Jakafi side effects” section above.

* For details about Jakafi’s dosages, see the “Jakafi dosage” section above.

There’s no known interaction between Jakafi and alcohol.

However, if you consume alcohol, it’s best to talk with your doctor how much, if any, is safe for you to drink while taking Jakafi.

Jakafi can interact with other drugs and certain foods.

Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase side effects or make them more severe. Drug-condition interactions can also cause certain effects. For information about these interactions, see the “Jakafi precautions” section below.

Jakafi and other medications

Below is a list of medications that can interact with Jakafi. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Jakafi.

Before taking Jakafi, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

Types of drugs that can interact with Jakafi include:

  • Certain antifungals, such as fluconazole (Diflucan) and ketoconazole. Taking Jakafi with these drugs can increase your risk of side effects with Jakafi.*
  • Certain antibiotics, such as erythromycin (Eryc, Ery-Tab, Eryped) and rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane). Taking Jakafi with these medications can increase your risk of side effects with Jakafi.*

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Jakafi and herbs and supplements

There aren’t any herbs or supplements that have been specifically reported to interact with Jakafi. However, you should still check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these products while taking Jakafi.

Jakafi and foods

Doctors will likely recommend you avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking Jakafi. Grapefruit may increase your risk of side effects from the drug.*

If you have questions about eating certain foods while you’re taking Jakafi, talk with your doctor.

* For information about side effects with Jakafi treatment, see the “Jakafi side effects” section above.

Jakafi isn’t known to cause withdrawal syndrome or drug dependence. (Withdrawal syndrome refers to side effects that occur after you’ve suddenly stopped taking a drug your body has become dependent on. With dependence, your body needs a drug to function as it usually does.)

Withdrawal syndrome wasn’t reported in clinical trials of Jakafi.

However, stopping Jakafi treatment may cause certain other side effects. To learn more, see “Can stopping Jakafi treatment cause any side effects?” in the “Common questions about Jakafi” section above.

You should take Jakafi according to the instructions your doctor gives you.

Jakafi comes as a tablet that you swallow. For more information about how to take Jakafi, visit the drug manufacturer’s website for the conditions* below:

* For details about these conditions, see the “Jakafi uses” section above.

When to take

You’ll likely take Jakafi twice per day (about every 12 hours). You can take the drug at any time. However, try to take your doses around the same time each day.

Taking the medication around the same time of day helps keep a steady level of the drug in your body. This helps Jakafi work effectively.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

Accessible labels and containers

If your prescription label is hard to read, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies offer labels that have large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist may be able to direct you to one that does.

If you have trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist if they can put Jakafi in an easy-open container. They also may be able to recommend tools that can make it simpler to open lids.

Can Jakafi be crushed, cut in half, or chewed?

The manufacturer of Jakafi doesn’t state whether or not the tablets can be crushed, cut in half, or chewed.

If you have trouble swallowing Jakafi tablets, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

It’s not known if Jakafi is safe to take while pregnant. This drug hasn’t been studied during human pregnancy.

Animal studies have shown harm to offspring born to animals that were given high doses of the drug during pregnancy. However, animal studies don’t always predict what will happen in humans.

If you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy, tell your doctor before starting treatment with Jakafi. They can discuss the risks and benefits of taking Jakafi during pregnancy.

It’s not known if Jakafi is safe to take during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you’re taking Jakafi.

For more information about taking Jakafi during pregnancy, see the “Jakafi and pregnancy” section above.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while taking Jakafi. It isn’t known if Jakafi can pass into breast milk.

However, due to the risk of side effects in a breastfed child, your doctor will likely recommend that you do not take Jakafi while breastfeeding. And to be safe, your doctor will likely advise you to wait until at least 2 weeks after your last dose of Jakafi before breastfeeding.

If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor. They can recommend ways to feed your child while you take Jakafi.

Taking more than the recommended dosage of Jakafi can lead to serious side effects. Do not take more Jakafi than your doctor recommends. (For information on the recommended dosages of Jakafi, see the “Jakafi dosage” section above.)

Overdose symptoms

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

What to do in case of overdose

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

When you get Jakafi from the pharmacy, the pharmacist will add an expiration date to the label on the bottle. This date is typically 1 year from the date they dispensed the medication.

The expiration date helps guarantee that the medication is effective during this time. The current stance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to avoid using expired medications. If you have unused medication that has gone past the expiration date, talk with your pharmacist about whether you might still be able to use it.

Storage

How long a medication remains good to use can depend on many factors, including how and where you store the medication.

Be sure to store Jakafi tablets at room temperature of 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) in a tightly sealed container. You can temporarily store the tablets between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C) for a short time, such as while traveling. Avoid storing this medication in areas where it could get damp or wet, such as bathrooms.

Disposal

If you no longer need to take Jakafi and have leftover medication, it’s important to dispose of it safely. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment.

This article provides several useful tips on medication disposal. You can also ask your pharmacist for information about how to dispose of your medication.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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