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Jakafi/Jakafi XR (ruxolitinib) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat adults with intermediate- or high-risk myelofibrosis, a type of myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN).
These insights are based on 917 comments about Jakafi/Jakafi XR from myMPNteam members. These are the experiences of a small number of people and are not meant to be medical advice.
Jakafi and Jakafi XR contain ruxolitinib, a type of medication called a kinase inhibitor that blocks JAK1 and JAK2. These proteins are involved in signaling pathways that help control blood cell production and immune system activity. In myelofibrosis, these pathways can become overactive.
Doctors prescribe Jakafi/Jakafi XR when adults have intermediate- or high-risk myelofibrosis, including primary myelofibrosis, post-polycythemia vera myelofibrosis, and post-essential thrombocythemia myelofibrosis. Hematologist-oncologists may tailor MPN treatments based on the specific MPN type, current blood counts, and other individual factors.
Jakafi is taken by mouth as a tablet, usually twice daily. Jakafi XR is an extended-release tablet taken by mouth once daily. Swallow Jakafi XR tablets whole. Do not split, crush, or chew them.
Both Jakafi and Jakafi XR may be taken with or without food.
The recommended starting dose of Jakafi and Jakafi XR is based on platelet count:
Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your response to treatment, blood cell counts, side effects, or other medical factors. Treatment may be interrupted, reduced, or gradually tapered when appropriate.
This information is based on the prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.
These insights are based on 917 comments about Jakafi from myMPNteam members.
Members who use Jakafi often say it helps with itching, spleen size, blood counts, and overall symptom burden, but many also mention the need to watch for side effects and stay in close contact with their care team. Across the community, the most practical advice is to keep up with blood work, speak up early about side effects or changes, give the medication time when appropriate, and ask about financial support if cost is a barrier.
Be patient.
Improvement can take time for some people. “Jakafi took six months to kick in. It can take months to work for some people.”
Talk to your doctor before stopping or changing Jakafi.
“My heme doc stopped it ‘cold turkey’ … which led to a ruxolitinib (Jakafi) withdrawal/cytokine surge causing all kinds of havoc on my body and an emergency trip to the hospital!”
Ask about copay help or patient assistance if cost is a problem.
“My experience with Jakafi has been very good, including the cost support I got from the manufacturer. When I combined their benefit card with my insurance, I had zero out-of-pocket cost.”
Connect with others who understand life with myeloproliferative neoplasms. Join myMPNteam for free.
In clinical studies of Jakafi and Jakafi XR for adults with myelofibrosis, including primary myelofibrosis, post-polycythemia vera myelofibrosis, and post-essential thrombocythemia myelofibrosis, the most common side effects were:
Jakafi/Jakafi XR can cause serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention. These include:
Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.
Incyte, the manufacturer of Jakafi and Jakafi XR, offers the IncyteCARES for Jakafi and Jakafi XR Savings Program. Eligible people with commercial insurance may pay as little as $0 per month.
The IncyteCARES for Jakafi and Jakafi XR Savings Program also offers help enrolling in the program and coordinating your program information with your specialty pharmacy.
To learn more, visit the IncyteCARES financial assistance page or call 855-452-5234.
Before starting Jakafi or Jakafi XR, your doctor will perform a complete blood count (CBC) and ask about past infections, including tuberculosis (TB), herpes simplex, herpes zoster (shingles), and hepatitis B.
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to ruxolitinib or any ingredients in Jakafi or Jakafi XR.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Before taking Jakafi or Jakafi XR, tell your doctor about your medical conditions, including if you:
Jakafi and Jakafi XR are also FDA-approved to treat steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) and chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) after failure of one or two lines of systemic therapy.
If you miss a dose of Jakafi or Jakafi XR, do not take an extra dose. Take your next dose at the usual scheduled time.
Jakafi and Jakafi XR should not be taken during pregnancy or while planning to become pregnant. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for two weeks after your final dose.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How effective is Jakafi or Jakafi XR?
In adults with myelofibrosis, 42 percent of people taking Jakafi had at least a 35 percent reduction in spleen volume at week 24. This compared with less than 1 percent of people taking placebo (an inactive treatment).
In another myelofibrosis study, 29 percent of people taking Jakafi had at least a 35 percent reduction in spleen volume at week 48. This compared with 0 percent of people on best available therapy.
In one myelofibrosis study, 46 percent of people taking Jakafi had at least a 50 percent reduction in Total Symptom Score by week 24. This compared with 5 percent of people taking placebo.
In polycythemia vera, 23 percent of people taking Jakafi achieved both hematocrit control and at least a 35 percent reduction in spleen volume at week 32. This compared with less than 1 percent of people on best available therapy.
How long does Jakafi or Jakafi XR take to work for myeloproliferative neoplasms?
The clinical studies for Jakafi and Jakafi XR measured results at specific time points rather than identifying one exact time when the medicine starts working for everyone. In myelofibrosis, improvements in spleen size and symptoms were evaluated at week 24 in a key clinical study.
Some people experienced symptom improvement earlier, with a median time to symptom response of less than four weeks. In polycythemia vera, key treatment results were measured at week 32.
The durability of response was also evaluated at later time points, including week 48. How quickly Jakafi or Jakafi XR works can vary from person to person. Your healthcare provider will monitor your response during treatment.
Can Jakafi or Jakafi XR cause weight gain in myeloproliferative neoplasms?
Yes. In a clinical study of adults with myelofibrosis, weight gain was reported in 7 percent of people taking Jakafi, compared with 1 percent of people taking placebo.
Jakafi and Jakafi XR may also increase blood lipid levels, including total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Your healthcare provider should check your lipid levels about eight to 12 weeks after starting treatment and manage any changes as needed.
Talk with your doctor if you notice unexpected weight gain or have concerns about changes in your cholesterol or triglyceride levels during treatment.
On myMPNteam, people share their experiences with myeloproliferative neoplasms, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
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