Tag: Myelofibrosis

For myelofibrosis patients with intermediate- or high-risk disease, long-term treatment with Jakafi (ruxolitinib) has been shown to improve overall survival compared to conventional therapies. However, the exact duration of how long you can stay on Jakafi is highly dependent on the specific medical condition being treated and the patient's individual response.

In a 2012 clinical study, nearly 22% of patients taking ruxolitinib for myelofibrosis experienced peripheral edema. As a known side effect, understanding the link between Jakafi and fluid retention is crucial for patients undergoing treatment.

While the brand-name drug Jakafi has been available since 2011, there is currently no therapeutically equivalent generic version of the medication available in the United States. This article clarifies the generic name for Jakafi and explains why a generic alternative is not yet an option for patients.

According to a study published in *Molecules*, memory impairment was one of the most frequently reported neurological side effects associated with the JAK inhibitors ruxolitinib (Jakafi) and tofacitinib. While Jakafi does not commonly cause memory loss, patients have reported cognitive issues, and in very rare, serious cases, it is linked to a severe brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), which can manifest with memory problems and confusion.

Yes, **Jakafi can cause diarrhea**, and clinical trials have documented it as one of the more common non-hematologic side effects for patients with myelofibrosis and polycythemia vera. Managing this gastrointestinal symptom is an important part of maintaining quality of life while on treatment.

Up to 13.5% of patients who discontinue ruxolitinib may experience withdrawal symptoms, highlighting the importance of understanding **what are the withdrawal symptoms of ruxolitinib** and the risks of abrupt cessation. This potentially life-threatening rebound of inflammatory cytokines is known as Ruxolitinib Discontinuation Syndrome (RDS).

Myelofibrosis is a complex bone marrow cancer characterized by overactive Janus kinase (JAK) signaling, which leads to the formation of scar tissue. Jakafi is a targeted therapy designed to address this underlying mechanism by inhibiting key JAK proteins.

In a study of 251 myelofibrosis patients who discontinued Jakafi (ruxolitinib), 13.5% experienced a discontinuation syndrome [1.2.1]. Understanding what happens when you stop taking Jakafi is critical for patient safety and managing disease symptoms.

Currently, there is no generic version of the brand-name medication Jakafi available in the United States. The drug is protected by patents held by its manufacturer, Incyte Corporation, which is a key factor impacting its availability and cost.

The wholesale acquisition cost for a bottle of the medication Jakafi (ruxolitinib) has been cited at around $17,600 in recent years. This astonishing price tag raises a critical question for patients and healthcare providers alike: **Why is Jakavi so expensive**?