New FDA Warning: JAK Inhibitors

The FDA released a warning statement on 9/1/21 about a class of medications called JAK inhibitors, including Xeljanz, Olumiant, and Rinvoq. This was based on the results of a recent study involving people over the age of 50 who had at least 1 risk factor for heart disease (such as smoking, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol). It showed a higher risk of serious heart-related events, cancer, blood clots, and death compared to patients who were on other types of medications. The full results of this study haven’t been published yet, and we have requested this information, but it would be worth discussing this new warning with your Rheumatologist. If you are interested, please call to schedule an appointment.