Thanks Auto yea im nervous it being so new and I am going thru some real crappy things life wise to boot, which as u know never helps! I am feeling all drugged up from the prednizone I dont want to even go out. I tried adding u as a friend can u add me? Erica

Yes I have had an entire month on Xeljanz and did great...
Then WITH copayment assist it was $350, I just can't afford it. The speciality pharm and the company are looking for any additional copayment programs. $990 is the regular cost. That is a mortgage payment.
I have felt increasingly crappy now that it is clearing my system. Since I am a non responder to ANY drugs (even opioids), I was so happy to try it.
I had delicate tissue issues, like my gums and er personal areas the skin would slough off if you brushed or wiped, scratched or scrubbed too hard. Even my armpits. But I have always been a delicate flower when it comes to skin.
Good luck , I'll keep you posted, and keep an eye out for your updates.

My insurance pays nearly $2000. I think my copay is supposed to be $40, but that is covered by the assistance program. I have been on it I am thinking a month and a half, and as I have said, since being back to work 2 weeks, I am getting swelling back in my pinkys and have been feeling unwell. My globulins for the first time ever are in the normal range (this is what the doctor goes by to show inflammation as my sed rate is usual 9 or less and my crp is like .02), and my sed rate is at an all time HIGH for me of 20! Just really surprised as I don't think it's ever gone above 9. I am glad because I don't think my doctor would believe I am in pain and feeling unwelling when my globulins finally went down.

Just to chime in about infusions....I know they sound terrifying and I thought I would never be "ready" for them. I've had an intense needle phobia for most of my life, though I've had to toughen up and overcome it. Anyway the best, most RA-treatment changing advice I got was from a friend who has diabetes (with a comparable treatment to infusions). She said to have that time to go in a room with people who understand that you're sick and want the best for you and to have a little bit of your month (or for me every other month) devoted to recognizing your limitations, your choice to receive treatment, and to mourn a bit was very therapeutic for her. And you know what she was so right! It's been such a positive experience for me despite the needle. Hope this helps!

been on xeljanz for 4 weeks now. taking 5 mg in am and 5 mg in pm. have almost no pain anymore or the side effects like i had during the first 2 weeks. have doc apt on monday to get blood work done. i do have a little cough and rattling in my chest but that could be related to a coworker working all this week having bronchitis and running a fever.

Yesterday was my 1 week anniversay of using xeljanz as well. Unlike JCRockstar they just had me start off at the one size fits all dose of 5mg in the morning and 5mg at night.

day 1 - felt like I didn't have RA at all! Joint pain was almost nothing, swelling had gone down immensely - I was on cloud nine for sure - I am thinking it was partially duee to just joy I had another treatment option (I have failed all others very miseably except for plaquenil)

day 2 - huge fatigue thud (sounds oddly familiar to JCRocks case doesn't it?). Hello imprint of the space bar on my forehead! Exactly how many times in one day can a programmer put a space bar imprint on her forehead anyway?

From there it's been mostly and uphill battle with fatigue (and some post nasel drip) but that too is wearing off and now I can say this week I am starting off with less pain then I've had the past few years. I can even walk up and down steps like a normie (well minus the heavy I'm unfit breathing part) which I haven't done in a few years either.

I do still have a few discombooberated joints (two fingers and two toes lacking in range of motion but not really painful) but so far I haven't turned into a human petrii dish either.

Here's to hoping your labs turn out great JC!