Patients who are pregnant or may become pregnant should talk to their doctors about Xeljanz and pregnancy. For starters, evidence suggests that Xeljanz (tofacitinib) may cause a potential risk to the fetus. There may furthermore be a potential risk of infertility for cisgender women, although it is not known whether this effect is irreversible or not. Despite these risks, some doctors may prescribe Xeljanz to women during their pregnancy.
Xeljanz and Breastfeeding
People should not breastfeed while taking Xeljanz/Xeljanz XR. Breastfeeding parents should wait 18 hours after the last dose of Xeljanz and 36 hours after the last dose of Xeljanz XR before attempting to breastfeed.
FAQ
Can you take Xeljanz while pregnant?
There may be a potential risk to the fetus when taking tofacitinib. Your doctor may still prescribe it during pregnancy, though, to treat certain medical conditions. In such cases, your doctor will likely encourage you to enroll in the Pfizer registry.
Is Xeljanz safe during pregnancy?
At the time of writing, experts do not know whether Xeljanz will harm a developing fetus.
Can RA cause a miscarriage?
According to the Arthritis Foundation, rheumatoid arthritis does not appear to cause miscarriages.
Can you take arthritis medication while pregnant?
It will depend on the type of arthritis medication. Xeljanz, for instance, can be taken during pregnancy if medical provider views benefits outweighing risks to fetus and mother but should be discontinued during breastfeeding. Other arthritis medications, such as methotrexate [Otrexup (PF), Xatmep, Trexall], should be stopped 3 months before pregnancy as it has the potential to cause birth defects. You should discuss with your doctor about taking arthritis medication while pregnant.
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