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Myelofibrosis

Is Jakafi Right for Me?

How do I know if I am a possible candidate for Jakafi?

Jakafi® (ruxolitinib) is an FDA-approved treatment option for adults with certain types of myelofibrosis (MF) and is included as part of national treatment recommendations for patients with intermediate or high-risk MF.

Your individual MF treatment options depend on your specific MF risk level and the severity of your symptoms.

If you have intermediate or high-risk MF, Jakafi may be a possible treatment option for you. Talk to your Healthcare Professional to learn what may be possible with Jakafi.

Patient Perspectives: Mayra’s Story

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Mayra thought her MF symptoms were just a part of getting older. Learn how she discovered what was possible with Jakafi.

Read more 

How is intermediate to high-risk MF characterized?

MF is characterized by scarring of the bone marrow (fibrosis), spleen enlargement (splenomegaly), abnormal blood counts (cytopenias) and symptom burden.

People with MF fall along a spectrum that ranges from having essentially no symptoms to having severe symptoms that affect daily living and quality of life. Myelofibrosis can occur on its own (primary myelofibrosis) or can develop from other conditions.

The risk level for MF is determined by a number of risk factors that include results of laboratory tests as well as clinical evaluation of your symptoms.

What risk factors may indicate that my MF is intermediate or high risk?

There are many things that can affect the course of your MF. These are called risk factors.

Risk factors that may be considered when determining MF risk level include:

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Age

Being over age 65

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Symptoms

The presence of certain symptoms: fever, weight loss, and night sweats

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Anemia

A low number of red blood cells based on lab testing

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White blood cells

Very elevated levels of white blood cells based on lab testing

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Blasts

Elevated levels of immature blood cells, or blasts, based on lab testing

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Platelets

Low platelet count based on lab testing

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Genetic factors

Specific genetic mutations

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Blood transfusions

Need for blood transfusions

The number of risk factors present at the time of diagnosis can help determine how your MF will be classified and treated. It's important to be aware of how your MF may be changing over time. If you have 1 or several of the above risk factors, talk to your Healthcare Professional about your treatment possibilities. Remember, early recognition of disease progression can play an important role in how your disease may be managed.

Explore the possible benefits of Jakafi

Learn how adults in a clinical trial responded to Jakafi.

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In one clinical study, it was estimated that nearly 90% of patients with primary myelofibrosis were considered to be intermediate or high risk within 1 year of their MF diagnosis.

What tools may be used to help my Healthcare Professional classify risk in MF?

Specific scoring tools may be used to determine if your MF is considered to be low, intermediate, or high risk. How your MF is classified may affect how your condition is managed.

Scoring systems may include:

The International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS)

  • Uses 5 specific risk factors to predict survival
  • IPSS is used to estimate prognosis at the time of diagnosis
Graphic showing icons for – 65+, thermometer, less blood cells, more blood cells and elevated blood cells

The Dynamic International Prognostic Scoring System (DIPSS)

  • Uses the same 5 specific risk factors as IPSS
  • Is used to estimate prognosis at any time during your MF journey
Graphic showing icons for – 65+, thermometer, less blood cells, more blood cells and elevated blood cells

The Dynamic International Prognostic Scoring System (DIPSS) Plus

  • Uses the same 5 DIPSS risk factors, plus 3 additional risk factors
  • Builds upon DIPSS by using additional risk factors
Graphic showing icons for – 65+, thermometer, less blood cells, more blood cells and elevated blood cells PLUS fewer blood cells, DNA and blood transfusion bag icons

Since MF is a chronic, progressive disease, early prognosis and treatment are necessary for optimal management. Be sure to talk with your Healthcare Professional about how your MF is classified.

Treatment goals for MF can include:

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Reduction of MF Symptoms
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Reduction in the size of an enlarged spleen
Jakafi® ruxolitinib (tablets)

Learn more about how Jakafi was studied and discover what may be possible in the treatment of certain types of MF.

Explore possible benefits of Jakafi

NEXT: Taking Jakafi

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Talk with a patient taking Jakafi

Register for the Incyte Mentor Program and connect with another patient taking Jakafi.

Learn How
Image of Sue – Watch her story and learn how her MF symptoms affected her before she started taking Jakafi.

Learn how the symptoms of MF affected Sue before she started taking Jakafi.

Discover how Sue’s MF symptoms prompted her to talk to her Healthcare Professional about moving her treatment journey forward with Jakafi.

Watch Sue’s Story

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What is JAKAFI® or JAKAFI XR™?

What is JAKAFI® or JAKAFI XR™?

JAKAFI or JAKAFI XR (ruxolitinib) is a prescription medication used to treat adults with certain types of myelofibrosis (MF).
It is not known if JAKAFI or JAKAFI XR is safe or effective in children for treatment of myelofibrosis.

JAKAFI or JAKAFI XR is a prescription medication used to treat adults with polycythemia vera (PV) who have already taken a medicine called hydroxyurea and it did not work well enough or they could not tolerate it.
It is not known if JAKAFI or JAKAFI XR is safe or effective in children for treatment of polycythemia vera.

JAKAFI or JAKAFI XR is a prescription medication used to treat adults and children 12 years of age and older with acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) who have taken corticosteroids and they did not work well enough.

JAKAFI or JAKAFI XR is a prescription medication used to treat adults and children 12 years of age and older with chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) who have taken one or two types of treatments and they did not work well enough.

Important Safety Information

JAKAFI or JAKAFI XR can cause serious side effects, including:

Low blood counts: JAKAFI or JAKAFI XR may cause low platelet, red blood cell, and white blood cell counts. If you develop bleeding, stop taking JAKAFI or JAKAFI XR and call your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will do a blood test to check your blood counts before you start and regularly during your treatment. Your healthcare provider may change your dose or stop your treatment based on the results of your blood tests.
Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop or have worsening symptoms such as

  • unusual bleeding
  • bruising
  • tiredness
  • shortness of breath
  • a fever

Infection: You may be at risk for developing a serious infection during treatment with JAKAFI or JAKAFI XR. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop any of the following symptoms of infection:

  • chills
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • aches
  • weakness
  • fever
  • painful skin rash or blisters

Worsening of symptoms after interrupting or stopping treatment. Signs and symptoms of myelofibrosis may worsen after you stop treatment.

Do not interrupt or stop treatment without talking to your healthcare provider. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following after stopping treatment:

  • fever
  • trouble breathing
  • weakness
  • night sweats
  • feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • pain in left upper stomach area or left shoulder

Cancer: Some people have had certain types of non-melanoma skin cancers during treatment with JAKAFI or JAKAFI XR. Your healthcare provider will regularly check your skin during your treatment. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop any new or changing skin lesions during treatment.

Increases in cholesterol: You may have changes in your blood cholesterol levels during treatment with JAKAFI or JAKAFI XR. Your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check your cholesterol levels about every 8 to 12 weeks after you start taking JAKAFI or JAKAFI XR and as needed.

Increased risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke or death in people who have cardiovascular risk factors and who are current or past smokers while using another JAK inhibitor to treat rheumatoid arthritis:

Get emergency help right away if you get any symptoms of a heart attack or stroke during treatment with JAKAFI or JAKAFI XR, including:

  • discomfort in the center of your chest that lasts for more than a few minutes or that goes away and comes back
  • severe tightness, pain, pressure, or heaviness in your chest, throat, neck, or jaw
  • pain or discomfort in your arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
  • shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort
  • breaking out in a cold sweat
  • nausea or vomiting
  • feeling lightheaded
  • weakness in one part or on one side of your body
  • slurred speech

Increased risk of blood clots: Blood clots in the veins of your legs (deep vein thrombosis, DVT) or lungs (pulmonary embolism, PE) have happened in people taking another JAK inhibitor for rheumatoid arthritis and may be life-threatening.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any signs and symptoms of blood clots during treatment with JAKAFI or JAKAFI XR, including:

  • swelling, pain, or tenderness in one or both legs
  • sudden, unexplained chest or upper back pain
  • shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Possible increased risk of new (secondary) cancers: People who take another JAK inhibitor for rheumatoid arthritis have an increased risk of new (secondary) cancers, including lymphoma and other cancers. People who smoke or who smoked in the past have an added risk of new cancers.

The most common side effects of JAKAFI or JAKAFI XR include:

  • for certain types of myelofibrosis (MF) – low platelet or red blood cell counts, bruising, dizziness, headache, and diarrhea
  • for certain types of polycythemia vera (PV) – low platelet or red blood cell counts, bruising, dizziness, headache, and diarrhea
  • for acute GVHD – low platelet counts, low red or white blood cell counts, infections, and swelling
  • for chronic GVHD – low red blood cell or platelet counts and infections, including viral infections

These are not all the possible side effects. Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for more information. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Before taking JAKAFI or JAKAFI XR, tell your healthcare provider about:

  • all the medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking
  • your medical conditions, including if you
    • have or had low white or red blood cell counts
    • have an infection
    • have or had tuberculosis (TB) or have been in close contact with someone who has TB
    • had shingles (herpes zoster)
    • have or had hepatitis B
    • have a high level of fat in your blood (high blood cholesterol or triglycerides)
    • have or have had a blood clot, heart attack, other heart problems, or stroke
    • are a current or past smoker
    • had cancer
    • have or had liver or kidney problems or are on dialysis. If you are on dialysis, JAKAFI or JAKAFI XR should be taken after your dialysis
    • have any other medical condition

Women should not take JAKAFI or JAKAFI XR while pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Do not breastfeed during treatment with JAKAFI or JAKAFI XR and for 2 weeks after the final dose.

How should I take JAKAFI or JAKAFI XR?

  • Take exactly as your healthcare provider tells you.
  • Do not change your dose or stop taking JAKAFI or JAKAFI XR without first talking to your healthcare provider. If you stop treatment, symptoms of your condition may return.
  • If you miss a dose, take your next dose at your regular time. Do NOT take 2 doses at the same time.
  • You may have regular blood tests during your treatment. Based on the results, your healthcare provider may change your dose or stop JAKAFI or JAKAFI XR.
  • IF YOU ARE PRESCRIBED JAKAFI:
    • Take JAKAFI 2 times a day with or without food.
    • JAKAFI may also be given through certain nasogastric tubes.
    • Tell your healthcare provider if you cannot take JAKAFI by mouth. Your healthcare provider will decide if you can take JAKAFI through a nasogastric tube. Ask your healthcare provider to give you specific instructions on how to properly take JAKAFI through a nasogastric tube.
  • IF YOU ARE PRESCRIBED JAKAFI XR:
    • Take JAKAFI XR 1 time a day with or without food.
    • Swallow JAKAFI XR whole. Do not split, crush, or chew.

Please see the Full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information, which includes a more complete discussion of the risks associated with JAKAFI or JAKAFI XR.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

You may also report side effects to Incyte Medical Information at 1-855-463-3463.