Jakavi (ruxolitinib phosphate)

Do’s

• Take Jakavi exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. This includes dosage, frequency (usually twice daily), and whether to take it with or without food.
• Always take Jakavi with a levodopa-containing medication for Parkinson's disease.
• Maintain a consistent dosing schedule, taking Jakavi at the same time(s) each day.
• Be aware that a high-protein diet may decrease the effectiveness of Jakavi. Discuss your diet with your healthcare provider, and follow their recommendations.
• Avoid iron supplements or multivitamins with iron within several hours of taking Jakavi, as iron can reduce Jakavi's absorption. Talk to your healthcare provider about proper scheduling.
• See your healthcare provider for regular checkups to monitor your progress and blood counts while taking Jakavi.
• Inform your healthcare provider about all medications and herbal products you take, including prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you experience any side effects, such as "wearing-off" of Parkinson's symptoms or "on-off" effects (sudden stiffness).
• Continue taking both Jakavi and your levodopa medication even if you feel better. Don't stop without consulting your healthcare provider.

Don'ts

• Don't take Jakavi without a levodopa-containing medication.
• Don't take more or less Jakavi than prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Don't change your dosing schedule without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Don't take iron supplements or multivitamins with iron close to the time you take Jakavi.
• Don't stop taking Jakavi or your levodopa medication abruptly. Your healthcare provider will need to gradually reduce your dosage to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
• Don't hesitate to tell your healthcare provider if your Parkinson's symptoms worsen.

Common Side Effects:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Weight gain
• Gas
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Rash
• Muscle or bone pain
• Swelling of the arms, legs, or other parts of the body

Serious Side Effects:

• Unusual or heavy bleeding or bruising
• Burning, tingling, itching, or skin sensitivity on one side of the body or face with a painful rash or blisters appearing several days later
• New sores, bumps, or discoloration or other changes to the skin
• Pale skin, tiredness, or shortness of breath
• Serious bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal, and viral infections
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights
• Serious brain infection (rare) that may cause symptoms such as problems seeing, thinking, speaking, walking, or standing

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Jakavi,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Don't take Jakavi if you are allergic to ruxolitinib.

Jakavi can lower your ability to fight infections. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop any signs of infection, such as fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, or pain when passing urine. Jakavi may interact with other medications you are taking. 

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Jakavi can cause dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how Jakavi affects you.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take Jakavi. Jakavi can harm an unborn baby. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of taking Jakavi. 

It is not known if Jakavi passes into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, you should not take Jakavi.

Jakavi is not for use in people younger than 12 years of age.