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Jakafi
from eMedTV.comWhen and How to Take It
Some general considerations to keep in mind during treatment with Jakafi include the following:- This medication comes in the form of a tablet. It is usually taken by mouth twice a day.
- You can take Jakafi with or without food.
- Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking this medicine. Grapefruit juice may affect the amount of Jakafi in your bloodstream.
- If you cannot swallow Jakafi tablets, the medicine may be dissolved in water and given through a nasogastric tube (a special tube that is inserted through the nostril, down the back of the throat, and into the stomach).
- Try to take your doses at the same times each day to keep an even level of the drug in your bloodstream.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Your symptoms will return if you stop taking this medication.
Dosing Information
The dosage your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on the following factors:- Your platelet (a type of blood cell) count
- How you respond to the medication
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you are taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dosage unless your healthcare provider specifically tells you to do so.
(Click Jakafi Dosage for more information.)
Side Effects of Jakafi
Just like any medicine, Jakafi can cause side effects. Although not everyone who takes this medication will have problems, most people will experience some type of side effect with this drug. Your healthcare provider can help you manage some of the reactions you may experience.Common side effects of Jakafi include but are not limited to:
- Low blood cell counts
- Bruising
- Dizziness
- Headaches.
(Click Jakafi Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Written by/reviewed by: Susan Lakey, PharmD, MPH, BCPP
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD