Posted 11/23/2021 2:58 PM (GMT -5)
For those of you on the lower dose of Xeljanz, what is the standard protocol if you start flaring or notice the beginning symptoms of a flare? Do you go up to the higher Xeljanz dose right away? If so, how long does your doctor have you stay on that dose before lowering again? I have things like mesalamine enemas I can increase, but I'm specifically wondering what the standard response is regarding the Xeljanz dosage. And how long would it take to feel better once on that higher dosage again (assuming it works)?
I was an idiot and started smoking again recently (only smoked maybe 7 days total and not all in a row and I will not smoke again!) and this weekend I had increased BMs (not too many, like 5 or 6 one day), yesterday I had some crampy pain all morning and saw some mucous, and today I saw blood on the t.p. (not much but some light pink blood and any blood is never a good sign for me, I've never had hemmies). Smoking is what caused my 2-year flare from hell that nothing got rid of except Xeljanz. I feel like a huge idiot and am really mad at myself right now, but am hoping I haven't messed things up too badly since the symptoms are still very minimal at this point. I started the enemas again today. I hadn't been doing them at all.
Thanks in advance.