Upadacitinib
About Upadacitinib
Upadacitinib is used to treat ulcerative colitis (an inflammatory disease of the large intestine) and Crohn's disease (a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the digestive tract). It is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disease that causes joint pain and damage), psoriatic arthritis (an inflammatory condition of the joints), ankylosing spondylitis, and atopic dermatitis (eczema).
Upadacitinib contains Upadacitinib, which works by blocking the Janus kinase enzyme, thereby lowering inflammation and symptoms associated with inflammatory conditions.
In some cases, you may experience common side effects such as diarrhoea, headache, upper respiratory tract infection, cold, joint pains, nausea, and vomiting. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Avoid taking Upadacitinib if you are allergic to it. Inform your doctor if you have an active infection or are taking immunosuppressants, medicines that affect the immune system, or corticosteroids. Avoid taking Upadacitinib if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Medicinal Benefits
- Helps reduce joint pain, swelling, and stiffness in arthritis conditions.
- Improves movement and physical activity.
- Reduces inflammation caused by an overactive immune system.
- Helps control skin itching, redness, and rashes in severe eczema.
- May help when other treatments are not giving enough relief.
- Can improve quality of life and daily functioning over time.
- Taken as an oral tablet, making it convenient for long-term treatment.
Directions for Use
- Upadacitinib can be taken with or without food.
- It is recommended to take the medicine as directed by your doctor, depending on your medical condition.
- Swallow Upadacitinib as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Upadacitinib
- Headache
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Cold
- Joint pain
- Stomach upset
- Cough
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Drug Warnings
- Do not take Upadacitinib if you are allergic to any of its components
- Also, avoid Upadacitinib if you have a severe infection, a bloodstream infection, or if you have severe liver problems.
- Inform your doctor if you have an infection, symptoms of infection, or a condition that increases chances of infection, are taking any medicines that affect the immune system; have or had a history of tuberculosis, chronic lung disease, liver problems, hepatitis B/C, cancer, inflammation/ulcers of the large intestine, or kidney problems; are planning to get vaccinated; or have heart problems, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart attack, diabetes, or blood clotting problems.
- Inform your doctor if you notice painful blisters on the skin or if you experience breathing difficulties.
- Let your doctor know if you have any cancer or immune system problems, cardiovascular problems like heart attack, stroke, or any previous smoking history.
- Inform your doctor about your complete medical and medication history before starting treatment with Upadacitinib, which helps the physician decide the best treatment plan.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines, as they may interact.
- Antibiotics (rifampicin)
• Potential effect: May change the levels of Upadacitinib in the body - Antifungals (fluconazole, ketoconazole)
• Potential effect: May alter the levels of Upadacitinib in the body - Immunosuppressants (azathioprine, mercaptopurine, cyclosporine)
• Potential effect: May increase the risk of serious adverse effects. - Corticosteroids (prednisone)
• Potential effect: May reduce the effectiveness of Upadacitinib. - Blood thinners (warfarin)
• Potential effect: May cause bleeding problems; hence, careful consideration is needed.
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid intake of grapefruit, as it can cause serious side effects.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have a history of the following conditions before taking Upadacitinib, as it may worsen your condition or cause complications.
- Have serious infections
- Bloodstream infection
- Severe liver problems
- Tuberculosis
- Blood clot problems
- High cholesterol
- Intestinal perforation, or gastrointestinal obstruction.
- Stroke
- Heart attack
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known if alcohol interacts with Upadacitinib, so please consult a doctor.
Pregnancy
unsafeUpadacitinib must not be taken during pregnancy. If you are a woman of child-bearing potential, use effective contraception during the treatment with Upadacitinib.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid breastfeeding while taking Upadacitinib. Please consult a doctor if you have any concerns.
Driving
safe if prescribedUpadacitinib generally does not affect your ability to drive. However, drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with liver impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this. Upadacitinib is not recommended for patients with severe liver problems.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafeUpadacitinib is not safe for use in children below 12 years of age. Caution should be exercised for children above 12 years. However, your paediatrician will prescribe the medicine only if needed.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Diet
- Eat a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein to support immunity and recovery
- Drink enough water and avoid excessive junk food or oily foods
- Avoid raw or unhygienic food to reduce the chance of infections while your immunity is lowered
Lifestyle changes
- Maintain good hygiene and wash hands regularly to reduce infection risk
- Exercise regularly with gentle activities like walking or stretching to keep joints flexible
- Get enough sleep and manage stress to support the immune system
- Avoid close contact with people who have active infections whenever possible
Habits
- Avoid smoking, tobacco, and excessive alcohol use
- Wash hands regularly and maintain cleanliness to lower infection risk
- Inform your doctor quickly if you develop fever, cough, skin rash, or signs of infection
Special Advise
- Your doctor may advise certain blood tests, such as active or latent tuberculosis test, CBC (complete blood count), LFT (liver function test), and lipid profile tests, before starting the medicine.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Rheumatoid arthritis: It is an autoimmune disease (the body's immune system attacks its tissue) that leads to joint pain and damage. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include pain, swelling, stiffness, deformities and loss of joint function.
Psoriatic arthritis: It a type of inflammatory arthritis that occurs in patients with psoriasis. It can also occur in patients without psoriasis, particularly those with relatives who have psoriasis. It affects large joints in the lower extremities, distal joints of toes and fingers, back and the pelvis. Symptoms include joint inflammation, difficulty moving, swelling, patches of red, scaly skin, and pain.
Ulcerative colitis: It is a type of chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation of the lining of the large intestine (colon) and produces ulcers that may cause bleeding and the discharge of pus and mucus. Common symptoms include bloody stools, abdominal pain, rectal pain, diarrhoea, fever, and weight loss. Additionally, it may cause other problems such as joint pain or swelling, mouth sores, skin problems, decreased appetite or nausea.
Crohn's disease: Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the digestive tract. It is a kind of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The most common symptoms are diarrhoea, stomach aches and cramps, blood in your poo, exhaustion (fatigue), and weight loss.
Eczema: Eczema is a condition in which patches of skin become inflamed, itchy, cracked, and rough. Symptoms include a rash on the arms and behind the knees. Eczema can be triggered by various factors like foods, drinks, skin products, soaps, chemicals, detergents, make-up products, chlorinated pools, and stress.
FAQs
Upadacitinib is used to treat ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, atopic dermatitis (eczema), and a few other inflammatory conditions.
Upadacitinib contains Upadacitinib, which works by reducing overactive immune system activity in the body.
Diarrhoea might be a side-effect of Upadacitinib. Eat non-spicy meals and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in stools (tarry stools) or if you experience severe diarrhoea, consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
Upadacitinib is not recommended for patients with severe liver impairment. Dose adjustment may be needed in patients with mild to moderate liver impairment. Please consult the doctor if you have liver problems.
Prior to starting treatment with Upadacitinib, your doctor may suggest a few blood tests, such as an active or latent tuberculosis test, CBC (complete blood count), LFT (liver function test), and lipid profile tests, should be done.
Caution should be exercised if you have liver problems, tuberculosis, gastrointestinal perforations, vaccinations, cancer, or serious infections. Inform your physician of your medical history before starting treatment.
