Drug
Upadacitinib
Pronounced
"ue-PAD-a-SYE-ti-nib"
Uses
Upadacitinib is used to treat certain types of arthritis (such as psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis- pJIA). It helps decrease pain, tenderness, and swelling in the joints. Upadacitinib is also used to treat a skin condition called atopic dermatitis. It reduces swelling, itching, and redness in the skin. This medication may also be used to treat certain bowel diseases (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis). It helps to reduce symptoms such as diarrhea and stomach pain.
Warning
Upadacitinib may lower your ability to fight infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal) infection or make any infection you have worse. The most common serious infections include pneumonia and skin infections. The risk for infections may be higher if you also take other drugs that suppress the immune system (such as methotrexate, corticosteroids). Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection (such as a sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills, cough, non-healing skin sores, painful/frequent urination, white patches in your mouth or on your tongue).
You should have a tuberculosis (TB) skin test before and during treatment with this medication. Tell your doctor if you have been near someone with tuberculosis or have lived or traveled in areas where certain fungal infections (such as coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis) are common. These areas include the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys and the southwestern United States.
Though it is very unlikely to occur, there may be a risk of developing cancer (such as lymphoma, skin cancer, lung cancer) with this medication. Your risk may be higher if you are a current or past smoker. Protect your skin from the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms such as fever or cough that doesn't go away, wheezing, unusual lumps/growths, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, change in appearance or size of moles, or unusual skin changes.
Upadacitinib may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) problems from blood clots (such as heart attack, stroke, blood clots in the lungs or legs). You may be at an increased risk for blood clots if you are a current or past smoker, or are 50 years of age or older and have at least one risk factor for heart disease. Discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor. Get medical help right away if any of these side effects occur: shortness of breath/rapid breathing, chest/jaw/left arm pain, unusual sweating, confusion, sudden dizziness/fainting, pain/swelling/warmth in the groin/calf, sudden/severe headaches, trouble speaking, weakness on one side of the body, or sudden vision changes.
How to Use This Medication
Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking upadacitinib and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Do not crush, chew, or split the tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, weight, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may do so safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.