Upadacitinib

Anti-rheumatic, Systemic · Janus associated kinase inhibitor

Indications

Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, atopic dermatitis.

Dosage

Rheumatoid arthritis and Psoriatic arthritis: Adults: 15 mg once daily. Atopic Dermatitis: Children =12 yrs and Adults <65 yrs: Wt. =40 kg: Start with 15 mg once daily. If response is not satisfactory, consider increasing the dosage to 30 mg once daily. Adults =65 yrs: 15 mg once daily.

Adverse Effects

Upper RTI, herpes infections, folliculitis, UTI, anaemia, neutropenia, cough, abdominal pain, nausea, acne, urticaria, fatigue, pyrexia, headache, increased creatine kinase, wt gain, bronchitis.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: End-stage renal disease, severe hepatic impairment. Active serious infection incl TB. Absolute neutrophil count <1 x 109 cells/L, absolute lymphocyte count <0.5 x 109 cells/L, or Hb <8g/dL. Pregnancy; ensure contraception in women and continue for 4 weeks after treatment. Precautions: Severe renal impairment. History of recurrent, serious or opportunistic infection, predisposition to infection, previous travel or residence in areas of endemic mycoses or TB, exposure to TB. Monitor closely for infection during and after treatment; interrupt treatment if serious or opportunistic infection develops. Screen for TB before starting upadacitinib. Consider anti-TB therapy before starting upadacitinib in patients with previously untreated latent TB or with risk factors for TB. Monitor for…

Interactions

Biologic DMARDs, other JAK inhibitors, other potent immunosuppressants, live vaccines, potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (eg, azole antifungals, clarithromycin, grapefruit) or inducers (eg, rifampicin, phenytoin), NSAIDs, corticosteroids, opioids.

Advice to Patient

Take with or without meals. Swallow tablet whole. Do not split, crush or chew. Avoid exposure to sunlight and UV light. Wear protective clothing and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Females of reproductive potential must use effective contraception during treatment and for 4 weeks following the final dose of upadacitinib.

Pharmacokinetics

Metabolism: Hepatic. Half-life elimination: Terminal: 8-14 hrs. Time to peak: 2-4 hrs. Excretion: Urine (24%). Faeces (38%).

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.