Upadacitinib is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation in joints of fingers, wrist, feet, ankles). It is given to individuals who have an inadequate response or are intolerant to other medicines for rheumatoid arthritis.
Take Upadacitinib exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Upadacitinib is available as an extended-release tablet.
To take the extended-release type of tablet (usually labelled as "ER"), swallow it whole. Do not divide, chew or crush the tablet.
This medicine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking Upadacitinib even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- active serious infection e.g. active TB (infection known as tuberculosis)
- severe liver disease
as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Upadacitinib if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. Upadacitinib may cause harm to your unborn child.
It is important that you do not get pregnant while taking this medicine. You must use proven birth control methods during Upadacitinib therapy and for at least 4 weeks after stopping the treatment. You may wish to discuss reliable methods of birth control with your doctor.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with Upadacitinib.
Alert your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated. You must avoid any vaccinations without consulting with your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- long-term or recurring infection
- history of certain viral infections e.g. hepatitis B, shingles
- history of TB
- cancer
- heart problem
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol levels
- history of blood clots in a lung artery or in the veins of your legs
- history of inflammation in the bowel
- severe kidney disease
Inform your doctor if you have resided in or travelled to areas with endemic cases of TB or fungal infections.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Pregnancy tests must be done before treatment to know if this medicine is suitable for you to take.
- Routine tests (e.g. complete blood count, liver function, cholesterol level) may be done before and while you are being treated with Upadacitinib. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Screening for hepatitis and TB infection may also be needed before and during your therapy with this medicine.
Upadacitinib may cause any of the following side effects: sore throat, common cold, cough, nausea, fever, and weight gain.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs of shingles e.g. painful skin rash with blisters, fever
- swelling, pain or tenderness in the leg
- stomach pain that does not go away
Upadacitinib may cause the level of your red blood cells and white blood cells to drop.
Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. A fall in the level of red blood cells may make you feel tired and worn out.
White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Inform your doctor if you have a fever, or a cough or flu that does not go away.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Avoid vaccinations during treatment with Upadacitinib. Alert your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated or if you are planning to get vaccinated.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. itraconazole, ketoconazole
- medicines used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders e.g. ciclosporin, tacrolimus
- clarithromycin (certain antibiotic)
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB)
- phenytoin (medicine for fits or seizures)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Upadacitinib.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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