It is a member of a class of drugs known as Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors.
Upadacitinib works by blocking some of the key inflammatory pathways involved in atopic dermatitis.
Upadacitinib is also used to treat some other inflammatory joint conditions here in Australia, including psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis.
In the treatment trials using Upadacitinib to treat atopic dermatitis;
Upadacitinib comes in the form of oral tablets, which are taken daily at 15mg or 30mg dosing. The dosage and duration of treatment will be determined by your response to therapy and tolerability of the drug.
Like all medications, Upadacitinib may cause side effects in some people. The following side effects may occur in more than 5% patients taking Upadacitinib:
Serious side effects are uncommon but can occur. The following side effects can occur in 0.5 to 5% of patients on Upadacitinib:
As opposed to other conditions treated with Upadacitinib, there does not seem to be a higher risk of blood clots, heart attacks, strokes or kidney injury in patients with atopic dermatitis on Upadacitinib compared to those not treated.
All patients should be screened for tuberculosis prior to starting Upadacitinib. Screening for viral hepatitis and varicella zoster should also be considered.
Yes. Given there are several potential side effects of Upadacitinib, regular blood tests are required to monitor for these side effects.
Upadacitinib should not be used during pregnancy. Upadacitinib is excreted in breast milk in animal studies and a risk to infants cannot be excluded. Upadacitinib should therefore not be used during breastfeeding.
