Generic medicine

Upadacitnib: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Upadacitnib is a selective Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitor used in adults (and select pediatric populations) for the following conditions, in patients who have had an inadequate response to and more.

Forms:Tablet

About Upadacitnib

Indications of Upadacitnib

Upadacitnib is a selective Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitor used in adults (and select pediatric populations) for the following conditions, in patients who have had an inadequate response to, or are intolerant of, one or more other systemic therapies (for example, conventional DMARDs or TNF-blocker therapy), per approved labeling:

  • Established/FDA-approved indications:
    • Moderate-to-severe active rheumatoid arthritis
    • Active psoriatic arthritis
    • Active ankylosing spondylitis and active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis with objective signs of inflammation
    • Moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (refractory disease)
    • Moderately-to-severely active ulcerative colitis
    • Moderately-to-severely active Crohn's disease
  • Guideline-supported, age-restricted use: Active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and juvenile psoriatic arthritis in appropriately selected pediatric patients (see Pediatric Uses).

Upadacitnib is generally used after conventional or biologic therapies have failed or are not tolerated, and is not recommended as first-line therapy in most guidelines. It is not effective as monotherapy for indications that specifically require concomitant methotrexate per local labeling (verify current approved combination requirements with your physician).

Dosage & Administration of Upadacitnib

Adult Dosing (per indication)

IndicationUsual Dose
Rheumatoid arthritis15 mg once daily
Psoriatic arthritis15 mg once daily
Ankylosing spondylitis / non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis15 mg once daily
Atopic dermatitisInitiate 15 mg once daily; may increase to 30 mg once daily if response inadequate, per physician assessment
Ulcerative colitisInduction: 45 mg once daily for 8 weeks; Maintenance: 15 mg once daily (up to 30 mg once daily in select refractory cases, per physician judgment)
Crohn's diseaseInduction: 45 mg once daily for 12 weeks; Maintenance: 15 mg once daily (up to 30 mg once daily in select refractory cases, per physician judgment)

Renal/Hepatic Adjustment

  • Renal impairment: No dose adjustment needed in mild-to-moderate impairment; use the lowest effective dose (generally 15 mg once daily) in severe renal impairment; not studied in end-stage renal disease/dialysis.
  • Hepatic impairment: No adjustment in mild (Child-Pugh A) impairment; use lowest effective dose in moderate (Child-Pugh B) impairment; avoid use in severe (Child-Pugh C) hepatic impairment.

Upadacitnib should not be combined with other JAK inhibitors, biologic DMARDs, or potent immunosuppressants such as azathioprine or cyclosporine, due to the risk of additive immunosuppression (see Interactions).

Side Effects of Upadacitnib

Common Side Effects

  • Upper respiratory tract infections (nasopharyngitis, sinusitis)
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Elevated blood creatine phosphokinase (CPK)
  • Acne
  • Cough
  • Fever

Less Common but Serious Side Effects

  • Herpes zoster (shingles) reactivation and other herpes viral infections
  • Elevated liver enzymes
  • Neutropenia, lymphopenia, or anemia
  • Elevated lipid levels (LDL/HDL cholesterol)
  • Serious infections, malignancy, major adverse cardiovascular events, and thrombosis — see Precautions and Warnings for the boxed-warning risks associated with Upadacitnib.

Patients should seek prompt medical attention for signs of infection (fever, chills, persistent cough), unusual bleeding/clotting symptoms (leg swelling, chest pain, shortness of breath), or unexplained weight loss or lumps while taking Upadacitnib.

Contraindications of Upadacitnib

Upadacitnib is contraindicated in:

  • Known hypersensitivity to Upadacitnib or any component of the formulation.
  • Patients with an active, serious infection, including active tuberculosis.

Upadacitnib should not be initiated in these settings; other cautions related to infection risk, malignancy, cardiovascular, and thrombotic risk are addressed under Precautions and Warnings rather than as absolute contraindications.

Frequently Asked Questions about Upadacitnib

What is Upadacitnib used for?

Upadacitnib is a selective JAK1 inhibitor used to treat moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, atopic dermatitis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease in patients who have not responded adequately to, or cannot tolerate, other therapies.

How should I take Upadacitnib?

Take Upadacitnib by mouth once daily, with or without food, swallowing the tablet whole. Do not crush, split, or chew it, as it is an extended-release formulation. Never change your dose without consulting your physician.

What are the most serious risks of Upadacitnib?

Upadacitnib carries a boxed warning for increased risk of serious infections, higher mortality (in comparison with TNF blockers), malignancy including lymphoma and skin cancers, major adverse cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, cardiovascular death), and blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, arterial thrombosis). These risks are higher in patients over 50 with cardiovascular risk factors. Report fever, signs of infection, chest pain, shortness of breath, or leg swelling to your physician immediately.

Can I take Upadacitnib if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Upadacitnib is generally not recommended during pregnancy because of limited human safety data and potential fetal risk; it should be used in pregnancy only if clearly needed and the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk, and only under close physician supervision. Effective contraception is generally advised during and for some time after treatment. It is not known if Upadacitnib passes into breast milk, so a decision to breastfeed or continue Upadacitnib should be made with your physician.

Can Upadacitnib be taken with other arthritis or immune medicines?

No — combining Upadacitnib with biologic DMARDs, other JAK inhibitors, or potent immunosuppressants (such as azathioprine or cyclosporine) increases the risk of serious infection and is not recommended. Always tell your physician about all medicines you are taking before starting Upadacitnib.

What should I do if I miss a dose or take too much Upadacitnib?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember that same day; do not double up. If you suspect an overdose of Upadacitnib, seek immediate medical attention or contact emergency services/poison control right away.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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