You may have been prescribed a drug called Upadacitinib by your doctor. This drug is most commonly used to treat conditions such as arthritis , eczema , and ulcerative colitis, which are inflammatory bowel diseases . It is prescribed when other medications have not worked or when the body cannot tolerate the medication. So, let's talk briefly about this drug, what it does, and what to watch out for.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, our body's defense system, the immune system , sometimes becomes a little too active. Then it starts attacking our own healthy cells. We call these conditions autoimmune conditions. Diseases like your arthritis and eczema also fall into this category.
So what this Upadacitinib pill does is it slows down the overactive immune system a little bit. It makes it work a little bit more efficiently. Then the inflammation and the symptoms associated with it decrease in the body, and you get relief.
The most important things to tell your doctor before taking medication
Before starting this medication, it is very important to inform your doctor about your complete health history . If any of the conditions listed in the table below apply to you, be sure to mention them.
| The situation that concerns you | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| If you have or have had cancer. | This medicine may slightly increase the risk of some types of cancer. |
| If you smoke (currently or in the past). | Smoking increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer. |
| Conditions such as heart attack, stroke, blood clots, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. | This medication may increase the risk of these conditions, so it is important that your doctor is aware of it. |
| Diseases that weaken the immune system, such as diabetes, HIV or AIDS. | The risk of infection is higher if the immune system is already weak. |
| Current or untreated infections (e.g. tuberculosis (TB), herpes, hepatitis, chickenpox). | Because this medication suppresses immunity, existing infections may worsen or previously suppressed infections may recur. |
| Kidney or liver disease. | The dosage may need to be adjusted as it affects the excretion of the drug from the body. |
| Decreased blood cell levels (white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets). | This medication can affect blood cell levels. |
| If you have recently received a vaccine or are scheduled to receive one in the future. | In particular, live virus vaccines should not be taken with this medicine. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. | This is very important! This medicine can harm the baby. |
| If you have an allergic reaction to upadacitinib or any other medicine, food, or dye. | It is essential to inform this to prevent an allergic reaction. |
How do you use this medicine?
Take this medicine every day, at the appointed time, as prescribed by the doctor.
- Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
- Never break, crush, or chew the pill.
- You can take this before or after meals, but if you experience stomach upset, it's best to take it with food.
- Continue using it until your doctor tells you to stop.
- Most importantly, do not take this medication with grapefruit juice. It can affect the effectiveness of the medication.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
This medicine is for you only. Do not give it to anyone else who has the same symptoms as you.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Other medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies you are taking may interact with Upadacitinib. So tell your doctor about everything you are taking. It is especially important to tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
- Some medications for fungal infections (e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole)
- Some antiviral medications for HIV or Hepatitis
- Some medications for seizures (e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin)
- Some antibiotics (e.g. Clarithromycin, Rifampin)
- Other medications that suppress the immune system (e.g. azathioprine, cyclosporine, adalimumab)
- Live virus vaccines
- Grapefruit and grapefruit juice
- Herbal supplements such as St. John's wort
This list is not complete, so for your safety, don't forget to tell your doctor about all the medications you take.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
Regular medical checkups
While you are taking this medicine, your doctor will check you regularly. He or she will also order blood tests to check for changes in your blood, such as your cholesterol levels. Be sure to attend all of these tests.
Risk of infection
Because this medicine reduces the activity of the immune system, you are at slightly higher risk of developing infections.
- If you experience symptoms such as fever, cold, cough, or body aches, do not self-medicate and call your doctor for advice.
- Try to stay as far away from people who are sick as possible.
- Before starting the medication, the doctor will also check if you are at risk of developing tuberculosis (TB).
Risk of cancer, heart disease, and blood clots
- Cancer: This medicine may slightly increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as skin cancer. So wear protective clothing and sunscreen when you are in the sun. Tell your doctor if you notice any new spots or lumps on your skin that you haven't seen before.
- Heart attack and stroke: If you experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, pain in the shoulders or arms, difficulty breathing, sudden numbness in the face, arm or leg, or difficulty speaking , go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately .
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
This is very important! If you are trying to get pregnant, or are pregnant, be sure to use adequate birth control while taking this medicine and for 4 weeks after your last dose . Avoid breastfeeding while taking this medicine and for 6 days after your last dose .
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this medicine can cause some side effects. Not everyone gets them. The table below clearly states this.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Blood clot | Leg pain, swelling or warmth, difficulty breathing, chest pain. |
| Heart attack | Pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, nausea, difficulty breathing. |
| Stroke | Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, confusion, or difficulty walking. |
| Infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, non-healing wounds, urinary tract infections. |
| Liver injury | Pain in the upper right abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine. |
| Usually not serious (but notify your doctor if it persists) | |
| Minor side effects | Acne, cough, headache, nausea, runny or stuffy nose. |
How do you store your medicine?
- Keep it in a safe place out of reach of children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 Celsius) away from moisture and keep the bottle tightly closed.
- Do not use expired medications. Ask your doctor for advice on the safest way to dispose of them.
Take-Home Message
- Upadacitinib is a drug that controls your body's overactive immune system.
- Do not break, crush, or chew this tablet. Swallow it whole.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you develop signs of infection such as fever, cough, severe symptoms such as chest pain, or sudden numbness.
- Avoid getting pregnant while taking this medicine and for 4 weeks after stopping.
- Always follow your doctor's instructions and attend clinics on time.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න