Have you been prescribed Upadacitinib (RINVOQ)? Let's be aware of this.

Do you also have problems like joint pain, joint swelling, and skin diseases? Sometimes it is very difficult to live with such diseases. So, a special, modern drug that doctors recommend to control such conditions is Upadacitinib (we know it better by the brand name RINVOQ). Today, let's talk simply and friendly about this drug, what it does, and what you need to be careful about while using it.

What is Upadacitinib?

Simply put, this is a drug that works by affecting your immune system. We call these 'JAK inhibitors'. Our body's immune system sometimes becomes overactive and starts attacking our own cells. This is why diseases like arthritis develop. So what this drug does is control that unwanted activity of the immune system.

This medicine is mainly used for the following conditions:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Joint inflammation and pain.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: Joint inflammation that occurs with the skin disease psoriasis.
• Atopic Dermatitis: A skin disease known as 'eczema'.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: An arthritis condition that mainly affects the joints of the spine.
• Ulcerative Colitis: An inflammatory condition of the large intestine.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Upadacitinib is a very strong medicine, so it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health history. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions below.

• If you have a blood clotting problem.
• If you have had or currently have cancer .
• If you have diabetes .
• If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol .
• If you have a weak immune system.
• If there is any type of infection , especially viral infections like chickenpox and herpes, and bacterial infections like tuberculosis (TB), it is important to talk about it.
• If you have kidney or liver disease .
• If you have low white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets in your blood.
• If you have breathing difficulties, lung diseases such as asthma or COPD.
• If you are a smoker.
• If you have intestinal problems (e.g. Diverticulitis).
• If you have had a stroke .
• If you have recently received or are about to receive a vaccine .
• If you are trying to get pregnant , are pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother.
• If you have an allergy to this medicine or any other medicine or food.

How should I use the medicine?

The way to use this is very simple, but very important.

• Swallow this pill whole with a glass of water .
• Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet. Swallow it as is.
• Try to take it at the same time every day. This will help keep the medicine's effectiveness in the body at the same level.
• You can take it before or after meals, but if you experience stomach upset, it's best to take it with food.
• Continue to use the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop .

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.

What if I take too much medicine?

If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

Other things that may interact with this medicine

While taking upadacitinib, it can be dangerous to take certain other medications together. So tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins and herbal products).

Things to consider when taking medication

• Risk of infection: This medicine may reduce the activity of the immune system, so you may be slightly more likely to develop infections . Therefore, if you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, or body aches, do not self-medicate and talk to your doctor. It is also a good idea to avoid places where sick people hang out.
• Avoid getting pregnant: Avoid getting pregnant while taking this medicine. It can cause serious harm to an unborn baby. You should use adequate birth control for 4 weeks after stopping the medicine. Talk to your doctor about this.
• Avoid breastfeeding: Avoid breastfeeding your baby while taking the medicine and for 6 days after stopping.
• Cancer risk: People taking this medication may have a slightly increased risk of developing some types of cancer (e.g., skin cancer). Don't be alarmed by this, but be aware of the risks by talking to your doctor.
• Protect yourself from the sun: Your skin may be sensitive to sunlight while taking this medication. Therefore, if you are going to be in the sun, apply a good sunscreen and wear clothing that covers your body.

Serious side effects - if you notice these, tell your doctor immediately!

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it could be a sign of a serious condition. So, inform your doctor immediately.

Common side effects

Some minor side effects may also occur. For example, things like a runny nose or nausea. If these persist or are bothersome, tell your doctor about them as well.

Upadacitinib, RINVOQ, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, JAK inhibitor, skin diseases, side effects