Drug reference

upadacitinib

For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.

Drug class

Musculoskeletal (DMARDs)

Mechanism of action

Janus kinase-1 (JAK1)-selective inhibitor; JAK1 is essential for certain cytokines to elicit signals from various interleukins, cardiotrophin, neurotrophin, and interferons. These signals are crucial in maintaining the inflammatory condition in rheumatoid arthritis (RA); inhibition of JAK reduces production of and modulates proinflammatory cytokines central to RA

Common side effects

  • Neutropenia
  • Nausea
  • Cough
  • Lymphopenia
  • Pyrexia
  • Elevated AST
  • Elevated ALT

Known interactions (13)

Related conditions

Frequently asked questions

What drug class is upadacitinib?

upadacitinib belongs to: Musculoskeletal.

How does upadacitinib work?

Janus kinase-1 (JAK1)-selective inhibitor; JAK1 is essential for certain cytokines to elicit signals from various interleukins, cardiotrophin, neurotrophin, and interferons. These signals are crucial in maintaining the inflammatory condition in rheumatoid arthritis (RA); inhibition of JAK reduces production of and modulates proinflammatory cytokines central to RA

What are the common side effects of upadacitinib?

Neutropenia, Nausea, Cough, Lymphopenia, Pyrexia, Elevated AST, Elevated ALT

Which drugs interact with upadacitinib?

baricitinib, abatacept, adalimumab, anti-thymocyte, azathioprine, basiliximab, certolizumab pegol, cyclosporin, etanercept, fingolimod, golimumab, guselkumab, infliximab

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.

Browse A–Z · Drug reference