Drug interactions
Phenobarbital + Upadacitinib
Severity: Major
Phenobarbital and Upadacitinib: major interaction.
Last updated
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.
Summary
Phenobarbital is a potent enzyme inducer and can lower upadacitinib exposure, which may result in loss of disease control.
What this interaction means in plain words
Phenobarbital and Upadacitinib can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Phenobarbital induces CYP3A4, increasing upadacitinib clearance.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible. If phenobarbital is needed, monitor disease activity and consider an alternative anticonvulsant or immunomodulator.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Upadacitinib
- Abrocitinib + Upadacitinib Contraindicated
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Upadacitinib Contraindicated
- Baricitinib + Upadacitinib Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Upadacitinib Contraindicated
- Cyclosporine + Upadacitinib Contraindicated
- Dengue vaccine + Upadacitinib Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Phenobarbital with Upadacitinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Phenobarbital and Upadacitinib can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Phenobarbital is a potent enzyme inducer and can lower upadacitinib exposure, which may result in loss of disease control.
How serious is the interaction between Phenobarbital and Upadacitinib?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible. If phenobarbital is needed, monitor disease activity and consider an alternative anticonvulsant or immunomodulator.
What other medicines interact with Upadacitinib?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Upadacitinib with, for example, Abrocitinib, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Baricitinib. The full list is on the Upadacitinib page.
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