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Drug interactions

Risankizumab + Upadacitinib

Severity: Major

Risankizumab 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

Risankizumab blocks IL-23 and upadacitinib inhibits JAK signaling. They are sometimes considered together in inflammatory bowel disease, but combined immunosuppression may increase infection risk and data on safety are limited.

What this interaction means in plain words

Risankizumab 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.

Risankizumab belongs to Miscellaneous; Upadacitinib belongs to Musculoskeletal.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Additive immunosuppression through IL-23 blockade and JAK inhibition.

What to do

Avoid routine combination; if used, screen for tuberculosis and hepatitis beforehand and monitor for infections.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Risankizumab with Upadacitinib?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Risankizumab 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. Risankizumab blocks IL-23 and upadacitinib inhibits JAK signaling. They are sometimes considered together in inflammatory bowel disease, but combined immunosuppression may increase infection risk and data on safety are limited.

How serious is the interaction between Risankizumab 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 routine combination; if used, screen for tuberculosis and hepatitis beforehand and monitor for infections.

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.

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

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