Drug interactions
Saquinavir + Upadacitinib
Severity: Moderate
Saquinavir and Upadacitinib: moderate 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
Saquinavir, usually given with ritonavir, is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and can raise upadacitinib exposure. Higher levels may increase the risk of dose-related adverse effects such as infections, cytopenias and lipid elevations.
What this interaction means in plain words
Saquinavir and Upadacitinib can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of upadacitinib in the liver and gut.
What to do
Use the lower upadacitinib dose recommended in labeling for concurrent strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, and monitor for infections and laboratory abnormalities. Reassess the need for the combination if adverse effects develop.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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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 Saquinavir with Upadacitinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Saquinavir and Upadacitinib can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Saquinavir, usually given with ritonavir, is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and can raise upadacitinib exposure. Higher levels may increase the risk of dose-related adverse effects such as infections, cytopenias and lipid elevations.
How serious is the interaction between Saquinavir and Upadacitinib?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lower upadacitinib dose recommended in labeling for concurrent strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, and monitor for infections and laboratory abnormalities. Reassess the need for the combination if adverse effects develop.
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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