Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Upadacitinib hemihydrate may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
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RINVOQ contains the active substance upadacitinib. It belongs to a group of medicines called Janus kinase inhibitors. By reducing the activity of an enzyme called 'Janus kinase' in the body, RINVOQ lowers inflammation in the following diseases: • • • • • • •
Rheumatoid arthritis Psoriatic arthritis Axial spondyloarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis RINVOQ is used to treat adults with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that causes inflamed joints. If you have moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis, you may first be given other medicines, one of which will usually be methotrexate. If these medicines do not work well enough, you will be given RINVOQ either alone or in combination with methotrexate to treat your rheumatoid arthritis. RINVOQ can help to reduce pain, stiffness and swelling in your joints, reduce tiredness and it can slow down damage to the bone and cartilage in your joints. These effects can ease your normal daily activities and so improve your quality of life.
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Psoriatic arthritis RINVOQ is used to treat adults with psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis is a disease that causes inflamed joints and psoriasis. If you have active psoriatic arthritis, you may first be given other medicines. If these medicines do not work well enough, you will be given RINVOQ either alone or in combination with methotrexate to treat your psoriatic arthritis. RINVOQ can help to reduce pain, stiffness, and swelling in and around your joints, pain and stiffness in your spine, psoriatic skin rash, and tiredness, and it can slow down damage to the bone and cartilage in your joints. These effects can ease your normal daily activities and so improve your quality of life. Axial spondyloarthritis (non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis) RINVOQ is used to treat adults with axial spondyloarthritis. Axial spondyloarthritis is a disease that primarily causes inflammation in the spine. If you have active axial spondyloarthritis, you may first be given other medicines. If these medicines do not work well enough, you will be given RINVOQ to treat your axial spondyloarthritis. RINVOQ can help to reduce back pain, stiffness, and inflammation in your spine. These effects can ease your normal daily activities and so improve your quality of life. Giant cell arteritis RINVOQ is used to treat adults with giant cell arteritis. Giant cell arteritis is a disease that causes inflammation of the blood vessels generally affecting the medium and large arteries in the head, neck, and arms. RINVOQ can help to control the signs and symptoms of giant cell arteritis including headache, scalp tenderness, jaw pain, and tiredness. These effects can ease your normal daily activities and so improve your quality of life. Giant cell arteritis is often treated with medicines called steroids. They are usually effective, but can have side effects if used at high doses or if used for a long time. Reducing the steroid dose can also lead to a flare of giant cell arteritis. Adding RINVOQ to the treatment means that steroids can be used for a shorter time, while still controlling giant cell arteritis. Atopic dermatitis RINVOQ is used to treat adults and adolescents 12 years and older with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, also known as atopic eczema. RINVOQ may be used with eczema medicines that you apply to the skin or it may be used on its own. Taking RINVOQ can improve the condition of your skin, and reduce itching and flares. RINVOQ can help improve symptoms of pain, anxiety and depression that people with atopic dermatitis may have. RINVOQ can also help improve your sleep disturbance and overall quality of life. Ulcerative colitis Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease of the large bowel. RINVOQ is used to treat adults with ulcerative colitis who did not respond well enough or did not tolerate previous therapy. RINVOQ can help to reduce the signs and symptoms of the disease including bloody stools, abdominal pain and the need to rush to and the number of times you go to the toilet. These effects can enable your normal daily activities and reduce fatigue. Crohn's disease Crohn's disease is an inflammatory disease that may involve any part of the digestive tract, but most commonly affects the bowel. RINVOQ is used to treat adults with Crohn's disease who did not respond well enough or did not tolerate previous therapy. RINVOQ can help to reduce the signs and symptoms of the disease including the need to rush to and the number of times you go to the toilet, abdominal pain, and the inflammation of your intestinal lining. These effects can enable your normal daily activities and reduce fatigue. 2
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e RINVOQ
Do not take RINVOQ • if you are allergic to upadacitinib or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6) • if you have a severe infection (such as pneumonia or bacterial skin infection) • if you have active tuberculosis (TB) • if you have severe liver problems • if you are pregnant (see section Pregnancy, breast-feeding and contraception) Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before and during treatment with RINVOQ if: • you have an infection or if you often get infections. Tell your doctor if you get symptoms such as fever, wounds, feeling more tired than usual or dental problems as these can be signs of infection. RINVOQ can reduce your body's ability to fight infections and may make an existing infection worse or increase the chance of you getting a new infection. If you have diabetes or are 65 years of age or older you may have an increased chance of getting infections. • you have had tuberculosis or have been in close contact with someone with tuberculosis. Your doctor will test you for tuberculosis before starting RINVOQ and may retest during treatment • you have had a herpes zoster infection (shingles), because RINVOQ may allow it to come back. Tell your doctor if you get a painful skin rash with blisters as these can be signs of shingles • you have ever had hepatitis B or C • you have recently had or plan to have a vaccination (immunisation) – this is because live vaccines are not recommended while using RINVOQ • you have or had in the past cancer, smoke or have smoked in the past, because your doctor will discuss with you if RINVOQ is appropriate for you. • Non-melanoma skin cancer has been observed in patients taking RINVOQ. Your doctor may recommend that you have regular skin examinations while taking RINVOQ. If new skin lesions appear during or after therapy or if existing lesions change appearance, tell your doctor. • have, or have had heart problems, because your doctor will discuss with you if RINVOQ is appropriate for you • your liver does not work as well as it should • you have previously had blood clots in the veins of your legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism) or have an increased risk for developing this (for example: if you had recent major surgery, if you use hormonal contraceptiveshormonal replacement therapy, if a blood clotting disorder is identified in you or your close relatives). Your doctor will discuss with you if RINVOQ is appropriate for you. Tell your doctor if you get sudden shortness of breath or difficulty breathing chest pain, or pain in upper back, swelling of the leg or arm, leg pain or tenderness, or redness or discolouration in the leg or arm as these can be signs of blood clots in the veins • you experience sudden changes to your eyesight. You should seek medical advice straight away if you have sudden symptoms such as blurry vision, partial or complete loss of vision, as these may be a sign of blocked blood flow in the eyes • you have kidney problems • you have unexplained stomach (abdominal) pain, have or have had diverticulitis (painful inflammation of small pockets in the lining of your intestine) or ulcers in your stomach or intestines, or are taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines • you repeatedly see a tablet or tablet pieces in your stool. If you notice any of the following serious side effects, tell a doctor straight away:
Blood tests You will need blood tests before you start taking RINVOQ, or while you are taking it. This is to check for a low red blood cell count (anaemia), low white blood cell count (neutropenia or lymphopenia), high blood fat (cholesterol) or high levels of liver enzymes. The tests are to check that treatment with RINVOQ is not causing problems. Elderly There is a higher rate of infection in patients aged 65 years of age and older. Tell your doctor as soon as you notice any signs or symptoms of an infection. Patients 65 years of age and older may be at increased risk of infections, heart problems including heart attack, and some types of cancer. Your doctor will discuss with you if RINVOQ is appropriate for you. Children and adolescents RINVOQ is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age or adolescents weighing less than 30 kg with atopic dermatitis. This is because it has not been studied in these patients. RINVOQ is not recommended for use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis (non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis), ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's disease. This is because it has not been studied in this age group. Other medicines and RINVOQ Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. This is because some medicines may reduce how well RINVOQ works or may increase the risk of getting side effects. It is very important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following: • medicines to treat fungal infections (such as itraconazole, posaconazole or voriconazole) • medicines to treat bacterial infections (such as clarithromycin) • medicines to treat Cushing's syndrome (such as ketoconazole) • medicines to treat tuberculosis (such as rifampicin) • medicines to treat seizures or fits (such as phenytoin) • medicines that affect your immune system (such as azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, ciclosporin and tacrolimus) • medicines that may increase your risk of gastrointestinal perforation or diverticulitis such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (usually used to treat painful and/or inflammatory conditions of muscle or joints), and/or opioids (used to treat severe pain), and/or corticosteroids (usually used to treat inflammatory conditions). • medicines to treat diabetes or if you have diabetes. Your doctor may decide if you need less anti-diabetic medicine while taking upadacitinib. If any of the above apply to you or you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking RINVOQ. Rinvoq with food and drink Avoid food or drink containing grapefruit during treatment with RINVOQ as these may increase the risk of side effects by increasing the amount of upadacitinib in your body. Pregnancy, breast-feeding and contraception Pregnancy 4
RINVOQ must not be used during pregnancy. Breast-feeding If you are breast-feeding or are planning to breast-feed, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine. You should not use RINVOQ while breast-feeding as it is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk. You and your doctor should decide if you will breast-feed or use RINVOQ. You should not do both. Contraception If you are a woman of child-bearing potential, you must use effective contraception to avoid becoming pregnant while taking RINVOQ and for at least 4 weeks after your last dose of RINVOQ. If you become pregnant during this time, you must talk to your doctor straight away. If your child has her first menstrual period while taking RINVOQ, you should inform the doctor. Driving and using machines Do not drive or use machines if you experience dizziness or a spinning sensation (vertigo) when taking RINVOQ until they resolve. 3.
How to take RINVOQ
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. How much to take If you have rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis (non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis), or giant cell arteritis The recommended dose is one 15 mg tablet once a day. If you have atopic dermatitis Adults (from 18 to 64 years of age): The recommended dose is 15 mg or 30 mg as prescribed by your doctor, as one tablet once a day. Your doctor may increase or decrease your dose depending on how you respond to the medicine. Adolescents (from 12 to 17 years of age) weighing at least 30 kg: The recommended dose is one 15 mg tablet once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose to one 30 mg tablet once a day depending on how you respond to the medicine. Elderly: If you are 65 years of age or older, the recommended dose is 15 mg once a day. If you have ulcerative colitis The recommended dose is one 45 mg tablet once a day for 8 weeks. Your doctor may decide to extend the initial 45 mg dose for another 8 weeks (for 16 weeks total). This will be followed by one 15 mg or one 30 mg tablet once a day for your long-term treatment. Your doctor may increase or decrease your dose depending on how you respond to the medicine. Elderly: If you are 65 years of age or older, the recommended dose is 15 mg once a day for your long-term treatment. 5
Your doctor may reduce your dose if you have kidney problems, or you are prescribed certain other medicines. If you have Crohn's disease The recommended dose is one 45 mg tablet once a day for 12 weeks. This will be followed by one 15 mg or one 30 mg tablet once a day for your long-term treatment. Your doctor may increase or decrease your dose depending on how you respond to the medicine. Elderly: If you are 65 years of age or older, the recommended dose is 15 mg once a day for your long-term treatment. Your doctor may reduce your dose if you have kidney problems, or you are prescribed certain other medicines.
• Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not split, crush, chew or break the tablet before swallowing as it may change how much medicine gets into your body. • To help you remember to take RINVOQ, take it at the same time every day. • The tablets can be taken with or without food. If you take more RINVOQ than you should If you take more RINVOQ than you should, contact your doctor. You may get some of the side effects listed in section 4. If you forget to take RINVOQ
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Serious side effects Talk to your doctor or get medical help straight away if you get any signs of: • infection such as shingles or painful skin rash with blisters (herpes zoster) – common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) • infection of the lung (pneumonia), which may cause shortness of breath, fever, and a cough with mucus – common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) • infection in the blood (sepsis) – uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) • allergic reaction (chest tightness, wheezing, swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, hives) – uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
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Other side effects Talk to your doctor if you notice any of the following side effects: Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people) • throat and nose infections • acne Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. 5.
RINVOQ
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the blister and carton after 'EXP'. This medicine does not require any special temperature storage conditions. Store in the original blister in order to protect from moisture. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment. 6.
What RINVOQ contains The active substance is upadacitinib. RINVOQ 15 mg prolonged-release tablets
What RINVOQ looks like and contents of the pack RINVOQ 15 mg prolonged-release tablets RINVOQ 15 mg prolonged-release tablets are purple, oblong, biconvex tablets imprinted on one side with 'a15'. The tablets are provided in blisters or bottles. RINVOQ is available in packs containing 28 or 98 prolonged-release tablets and in multipacks of 84 comprising 3 cartons, each containing 28 prolonged-release tablets. Each calendar blister contains 7 tablets. RINVOQ is available in bottles with desiccant containing 30 prolonged-release tablets, each pack contains 1 bottle (30 tablet pack) or 3 bottles (90 tablet pack). RINVOQ 30 mg prolonged-release tablets RINVOQ 30 mg prolonged-release tablets are red, oblong, biconvex tablets imprinted on one side with 'a30'. The tablets are provided in blisters or bottles. RINVOQ is available in packs containing 28 or 98 prolonged-release tablets. Each calendar blister contains 7 tablets. RINVOQ is available in bottles with desiccant containing 30 prolonged-release tablets, each pack contains 1 bottle (30 tablet pack) or 3 bottles (90 tablet pack). RINVOQ 45 mg prolonged-release tablets RINVOQ 45 mg prolonged-release tablets are yellow to mottled yellow, oblong, biconvex tablets imprinted on one side with 'a45'. The tablets are provided in blisters or bottles. RINVOQ is available in packs containing 28 prolonged-release tablets. Each calendar blister contains 7 tablets. RINVOQ is available in bottles with desiccant containing 28 prolonged-release tablets, each pack contains 1 bottle. Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder AbbVie Ltd Maidenhead SL6 4UB UK Tel: +44 (0)1628 561090 Manufacturer AbbVie S.r.l. S.R. 148 Pontina, km 52 SNC 04011 Campoverde di Aprilia (Latina) 9
Italy This leaflet was last revised in June 2026
To listen to or request a copy of this leaflet in Braille, large print or audio, please contact the Marketing Authorisation Holder.
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RINVOQ 45 mg prolonged-release tablets comes as tablet containing 45mg. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
The active substance in RINVOQ 45 mg prolonged-release tablets is upadacitinib hemihydrate.
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for RINVOQ 45 mg prolonged-release tablets, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
Rheumatoid arthritis
RINVOQ is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis in adult patients who have responded inadequately to, or who are intolerant to one or more disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). RINVOQ may be used as monotherapy or in combination with methotrexate.
Psoriatic arthritis
RINVOQ is indicated for the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis in adult patients who have responded inadequately to, or who are intolerant to one or more DMARDs. RINVOQ may be used as monotherapy or in combination with methotrexate.
Axial spondyloarthritis
Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA)
RINVOQ is indicated for the treatment of active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis in adult patients with objective signs of inflammation as indicated by elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), who have responded inadequately to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS, radiographic axial spondyloarthritis)
RINVOQ is indicated for the treatment of active ankylosing spondylitis in adult patients who have responded inadequately to conventional therapy.
Giant cell arteritis
RINVOQ is indicated for the treatment of giant cell arteritis in adult patients.
Atopic dermatitis
RINVOQ is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in adults and adolescents 12 years and older who are candidates for systemic therapy.
Ulcerative colitis
RINVOQ is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis who have had an inadequate response, lost response or were intolerant to either conventional therapy or a biologic agent.
Crohn's disease
RINVOQ is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease who have had an inadequate response, lost response or were intolerant to either conventional therapy or a biologic agent.
Treatment with upadacitinib should be initiated and supervised by physicians experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions for which upadacitinib is indicated.
Posology
Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis
The recommended dose of upadacitinib is 15 mg once daily.
Consideration should be given to discontinuing treatment in patients with axial spondyloarthritis who have shown no clinical response after 16 weeks of treatment. Some patients with initial partial response may subsequently improve with continued treatment beyond 16 weeks.
Giant cell arteritis
The recommended dose of upadacitinib is 15 mg once daily in combination with a tapering course of corticosteroids. Upadacitinib monotherapy should not be used for the treatment of acute relapses (see section 4.4).
Based upon the chronic nature of giant cell arteritis, upadacitinib 15 mg once daily can be continued as monotherapy following discontinuation of corticosteroids.
Atopic dermatitis
The recommended dose of upadacitinib is 15 mg or 30 mg once daily based on individual patient presentation.
• A dose of 15 mg is recommended for patients at higher risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and malignancy (see section 4.4).
• A dose of 30 mg once daily may be appropriate for patients with high disease burden who are not at higher risk of VTE, MACE and malignancy (see section 4.4) or patients with an inadequate response to 15 mg once daily.
• In adolescents (12 to 17 years of age) weighing at least 30 kg, a dose of 15 mg is recommended. If the patient does not respond adequately to 15 mg once daily, the dose can be increased to 30 mg once daily.
• The lowest effective dose to maintain response should be used.
For patients65 years of age and older, the recommended dose is 15 mg once daily (see section 4.4).
Concomitant topical therapies
Upadacitinib can be used with or without topical corticosteroids. Topical calcineurin inhibitors may be used for sensitive areas such as the face, neck, and intertriginous and genital areas.
Consideration should be given to discontinuing upadacitinib treatment in any patient who shows no evidence of therapeutic benefit after 12 weeks of treatment.
Ulcerative colitis
Induction
The recommended induction dose of upadacitinib is 45 mg once daily for 8 weeks. For patients who do not achieve adequate therapeutic benefit by week 8, upadacitinib 45 mg once daily may be continued for an additional 8-week period (see section 5.1). Upadacitinib should be discontinued in any patient who shows no evidence of therapeutic benefit by week 16.
Maintenance
The recommended maintenance dose of upadacitinib is 15 mg or 30 mg once daily based on individual patient presentation:
• A dose of 15 mg is recommended for patients at higher risk of VTE, MACE and malignancy (see section 4.4).
• A dose of 30 mg once daily may be appropriate for some patients, such as those with high disease burden or requiring 16‑week induction treatment who are not at a higher risk of VTE, MACE and malignancy (see section 4.4) or who do not show adequate therapeutic benefit to 15 mg once daily.
• The lowest effective dose to maintain response should be used.
For patients 65 years of age and older, the recommended dose is 15 mg once daily (see section 4.4).
In patients who have responded to treatment with upadacitinib, corticosteroids may be reduced and/or discontinued in accordance with standard of care.
Crohn's disease
Induction
The recommended induction dose of upadacitinib is 45 mg once daily for 12 weeks.
Maintenance
The recommended maintenance dose of upadacitinib is 15 mg or 30 mg once daily based on individual patient presentation:
• A dose of 15 mg is recommended for patients at higher risk of VTE, MACE and malignancy (see section 4.4).
• A dose of 30 mg once daily may be appropriate for patients with high disease burden who are not at higher risk of VTE, MACE and malignancy (see section 4.4) or who do not show adequate therapeutic benefit to 15 mg once daily.
• A dose of 30 mg once daily may be appropriate for patients who have not achieved adequate therapeutic benefit after the initial 12-week induction. For these patients, upadacitinib should be discontinued if there is no evidence of therapeutic benefit after 24 weeks of treatment.
• The lowest effective dose to maintain response should be used.
For patients 65 years of age and older, the recommended maintenance dose is 15 mg once daily (see section 4.4).
In patients who have responded to treatment with upadacitinib, corticosteroids may be reduced and/or discontinued in accordance with standard of care.
Interactions
For patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease receiving strong inhibitors of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin), the recommended induction dose is 30 mg once daily and the recommended maintenance dose is 15 mg once daily (see section 4.5).
Dose initiation
Treatment should not be initiated in patients with an absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) that is < 0.5 x 109 cells/L, an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) that is < 1 x 109 cells/L or who have haemoglobin (Hb) levels that are < 8 g/dL (see sections 4.4 and 4.8).
Dose interruption
Treatment should be interrupted if a patient develops a serious infection until the infection is controlled.
Interruption of dosing may be needed for management of laboratory abnormalities as described in Table 1.
Table 1 Laboratory measures and monitoring guidance
Laboratory measure
Action
Monitoring guidance
Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)
Treatment should be interrupted if ANC is < 1 x 109 cells/L and may be restarted once ANC returns above this value
Evaluate at baseline and then no later than 12 weeks after initiation of treatment. Thereafter evaluate according to individual patient management.
Absolute Lymphocyte Count (ALC)
Treatment should be interrupted if ALC is < 0.5 x 109 cells/L and may be restarted once ALC returns above this value
Haemoglobin (Hb)
Treatment should be interrupted if Hb is < 8 g/dL and may be restarted once Hb returns above this value
Hepatic transaminases
Treatment should be temporarily interrupted if drug-induced liver injury is suspected
Evaluate at baseline and thereafter according to routine patient management.
Lipids
Patients should be managed according to international clinical guidelines for hyperlipidaemia
Evaluate 12 weeks after initiation of treatment and thereafter according to international clinical guidelines for hyperlipidaemia
Special populations
Elderly
Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and axial spondyloarthritis
There are limited data in patients 75 years of age and older (see section 4.4).
Atopic dermatitis
For atopic dermatitis, doses higher than 15 mg once daily are not recommended in patients 65 years of age and older (see sections 4.4 and 4.8).
Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease
For ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, doses higher than 15 mg once daily for maintenance therapy are not recommended in patients 65 years of age and older (see sections 4.4 and 4.8). The safety and efficacy of upadacitinib in patients 75 years of age and older have not yet been established.
Renal impairment
No dose adjustment is required in patients with mild or moderate renal impairment. There are limited data on the use of upadacitinib in subjects with severe renal impairment (see section 5.2). Upadacitinib should be used with caution in patients with severe renal impairment as described in Table 2. The use of upadacitinib has not been studied in subjects with end stage renal disease and is therefore not recommended for use in these patients.
Table 2 Recommended dose for severe renal impairmenta
Therapeutic indication
Recommended once daily dose
Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, giant cell arteritis, atopic dermatitis
15 mg
Ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease
Induction: 30 mg
Maintenance: 15 mg
aestimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 15 to < 30 ml/min/1.73m2
Hepatic impairment
No dose adjustment is required in patients with mild (Child-Pugh A) or moderate (Child-Pugh B) hepatic impairment (see section 5.2). Upadacitinib should not be used in patients with severe (Child-Pugh C) hepatic impairment (see section 4.3).
Paediatric population
The safety and efficacy of RINVOQ in children with atopic dermatitis below the age of 12 years have not been established. No data are available
The safety and efficacy of RINVOQ in children and adolescents with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease, aged 0 to less than 18 years have not yet been established. No data are available.
There is no relevant use of RINVOQ in the paediatric population in the indication giant cell arteritis.
Method of administration
RINVOQ is to be taken orally once daily with or without food and may be taken at any time of the day. Tablets should be swallowed whole and should not be split, crushed, or chewed in order to ensure the entire dose is delivered correctly.
Food or drink containing grapefruit should be avoided during treatment with upadacitinib (see section 4.5).
• Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
• Active tuberculosis (TB) or active serious infections (see section 4.4).
• Severe hepatic impairment (see section 4.2).
• Pregnancy (see section 4.6).
Upadacitinib should only be used if no suitable treatment alternatives are available in patients:
- 65 years of age and older;
- patients with history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or other cardiovascular risk factors (such as current or past long-time smokers);
- patients with malignancy risk factors (e.g. current malignancy or history of malignancy)
Use in patients 65 years of age and older
Considering the increased risk of MACE, malignancies, serious infections, and all- cause mortality in patients 65 years of age and older, as observed in a large randomised study of tofacitinib (another Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitor), upadacitinib should only be used in these patients if no suitable treatment alternatives are available.
In patients 65 years of age and older, there is an increased risk of adverse reactions with upadacitinib 30 mg once daily. Consequently, the recommended dose for long-term use in this patient population is 15 mg once daily (see sections 4.2 and 4.8).
Immunosuppressive medicinal products
Combination with other potent immunosuppressants such as azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, ciclosporin, tacrolimus, and biologic DMARDs or other JAK inhibitors has not been evaluated in clinical studies and is not recommended as a risk of additive immunosuppression cannot be excluded.
Serious infections
Serious and sometimes fatal infections have been reported in patients receiving upadacitinib. The most frequent serious infections reported with upadacitinib included pneumonia (see section 4.8) and cellulitis. Cases of bacterial meningitis and sepsis have been reported in patients receiving upadacitinib. Among opportunistic infections, tuberculosis, multidermatomal herpes zoster, oral/oesophageal candidiasis, and cryptococcosis were reported with upadacitinib.
Upadacitinib should not be initiated in patients with an active, serious infection, including localised infections (see section 4.3).
Consider the risks and benefits of treatment prior to initiating upadacitinib in patients:
• with chronic or recurrent infection
• who have been exposed to tuberculosis
• with a history of a serious or an opportunistic infection
• who have resided or travelled in areas of endemic tuberculosis or endemic mycoses; or
• with underlying conditions that may predispose them to infection.
Patients should be closely monitored for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with upadacitinib. Upadacitinib therapy should be interrupted if a patient develops a serious or opportunistic infection. A patient who develops a new infection during treatment with upadacitinib should undergo prompt and complete diagnostic testing appropriate for an immunocompromised patient; appropriate antimicrobial therapy should be initiated, the patient should be closely monitored, and upadacitinib therapy should be interrupted if the patient is not responding to antimicrobial therapy. Upadacitinib therapy may be resumed once the infection is controlled and only following a careful consideration of benefit-risk.
A higher rate of serious infections was observed with upadacitinib 30 mg compared to upadacitinib 15 mg.
As there is a higher incidence of infections in the elderlyand in the diabetic populations in general, caution should be used when treating the elderly and patients with diabetes. In patients 65 years of age and older, upadacitinib should only be used if no suitable treatment alternatives are available (see section 4.2).
Tuberculosis
Patients should be screened for tuberculosis (TB) before starting upadacitinib therapy. Upadacitinib should not be given to patients with active TB (see section 4.3). Anti-TB therapy should be considered prior to initiation of upadacitinib in patients with previously untreated latent TB or in patients with risk factors for TB infection.
Consultation with a physician with expertise in the treatment of TB is recommended to aid in the decision about whether initiating anti-TB therapy is appropriate for an individual patient.
Patients should be monitored for the development of signs and symptoms of TB, including patients who tested negative for latent TB infection prior to initiating therapy.
Viral reactivation
Viral reactivation, including cases of herpes virus reactivation (e.g., herpes zoster), was reported in clinical studies (see section 4.8). The risk of herpes zoster appears to be higher in Japanese patients treated with upadacitinib. If a patient develops herpes zoster, interruption of upadacitinib therapy should be considered until the episode resolves.
Screening for viral hepatitis and monitoring for reactivation should be performed before starting and during therapy with upadacitinib. Patients who were positive for hepatitis C antibody and hepatitis C virus RNA were excluded from clinical studies. Patients who were positive for hepatitis B surface antigen or hepatitis B virus DNA were excluded from clinical studies. If hepatitis B virus DNA is detected while receiving upadacitinib, a liver specialist should be consulted.
Vaccination
No data are available on the response to vaccination with live vaccines in patients receiving upadacitinib. Use of live, attenuated vaccines during or immediately prior to upadacitinib therapy is not recommended. Prior to initiating upadacitinib treatment, it is recommended that patients be brought up to date with all immunisations, including prophylactic zoster vaccinations, in agreement with current immunisation guidelines. (see section 5.1).
Malignancy
Lymphoma and other malignancies have been reported in patients receiving JAK inhibitors, including upadacitinib.
In a large randomised active‑controlled study of tofacitinib (another JAK inhibitor) in rheumatoid arthritis patients 50 years and older with at least one additional cardiovascular risk factor, a higher rate of malignancies, particularly lung cancer, lymphoma and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) was observed with tofacitinib compared to tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors.
A higher rate of malignancies was observed with upadacitinib 30 mg compared to upadacitinib 15 mg.
In patients 65 years of age and older, patients who are current or past long-time smokers, or with other malignancy risk factors (e.g., current malignancy or history of malignancy), upadacitinib should only be used if no suitable treatment alternatives are available.
Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC)
NMSCs have been reported in patients treated with upadacitinib (see section 4.8). A higher rate of NMSC was observed with upadacitinib 30 mg compared to upadacitinib 15 mg. Periodic skin examination is recommended for all patients, particularly those with risk factors for skin cancer.
Haematological abnormalities
Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) < 1 x 109 cells/L, Absolute Lymphocyte Count (ALC) < 0.5 x 109 cells/L and haemoglobin < 8 g/dL were reported in ≤1 % of patients in clinical trials (see section 4.8). Treatment should not be initiated, or should be temporarily interrupted, in patients with an ANC < 1 x 109 cells/L, ALC < 0.5 x 109 cells/L or haemoglobin < 8 g/dL observed during routine patient management (see section 4.2).
Gastrointestinal perforations
Events of diverticulitis (see section 4.8) and gastrointestinal perforations have been reported in clinical trials and from post‑marketing sources. Upadacitinib should be used with caution in patients who may be at risk for gastrointestinal perforation (e.g., patients with diverticular disease, a history of diverticulitis, or who are taking nonsteroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, or opioids). Patients presenting with new onset abdominal signs and symptoms should be evaluated promptly for early identification of diverticulitis or gastrointestinal perforation.
Major adverse cardiovascular events
Events of MACE were observed in clinical studies of upadacitinib.
In a large randomised active-controlled study of tofacitinib (another JAK inhibitor) in rheumatoid arthritis patients 50 years and older with at least one additional cardiovascular risk factor, a higher rate of MACE, defined as cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) and non-fatal stroke, was observed with tofacitinib compared to TNF inhibitors.
Therefore, in patients 65 years of age and older, patients who are current or past long-time smokers, and patients with history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or other cardiovascular risk factors, upadacitinib should only be used if no suitable treatment alternatives are available.
Lipids
Treatment with upadacitinib was associated with dose-dependent increases in lipid parameters, including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (see section 4.8). Elevations in LDL cholesterol decreased to pre-treatment levels in response to statin therapy, although evidence is limited. The effect of these lipid parameter elevations on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has not been determined (see section 4.2 for monitoring guidance).
Hepatic transaminase elevations
Treatment with upadacitinib was associated with an increased incidence of liver enzyme elevation compared to placebo (see section 4.8).
Hepatic transaminases must be evaluated at baseline and thereafter according to routine patient management. Prompt investigation of the cause of liver enzyme elevation is recommended to identify potential cases of drug-induced liver injury.
If increases in ALT or AST are observed during routine patient management and drug-induced liver injury is suspected, upadacitinib therapy should be interrupted until this diagnosis is excluded.
Venous thromboembolism
Events of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) were observed in clinical trials for upadacitinib.
In a large randomised active-controlled study of tofacitinib (another JAK inhibitor) in rheumatoid arthritis patients 50 years and older with at least one additional cardiovascular risk factor, a dose‑dependent higher rate of VTE including DVT and PE was observed with tofacitinib compared to TNF inhibitors.
In patients with cardiovascular or malignancy risk factors (see also section 4.4 “Major adverse cardiovascular events” and “Malignancy”) upadacitinib should only be used if no suitable treatment alternatives are available.
In patients with known VTE risk factors other than cardiovascular or malignancy risk factors, upadacitinib should be used with caution. VTE risk factors other than cardiovascular or malignancy risk factors include previous VTE , patients undergoing major surgery, immobilisation, use of combined hormonal contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, and inherited coagulation disorder. Patients should be re-evaluated periodically during upadacitinib treatment to assess for changes in VTE risk. Patients with signs and symptoms of VTE should be promptly evaluated and treatment should be discontinued in patients with suspected VTE, regardless of dose.
Retinal vein occlusion
Retinal vein occlusion has been reported in patients treated with JAK inhibitors, including upadacitinib. Patients should be advised to promptly seek medical care in case they experience symptoms suggestive of retinal vein occlusion.
Hypersensitivity reactions
Serious hypersensitivity reactions such as anaphylaxis and angioedema have been reported in patients receiving upadacitinib. If a clinically significant hypersensitivity reaction occurs, treatment with upadacitinib must be discontinued and appropriate therapy must be instituted (see sections 4.3 and 4.8).
Hypoglycaemia in patients treated for diabetes
There have been reports of hypoglycaemia following initiation of JAK inhibitors, including upadacitinib, in patients receiving treatment for diabetes. Dose adjustment of anti-diabetic medicinal products may be necessary in the event that hypoglycaemia occurs.
Medication Residue in Stool
Reports of medication residue in stool or ostomy output have occurred in patients taking upadacitinib. Most reports described anatomic (e.g., ileostomy, colostomy, intestinal resection) or functional gastrointestinal conditions with shortened gastrointestinal transit times. Patients should be instructed to contact their healthcare professional if medication residue is observed repeatedly. Patients should be clinically monitored, and alternative treatment should be considered if there is an inadequate therapeutic response.
Giant Cell Arteritis
Upadacitinib monotherapy should not be used for the treatment of acute relapses as efficacy in this setting has not been established. Corticosteroids should be given according to medical judgement and practice guidelines.
Potential for other medicinal products to affect the pharmacokinetics of upadacitinib
Upadacitinib is metabolised mainly by CYP3A4. Therefore, upadacitinib plasma exposures can be affected by medicinal products that strongly inhibit or induce CYP3A4.
Co-administration with CYP3A4 inhibitors
Upadacitinib exposure is increased when co-administered with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, clarithromycin, and grapefruit juice). In a clinical study, co-administration of upadacitinib with ketoconazole resulted in 70% and 75% increases in upadacitinib Cmax and AUC, respectively. Upadacitinib 15 mg once daily should be used with caution in patients receiving chronic treatment with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. Upadacitinib 30 mg once daily dose is not recommended for patients with atopic dermatitis receiving chronic treatment with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. For patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease using strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, the recommended induction dose is 30 mg once daily and the recommended maintenance dose is 15 mg once daily (see section 4.2). Alternatives to strong CYP3A4 inhibitors should be considered when used in the long-term.
Co-administration of upadacitinib with grapefruit may increase exposure to upadacitinib. Food or drink containing grapefruit should be avoided during treatment with upadacitinib.
Co-administration with CYP3A4 inducers
Upadacitinib exposure is decreased when co-administered with strong CYP3A4 inducers (such as rifampin and phenytoin), which may lead to reduced therapeutic effect of upadacitinib. In a clinical study, co-administration of upadacitinib after multiple doses of rifampicin (strong CYP3A inducer) resulted in approximately 50% and 60% decreases in upadacitinib Cmax and AUC, respectively. Patients should be monitored for changes in disease activity if upadacitinib is co-administered with strong CYP3A4 inducers.
Methotrexate and pH modifying medicinal products (e.g., antacids or proton pump inhibitors) have no effect on upadacitinib plasma exposures.
Potential for upadacitinib to affect the pharmacokinetics of other medicinal products
Administration of multiple 30 mg or 45 mg once daily doses of upadacitinib to healthy subjects had a limited effect on midazolam (sensitive substrate for CYP3A) plasma exposures (24-26% decrease in midazolam AUC and Cmax), indicating that upadacitinib 30 mg or 45 mg once daily may have a weak induction effect on CYP3A. In a clinical study, rosuvastatin and atorvastatin AUC were decreased by 33% and 23%, respectively, and rosuvastatin Cmax was decreased by 23% following the administration of multiple 30 mg once daily doses of upadacitinib to healthy subjects. Upadacitinib had no relevant effect on atorvastatin Cmax or on plasma exposures of ortho-hydroxyatorvastatin (major active metabolite for atorvastatin). Administration of multiple 45 mg once daily doses of upadacitinib to healthy subjects led to a limited increase in AUC and Cmax of dextromethorphan (sensitive CYP2D6 substrate) by 30% and 35%, respectively, indicating that upadacitinib 45 mg once daily has a weak inhibitory effect on CYP2D6. No dose adjustment is recommended for CYP3A substrates, CYP2D6 substrates, rosuvastatin or atorvastatin when coadministered with upadacitinib.
Upadacitinib has no relevant effects on plasma exposures of ethinylestradiol, levonorgestrel, methotrexate, or medicinal products that are substrates for metabolism by CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, or CYP2C19.
Women of childbearing potential
Women of childbearing potential have to use effective contraception during treatment and for 4 weeks following the final dose of upadacitinib. Female paediatric patients and/or their parents/caregivers should be informed about the need to contact the treating physician once the patient experiences menarche while taking upadacitinib.
Pregnancy
There are no or limited data on the use of upadacitinib in pregnant women. Studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3). Upadacitinib was teratogenic in rats and rabbits with effects in bones in rat foetuses and in the heart in rabbit foetuses when exposed in utero.
Upadacitinib is contraindicated during pregnancy (see section 4.3).
If a patient becomes pregnant while taking upadacitinib the parents should be informed of the potential risk to the foetus.
Breast-feeding
It is unknown whether upadacitinib/metabolites are excreted in human milk. Available pharmacodynamic/toxicological data in animals have shown excretion of upadacitinib in milk (see section 5.3).
A risk to newborns/infants cannot be excluded.
Upadacitinib should not be used during breast-feeding. A decision must be made whether to discontinue breast-feeding or to discontinue upadacitinib therapy taking into account the benefit of breast-feeding for the child and the benefit of therapy for the woman.
Fertility
The effect of upadacitinib on human fertility has not been evaluated. Animal studies do not indicate effects with respect to fertility (see section 5.3).
Upadacitinib may have a minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines because dizziness and vertigo may occur during treatment with RINVOQ (see section 4.8).
Summary of the safety profile
In the placebo-controlled clinical trials for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and axial spondyloarthritis, the most commonly reported adverse reactions (≥2% of patients in at least one of the indications with the highest rate among indications presented) with upadacitinib 15 mg were upper respiratory tract infections (19.5%), blood creatine phosphokinase (CPK) increased (8.6%), alanine transaminase increased (4.3%), bronchitis (3.9%), nausea (3.5%), neutropenia (2.8%), cough (2.2%), aspartate transaminase increased (2.2%), and hypercholesterolaemia (2.2%).
In the placebo-controlled atopic dermatitis clinical trials, the most commonly reported adverse reactions (≥2% of patients) with upadacitinib 15 mg or 30 mg were upper respiratory tract infection (25.4%), acne (15.1%), herpes simplex (8.4%), headache (6.3%), CPK increased (5.5%), cough (3.2%), folliculitis (3.2%), abdominal pain (2.9%), nausea (2.7%), neutropenia (2.3%), pyrexia (2.1%), and influenza (2.1%).
In the placebo-controlled ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease induction and maintenance clinical trials, the most commonly reported adverse reactions (≥3% of patients) with upadacitinib 45 mg, 30 mg or 15 mg were upper respiratory tract infection (19.9%), pyrexia (8.7%), blood CPK increased (7.6%), anaemia (7.4%), headache (6.6%), acne (6.3%), neutropenia (6.0%), rash (5.2%), herpes zoster (6.1%), pneumonia (4.1%), hypercholesterolemia (4.0%), bronchitis (3.9%), aspartate transaminase increased (3.9%), fatigue (3.9%), alanine transaminase increased (3.5%), folliculitis (3.6%), herpes simplex (3.2%), and influenza (3.2%).
The most common serious adverse reactions were serious infections (see section 4.4).
The safety profile of upadacitinib with long‑term treatment was generally similar to the safety profile during the placebo‑controlled period across indications.
Tabulated list of adverse reactions
The following list of adverse reactions is based on experience from clinical studies and post marketing experience. The frequency of adverse reactions listed below is defined using the following convention: very common (≥ 1/10); common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10); uncommon (≥ 1/1000 to < 1/100); rare (≥ 1/10 000 to < 1/1 000). The frequencies in Table 3 are based on the higher of the rates for adverse reactions reported with RINVOQ in clinical trials of rheumatologic disease (15 mg), atopic dermatitis (15 mg and 30 mg), ulcerative colitis (15 mg, 30 mg and 45 mg), or Crohn's disease (15 mg, 30 mg, and 45 mg). When notable differences in frequency were observed between indications, these are presented in the footnotes below the table.
Table 3 Adverse reactions
System Organ Class
Very common
Common
Uncommon
Rare
Infections and infestations
Upper respiratory tract infections (URTI)a
Bronchitisa, b
Herpes zostera
Herpes simplexa
Folliculitis
Influenza
Urinary tract infection
Pneumoniaa,f
Oral candidiasis
Diverticulitis
Sepsis
Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (including cysts and polyps)
--
Non-melanoma skin cancerg
--
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
--
Anaemiaa
Neutropeniaa
Lymphopenia
--
Immune system disorders
--
Urticariac,e
Serious hypersensitivity reactionsa,h
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
--
Hypercholesterolaemiaa,b
Hyperlipidaemiaa,b
Hypertriglyceridaemia
Nervous system disorders
--
Headachea,j
Dizziness
--
Ear and labyrinth disorders
--
Vertigoa
--
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
--
Cough
--
Gastrointestinal disorders
--
Abdominal paina
Nausea
Gastrointestinal perforationi
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Acnea,c,d,e
Rasha
--
Reproductive system and breast disorders
Semen discolourationl
General disorders and administration site conditions
--
Fatigue
Pyrexia
Peripheral oedemaa,k
--
Investigations
--
Blood CPK increased
ALT increasedb
AST increasedb
Weight increasede
--
a Presented as grouped term
b In atopic dermatitis trials, the frequency of bronchitis, hypercholesterolaemia, hyperlipidaemia, ALT increased, and AST increased was uncommon.
c In rheumatologic disease trials, the frequency was common for acne and uncommon for urticaria.
d In ulcerative colitis trials, the frequency was common for acne.
e In Crohn's disease, the frequency was common for acne, and uncommon for urticaria and weight increased.
f Pneumonia was common in Crohn's disease and uncommon across other indications.
g Most events reported as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of skin
hSerious hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylactic reaction and angioedema
i Frequency is based on Crohn's disease clinical trials.
j Headache was very common in the giant cell arteritis trial.
k Frequency is based on the giant cell arteritis trial.
l Reports of semen discolouration, mostly blue and less frequently green, have occurred predominantly in patients taking upadacitinib for ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. The clinical significance of semen discolouration is unknown.
Description of selected adverse reactions
Rheumatoid arthritis
Infections
In placebo-controlled clinical studies with background DMARDs, the frequency of infection over 12/14 weeks in the upadacitinib 15 mg group was 27.4% compared to 20.9% in the placebo group. In methotrexate (MTX)-controlled studies, the frequency of infection over 12/14 weeks in the upadacitinib 15 mg monotherapy group was 19.5% compared to 24.0% in the MTX group. The overall long-term rate of infections for the upadacitinib 15 mg group across all five Phase 3 clinical studies (2630 patients) was 93.7 events per 100 patient-years.
In placebo-controlled clinical studies with background DMARDs, the frequency of serious infection over 12/14 weeks in the upadacitinib 15 mg group was 1.2% compared to 0.6% in the placebo group. In MTX-controlled studies, the frequency of serious infection over 12/14 weeks in the upadacitinib 15 mg monotherapy group was 0.6% compared to 0.4% in the MTX group. The overall long-term rate of serious infections for the upadacitinib 15 mg group across all five Phase 3 clinical studies was 3.8 events per 100 patient-years. The most common serious infection was pneumonia. The rate of serious infections remained stable with long-term exposure.
Opportunistic infections (excluding tuberculosis)
In placebo-controlled clinical studies with background DMARDs, the frequency of opportunistic infections over 12/14 weeks in the upadacitinib 15 mg group was 0.5% compared to 0.3% in the placebo group. In MTX-controlled studies, there were no cases of opportunistic infection over 12/14 weeks in the upadacitinib 15 mg monotherapy group and 0.2% in the MTX group. The overall long-term rate of opportunistic infections for the upadacitinib 15 mg group across all five Phase 3 clinical studies was 0.6 events per 100 patient-years.
The long-term rate of herpes zoster for the upadacitinib 15 mg group across all five Phase 3 clinical studies was 3.7 events per 100 patient-years. Most of the herpes zoster events involved a single dermatome and were non-serious.
Hepatic transaminase elevations
In placebo-controlled studies with background DMARDs, for up to 12/14 weeks, alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) elevations ≥ 3 x upper limit of normal (ULN) in at least one measurement were observed in 2.1% and 1.5% of patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg, compared to 1.5% and 0.7%, respectively, of patients treated with placebo. Of the 22 cases of hepatic transaminase elevations, most were asymptomatic and transient.
In MTX-controlled studies, for up to 12/14 weeks, ALT and AST elevations ≥ 3 x ULN in at least one measurement were observed in 0.8% and 0.4% of patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg, compared to 1.9% and 0.9%, respectively, of patients treated with MTX.
The pattern and incidence of elevation in ALT/AST remained stable over time including in long‑term extension studies.
Lipid elevations
Upadacitinib 15 mg treatment was associated with increases in lipid parameters including total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. There was no change in the LDL/HDL ratio. Elevations were observed at 2 to 4 weeks of treatment and remained stable with longer-term treatment. Among patients in the controlled studies with baseline values below the specified limits, the following frequencies of patients were observed to shift to above the specified limits on at least one occasion during 12/14 weeks (including patients who had an isolated elevated value):
• Total cholesterol ≥ 5.17 mmol/L (200 mg/dL): 62% vs. 31%, in the upadacitinib 15 mg and placebo groups, respectively
• LDL cholesterol ≥ 3.36 mmol/L (130 mg/dL): 42% vs. 19%, in the upadacitinib 15 mg and placebo groups, respectively
• HDL cholesterol ≥ 1.03 mmol/L (40 mg/dL): 89% vs. 61%, in the upadacitinib 15 mg and placebo groups, respectively
• Triglycerides ≥ 2.26 mmol/L (200 mg/dL): 25% vs. 15%, in the upadacitinib 15 mg and placebo groups, respectively
Creatine phosphokinase
In placebo-controlled studies with background DMARDs, for up to 12/14 weeks, increases in CPK values were observed. CPK elevations > 5 x upper limit of normal (ULN) were reported in 1.0% and 0.3% of patients over 12/14 weeks in the upadacitinib 15 mg and placebo groups, respectively. Most elevations > 5 x ULN were transient and did not require treatment discontinuation. Mean CPK values increased by 4 weeks with a mean increase of 60 U/L at 12 weeks and then remained stable at an increased value thereafter including with extended therapy.
Neutropenia
In placebo-controlled studies with background DMARDs, for up to 12/14 weeks, decreases in neutrophil counts below 1 x 109 cells/L in at least one measurement occurred in 1.1% and <0.1% of patients in the upadacitinib 15 mg and placebo groups, respectively. In clinical studies, treatment was interrupted in response to ANC < 1 x 109 cells/L (see section 4.2). Mean neutrophil counts decreased over 4 to 8 weeks. The decreases in neutrophil counts remained stable at a lower value than baseline over time including with extended therapy.
Psoriatic arthritis
Overall, the safety profile observed in patients with active psoriatic arthritis treated with upadacitinib 15 mg was consistent with the safety profile observed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. A higher rate of serious infections (2.6 events per 100 patient‑years and 1.3 events per 100 patient‑years, respectively) and hepatic transaminase elevations (ALT elevations Grade 3 and higher rates 1.4% and 0.4%, respectively) was observed in patients treated with upadacitinib in combination with MTX therapy compared to patients treated with monotherapy.
Axial spondyloarthritis
Overall, the safety profile observed in patients with active axial spondyloarthritis treated with upadacitinib 15 mg was consistent with the safety profile observed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. No new safety findings were identified.
Giant cell arteritis
Overall, the safety profile observed in patients with giant cell arteritis treated with upadacitinib 15 mg was generally consistent with the known safety profile for upadacitinib.
Serious Infections
In the placebo-controlled clinical study, the frequency of serious infections over 52 weeks was 5.7% in the upadacitinib 15 mg group and 10.7% in the placebo group. The long-term rate of serious infections was 5.9 events per 100 patient-years for the upadacitinib 15 mg group and 10.5 events per 100 patient-years for the placebo group.
Opportunistic infections (excluding tuberculosis)
In the placebo‑controlled clinical study, the frequency of opportunistic infection (excluding tuberculosis and herpes zoster) over 52 weeks was 1.9% in the upadacitinib 15 mg group and 0.9% in the placebo group. The long-term rate of opportunistic infections (excluding tuberculosis and herpes zoster) was 1.8 events per 100 patient-years for the upadacitinib 15 mg group and 1.5 events per 100 patient-years for the placebo group.
In the placebo-controlled clinical study, the frequency of herpes zoster over 52 weeks was 5.3% in the upadacitinib 15 mg group and 2.7% in the placebo group. The long‑term rate of herpes zoster was 5.9 events per 100 patient-years for the upadacitinib 15 mg group and 3.0 events per 100 patient-years for the placebo group.
Atopic dermatitis
Infections
In the placebo-controlled period of the clinical studies, the frequency of infection over 16 weeks in the upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg groups was 39% and 43% compared to 30% in the placebo group, respectively. The long-term rate of infections for the upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg groups was 98.5 and 109.6 events per 100 patient-years, respectively.
In placebo-controlled clinical studies, the frequency of serious infection over 16 weeks in the upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg groups was 0.8% and 0.4% compared to 0.6% in the placebo group, respectively. The long-term rate of serious infections for the upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg groups was 2.3 and 2.8 events per 100 patient-years, respectively.
Opportunistic infections (excluding tuberculosis)
In the placebo-controlled period of the clinical studies, all opportunistic infections (excluding TB and herpes zoster) reported were eczema herpeticum. The frequency of eczema herpeticum over 16 weeks in the upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg groups was 0.7% and 0.8% compared to 0.4% in the placebo group, respectively. The long-term rate of eczema herpeticum for the upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg groups was 1.6 and 1.8 events per 100 patient-years, respectively. One case of esophageal candidiasis was reported with upadacitinib 30 mg.
The long-term rate of herpes zoster for the upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg groups was 3.5 and 5.2 events per 100 patient-years, respectively. Most of the herpes zoster events involved a single dermatome and were non-serious.
Laboratory abnormalities
Dose-dependent changes in ALT increased and/or AST increased (≥ 3 x ULN), lipid parameters, CPK values (> 5 x ULN), and neutropaenia (ANC < 1 x 109 cells/L) associated with upadacitinib treatment were similar to what was observed in the rheumatologic disease clinical studies.
Small increases in LDL cholesterol were observed after week 16 in atopic dermatitis studies. At week 52, the mean increase in LDL cholesterol from baseline was 0.41 mmol/L for upadacitinib 15 mg and 0.56 mmol/L for upadacitinib 30 mg.
Ulcerative colitis
The overall safety profile observed in patients with ulcerative colitis was generally consistent with that observed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
A higher rate of herpes zoster was observed with an induction treatment period of 16 weeks vs 8 weeks.
Infections
In the placebo‑controlled induction studies, the frequency of infection over 8 weeks in the upadacitinib 45 mg group compared to the placebo group was 20.7% and 17.5%, respectively. In the placebo‑controlled maintenance study, the frequency of infection over 52 weeks in the upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg groups was 40.4% and 44.2%, respectively, compared to 38.8% in the placebo group. The long-term rate of infections for upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg was 64.5 and 77.8 events per 100 patient-years, respectively.
In the placebo‑controlled induction studies, the frequency of serious infection over 8 weeks in both the upadacitinib 45 mg group and the placebo group was 1.3%. No additional serious infections were observed over 8-week extended treatment with upadacitinib 45 mg. In the placebo‑controlled maintenance study, the frequency of serious infection over 52 weeks in the upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg groups was 3.6% and 3.2%, respectively, compared to 3.3% in the placebo group. The long-term rate of serious infections for the upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg groups was 3.0 and 4.6 events per 100 patient-years, respectively. The most frequently reported serious infection in the induction and maintenance phases was COVID‑19 pneumonia.
Opportunistic infections (excluding tuberculosis)
In the placebo‑controlled induction studies over 8 weeks, the frequency of opportunistic infection (excluding tuberculosis and herpes zoster) in the upadacitinib 45 mg group was 0.4% and 0.3% in the placebo group. No additional opportunistic infections (excluding tuberculosis and herpes zoster) were observed over 8‑week extended treatment with upadacitinib 45 mg. In the placebo‑controlled maintenance study over 52 weeks, the frequency of opportunistic infection (excluding tuberculosis and herpes zoster) in the upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg groups was 0.8% and 0.8%, respectively, compared to 0.8% in the placebo group. The long‑term rate of opportunistic infections (excluding tuberculosis and herpes zoster) for the upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg groups was 0.3 and 0.6 events per 100 patient-years, respectively.
In the placebo-controlled induction studies over 8 weeks, the frequency of herpes zoster in the upadacitinib 45 mg group was 0.6% and 0% in the placebo group. The frequency of herpes zoster was 3.9% over 16-week treatment with upadacitinib 45 mg. In the placebo‑controlled maintenance study over 52 weeks, the frequency of herpes zoster in the upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg groups was 4.8% and 5.6%, respectively, compared to 0% in the placebo group. The long‑term rate of herpes zoster for the upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg groups was 4.5 and 7.2 events per 100 patient-years, respectively.
Gastrointestinal perforations
In the placebo-controlled maintenance period, gastrointestinal perforation was reported in 1 patient treated with placebo (1.5 per 100 patient-years) and no patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg or 30 mg. In the long-term extension study, 1 patient treated with upadacitinib 15 mg (0.1 per 100 patient-years) and 1 patient treated with upadacitinib 30 mg (<0.1 per 100 patient-years) reported events.
Laboratory abnormalities
In the induction and maintenance clinical studies, the laboratory changes in ALT increased and/or AST increased (≥ 3 x ULN), CPK values (> 5 x ULN), and neutropenia (ANC < 1 x 109 cells/L) associated with upadacitinib treatment were generally similar to what was observed in the rheumatologic disease and atopic dermatitis clinical studies. Dose-dependent changes for these laboratory parameters associated with 15 mg and 30 mg upadacitinib treatment were observed.
In the placebo‑controlled induction studies for up to 8 weeks, decreases in lymphocyte counts below 0.5 x 109 cells/L in at least one measurement occurred in 2.0% and 0.8% of patients in the upadacitinib 45 mg and placebo groups, respectively. In the placebo-controlled maintenance study, for up to 52 weeks, decreases in lymphocyte counts below 0.5 x 109 cells/L in at least one measurement occurred in 1.6%, 1.2% and 0.8% of patients in the upadacitinib 15 mg, 30 mg and placebo groups, respectively. In clinical studies, treatment was interrupted in response to ALC < 0.5 x 109 cells/L (see section 4.2). No notable mean changes of lymphocyte counts were observed during upadacitinib treatment over time.
Elevations in lipid parameters were observed at 8 weeks of treatment with upadacitinib 45 mg and remained generally stable with longer-term treatment with upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg. Among patients in the placebo-controlled induction studies with baseline values below the specified limits, the following frequencies of patients were observed to shift to above the specified limits on at least one occasion during 8 weeks (including patients who had an isolated elevated value):
• Total cholesterol ≥ 5.17 mmol/L (200 mg/dL): 49% vs. 11%, in the upadacitinib 45 mg and placebo groups, respectively
• LDL cholesterol ≥ 3.36 mmol/L (130 mg/dL): 27% vs. 9%, in the upadacitinib 45 mg and placebo groups, respectively
• HDL cholesterol ≥ 1.03 mmol/L (40 mg/dL): 79% vs. 36%, in the upadacitinib 45 mg and placebo groups, respectively
• Triglycerides ≥ 2.26 mmol/L (200 mg/dL): 6% vs 4% in the upadacitinib 45 mg and placebo groups, respectively
Crohn's disease
Overall, the safety profile observed in patients with Crohn's disease treated with upadacitinib was consistent with the known safety profile for upadacitinib.
Serious infections
In the placebo‑controlled induction studies, the frequency of serious infection over 12 weeks in the upadacitinib 45 mg group and the placebo group was 1.9% and 1.7%, respectively. In the placebo‑controlled maintenance study, the frequency of serious infection over 52 weeks in the upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg groups was 3.2% and 5.7%, respectively, compared to 4.5% in the placebo group. The long-term rate of serious infections for the upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg groups in patients who responded to upadacitinib 45 mg as induction treatment was 5.1 and 7.3 events per 100 patient-years, respectively. The most frequently reported serious infection in the induction and maintenance studies was gastrointestinal infections.
Gastrointestinal perforations
During the placebo-controlled period in the Phase 3 induction clinical studies, gastrointestinal perforation was reported in 1 patient (0.1%) treated with upadacitinib 45 mg and no patients on placebo through 12 weeks. In all patients treated with upadacitinib 45 mg (n=938) during the induction studies, gastrointestinal perforation was reported in 4 patients (0.4%).
In the long-term placebo-controlled period, gastrointestinal perforation was reported in 1 patient each treated with placebo (0.7 per 100 patient-years), upadacitinib 15 mg (0.4 per 100 patient-years), and upadacitinib 30 mg (0.4 per 100 patient-years). In all patients treated with rescue upadacitinib 30 mg (n=336), gastrointestinal perforation was reported in 3 patients (0.8 per 100 patient-years) through long-term treatment.
Laboratory abnormalities
In the induction and maintenance clinical studies, the laboratory changes in ALT increased and/or AST increased (≥ 3 x ULN), CPK values (> 5 x ULN), neutropenia (ANC < 1 x 109 cells/L), and lipid parameters associated with upadacitinib treatment were generally similar to what was observed in the rheumatologic disease, atopic dermatitis and ulcerative colitis clinical studies. Dose-dependent changes for these laboratory parameters associated with 15 mg and 30 mg upadacitinib treatment were observed.
In the placebo‑controlled induction studies for up to 12 weeks, decreases in lymphocyte counts below 0.5 x 109 cells/L in at least one measurement occurred in 2.2% and 2.0% of patients in the upadacitinib 45 mg and placebo groups, respectively. In the placebo-controlled maintenance study, for up to 52 weeks, decreases in lymphocyte counts below 0.5 x 109 cells/L in at least one measurement occurred in 4.6%, 5.2% and 1.8% of patients in the upadacitinib 15 mg, 30 mg and placebo groups, respectively. In clinical studies, treatment was interrupted in response to ALC < 0.5 x 109 cells/L (see section 4.2). No notable mean changes of lymphocyte counts were observed during upadacitinib treatment over time.
In the placebo‑controlled induction studies for up to 12 weeks, decreases in haemoglobin concentration to below 8 g/dL in at least one measurement occurred in 2.7% and 1.4% of patients in the upadacitinib 45 mg and placebo groups, respectively. In the placebo-controlled maintenance study, for up to 52 weeks, decreases in haemoglobin concentration below 8 g/dL in at least one measurement occurred in 1.4%, 4.4% and 2.8% of patients in the upadacitinib 15 mg, 30 mg and placebo groups, respectively. In clinical studies, treatment was interrupted in response to Hb < 8 g/dL (see section 4.2). No notable mean changes of haemoglobin concentration were observed during upadacitinib treatment over time.
Elderly
Based on the limited data from patients 65 years and older with atopic dermatitis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, there was a higher rate of overall adverse reactions with the upadacitinib 30 mg dose compared to the 15 mg dose (see section 4.4).
Paediatric population
A total of 541 adolescents aged 12 to 17 years with atopic dermatitis were treated in the global Phase 3 studies (n=343) and the supplemental adolescent substudies (n=198), of whom 264 were exposed to 15 mg and 265 were exposed to 30 mg. The safety profile for upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg in adolescents was similar to that in adults. With long-term exposure, the adverse drug reaction of skin papilloma was reported in 3.4% and 6.8% of adolescent patients with atopic dermatitis in the upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg groups, respectively.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme: Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
Upadacitinib was administered in clinical studies up to doses equivalent in daily AUC to 60 mg prolonged-release once daily. Adverse reactions were comparable to those seen at lower doses and no specific toxicities were identified. Approximately 90% of upadacitinib in the systemic circulation is eliminated within 24 hours of dosing (within the range of doses evaluated in clinical studies). In case of an overdose, it is recommended that the patient be monitored for signs and symptoms of adverse reactions. Patients who develop adverse reactions should receive appropriate treatment.
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