Rinvoq For Rheumatoid Arthritis
Since December 2019, Upadacitinib has been approved in few countries such as Germany. Upadacitinib (Rinvoq is the trade name) has proved its efficacy in treating the severe active form of rheumatoid arthritis.
Then, its use has become recommended in other countries such as U.S.A and England.
The National Institute of Health (NIH) has lately recommended Rinvoq for moderate to severe RA patients who showed no response to methotrexate and other treatment lines.
In this article, we are going to know more about Rinvoq, so let’s start.
Table of Contents
What is Rinvoq?
Rinvoq is a Janus Kinase enzyme inhibitor (JAK inhibitor). Its main action is to block the cytokine’s pathway that activates the lymphocytes. So it’s considered an immune modifier drug, which can affect the immune system.
Does Rinvoq lower your immune system?
Sadly, the answer is yes. That is why you have to be careful while taking Rinvoq. It is better to discuss your condition first with your doctor before taking Rinvoq.
Studies have shown that patients treated with Rinvoq can catch different forms of infections very easily.
Precautions:
Before taking Rinvoq you must tell your doctor if you have any of the following medical conditions:
- Sensitivity to the drug.
- Liver diseases: HBV, HCV, or cirrhosis.
- TB or you’ve been in contact with a TB patient.
- Pregnancy: Rinvoq is a teratogenic drug.
- Cancer.
- Blood clotting disease.
- Compromised immune system (HIV, diabetes, auto-immune diseases, etc..)
- It isn’t known if it’s safe to use Rinvoq in children, and patients below 18 years old.
- You have recently taken or scheduled to take a vaccine.
- If you are taking anti-bacterial or anti-fungal drugs.
How to take Rinvoq?
The recommended dose of Rinvoq is 15 mg per day. It is better to take your pill at the same time every day, with a full cup of water. Don’t crush the tablets or dissolve it.
What are the common side effects?
- Fever and sweating.
- Skin sores.
- Fatigue and muscle pain.
- GIT symptoms: diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain.
- Increased urination.
- You have to call your doctor if you suffered from swelling, shortness of breath, coughing blood, rash, and skin blisters.
Please Note
Rinviqis a prescription only medicine
Image Source: https://www.rinvoq.com/
