From the Research
It's generally safe to take Rinvoq (upadacitinib) while on antibiotics, but you should always consult with your healthcare provider before combining these medications. Rinvoq is a JAK inhibitor used to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and atopic dermatitis, while antibiotics treat bacterial infections. There are no broad contraindications between Rinvoq and most common antibiotics, but individual drug interactions can occur depending on the specific antibiotic prescribed. Some antibiotics may affect how your body processes Rinvoq or vice versa. Additionally, both Rinvoq and certain antibiotics can increase your risk of infection due to immune system effects, so your doctor might want to monitor you more closely during concurrent treatment.
Key Considerations
- Rinvoq has been shown to be effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis, with studies demonstrating its superiority to placebo and adalimumab in improving signs and symptoms of the disease 1.
- The safety profile of Rinvoq is generally similar to that of other JAK inhibitors, with a similar risk of serious infections, herpes zoster, and major cardiovascular events 2.
- However, Rinvoq may have a higher risk of certain adverse events, such as creatine phosphokinase elevations and venous thromboembolic events, compared to other treatments 1, 3.
Recommendations
- If you're currently taking Rinvoq and need antibiotics, inform all healthcare providers about your complete medication list, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, to ensure safe treatment.
- Don't stop taking Rinvoq without medical advice, as this could cause a flare-up of your underlying condition.
- Your doctor may want to monitor you more closely during concurrent treatment with Rinvoq and antibiotics to minimize the risk of adverse events. According to the most recent study 2, upadacitinib is an effective JAK inhibitor for use in rheumatoid arthritis, and its safety profile is similar to that of other JAK inhibitors.