Like all medications, taking upadacitinib carries some risk of side effects, which must be balanced with the potential benefits. In general, the risk of joint damage and permanent disability (resulting from arthritis) is much greater than the risks of side effects from upadacitinib. When monitored properly the vast majority of side effects are rare, most improve over time and are reversible.
The most common side effects of upadacitinib are nausea and upper respiratory tract infections (symptoms similar to a common cold, i.e., coughing, fatigue, etc.) Talk to your healthcare provider if these symptoms become bothersome.
Upadacitinib may affect your blood counts, liver or kidney function and cholesterol levels. Your healthcare provider will use blood tests to monitor for these changes.
In rare cases, upadacitinib has been associated with stomach perforations (holes in the lining of the stomach). All patients who developed stomach perforations were also taking NSAIDs and/or corticosteroids. However, the contribution of these medications to the development of stomach perforations is not known.
Upadacitinib should be used with caution in patients who may be at increased risk for stomach perforation (i.e. using NSAIDs and/or corticosteroids, people with a history of diverticulitis). Stomach perforations require immediate medical attention. If you develop fever and severe stomach pain that does not go away, seek medical attention.
Upadacitinib has rarely been associated with developing blood clots. If you develop any signs or symptoms of a blood clot in your leg (such as swelling, pain or tenderness in the leg) or in your lung (such as sudden unexplained chest pain or shortness of breath) contact a healthcare provider immediately.