Does upadacitinib need to be taken long-term?

Upadacitinib (Upadacitinib), also known as Rinvoq, is a drug known as a JAK inhibitor. These drugs work by limiting the action of Janus kinase, which is involved in the inflammation that causes symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and some other diseases. Upatinib is taken once daily, one tablet at a time. These tablets should be swallowed whole and taken with or after meals. In some cases, your doctor may decide to reduce the standard dose.

Because this is a long-term treatment, it is important to keep taking upadacitinib (unless the patient has severe side effects): even if it doesn't seem to be working at first, or even if symptoms improve (to help control the patient's condition). Upadatinib is not a pain reliever, but it can reduce symptoms and limit joint damage that may be caused by a patient's condition. If upadatinib is effective, symptoms may improve within 2 to 8 weeks after starting it, but the full benefit may not be noticed for 3 to 6 months. If symptoms don't improve significantly after 6 months, your doctor may decide to stop upadacitinib and try another treatment.

The original drug upadatinib has been launched in China, and has subsequently entered the scope of Class B medical insurance. Only eligible patients can be reimbursed. The price of each box of 15mg*28 tablets may be around 3,000 yuan. The European version of the original drug sold overseas, with a specification of 15mg*30 tablets, costs more than 20,000 yuan (the price may fluctuate due to exchange rates), which is expensive. Cheaper upadatinib generics are also sold overseas, and their pharmaceutical ingredients are basically the same as those of the original drugs sold domestically and abroad. For example, the price of 15mg*30 tablets produced by a Bangladesh pharmaceutical factory is around RMB 900 (the price may fluctuate due to exchange rates).