A new analysis of multiple studies looked at how well upadacitinib works for rheumatoid arthritis. The analysis combined data from over 5,200 patients. It compared once-daily doses of 15 mg or 30 mg of upadacitinib with other treatments.
After 12 weeks, both doses of upadacitinib were better than control treatments at improving symptoms. About 4 times more patients on the 15 mg dose achieved a 20% improvement in symptoms (ACR20) compared to controls. The 30 mg dose showed similar benefits. However, there was no significant difference between the two doses in how well they worked.
But safety was a concern. Patients taking upadacitinib had a higher risk of side effects, especially with the 30 mg dose. The higher dose was linked to more serious infections, shingles, and abnormal liver tests.
The analysis was limited to 12 weeks, so long-term effects are not known. The authors say more research is needed to understand long-term safety. For now, the 15 mg dose may offer a better balance of benefits and risks.