skip to main content

Upadacitinib — SCE Dermatology MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateDermatopharmacologyUpadacitinibSCE Dermatology

A 55-year-old man with chronic plaque psoriasis on Upadacitinib asks about the mechanism. What class of drug is Upadacitinib?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: ESelective oral JAK1 inhibitor

Upadacitinib is a selective oral JAK1 inhibitor approved for atopic eczema (and RA/PsA). By preferentially inhibiting JAK1, it blocks signalling of multiple inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-13, IL-31, IL-22, TSLP) without broadly suppressing JAK2 (which mediates erythropoietin and thrombopoietin signalling) or JAK3. The SELECT-AD trials demonstrated rapid itch reduction and significant EASI improvement. Safety monitoring includes FBC, LFTs, lipids, and screening for TB/hepatitis before starting. JAK inhibitor class warnings include VTE, MACE, malignancy, and serious infection — informed consent and cardiovascular risk assessment are mandatory. Abrocitinib (another JAK1-selective inhibitor) is an alternative.

Reference: NICE TA896 Upadacitinib AD; BAD