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Off-label use of upadacitinib in dermatology: a review
Hongtao Yu1, Junkai Zhu2, Xiaoli Ni1
1Department of Graduate Studies, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China.
Objectives:
Upadacitinib, a selective JAK1 inhibitor, is approved for the treatment of atopic dermatitis but is increasingly used off-label in dermatology. This study aimed to summarize the existing evidence on such off-label use to clarify its potential value and safety in dermatological practice.
Methods:
We identified 113 papers (n = 638) on the off-label use of upadacitinib for dermatological conditions via PubMed.
Results:
Our findings indicate that upadacitinib demonstrated potential efficacy in alopecia areata, vitiligo, lupus erythematosus, and other dermatoses. The most common upadacitinib dose is 15 mg/day. Common adverse events included elevated creatine kinase levels, infections, and acne.
Conclusions:
While preliminary data show promising results, the evidence is limited to case reports and case series. Future randomized trials are needed to validate efficacy and safety.
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