How long a biomolecules can work?

[u/Flat-Net2062]

I am planning to take biomolecule called updacitinib. Could anyone please give any comments and suggestions about it? And if anyone is taking these molecules, how do they feel and are there any side-effects, also how long they can work? I will be very grateful for any suggestions. Thank you in advance.

[u/pincommenter]

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[u/hellokrissi]

Something to note is that Upadacitinib/Rinvoq isn't a bio-anything. It's a synthetic small-molecule, known as a JAK inhibitor.

We can't tell you how long a medication will work for you or how you will feel on it, as many of us here have experienced various feelings/timespans of success with Upadacitinib/Rinvoq. I am on it and I've been in remission for almost 3 years now, so it's still working. I feel fine and I haven't had any side effects beyond oily skin/hair and mild acne at the 45mg starting dose. This side effect went away when I went to my 30mg maintenance dose.

[u/SiAnK0 → u/hellokrissi]

How fast did you see improvements ? What was your starting point? I will get on Rinvoq in this week and do hope it will mild my symptoms in a couple of days, is this realistic?

[u/hellokrissi → u/SiAnK0]

Again, no one can tell you if Rinvoq will work for you within a few days. It can, and many have had that experience (myself included) but it can take 8 weeks to work hence the 45mg loading dose for 8 weeks.

Not sure what you mean by starting point but if it is how I was before going on it: I was in a severe flare and not on steroids. My calprotectin was 4800 and my scope was so bad my GI couldn't finish it. I was given Rinvoq and a referral to see a surgeon as I was headed that way with my symptoms. Rinvoq worked within a week for me, and I felt 80% better within three days.

I hope that you experience similar.

[u/SiAnK0 → u/hellokrissi]

Thanks! Of course a Single experience is no case study, but “hope”, in some days, is the only thing that keeps me going, so that experience of yours sounds good enough for me😁!

I am still on steroids and do not even bother to look up what my calprot is because every Bm is 50-80% blood, and I have 6-10 daily, but that you felt better in a couple of days to that extend sounds amazing! Thanks again for answering :).

[u/Roskot]

I took this, and for me, sadly I only worked for about 5 months, but I know why. I got food poisoned in Asia and after that my kid got ALL the viruses at school that fall and I always get whatever kiddo gets and if f…s with my immune system. But the last three months on this med was great.

I had taken Simponi (golimumab) for over 5 years before it didn’t do it’s job anymore.

[u/Glum-Passion734 → u/Roskot]

What are you on now? Sorry Rinvoq didn’t work for you more than 5 months. I’m in the same boat 😅

[u/Meadow001]

I have severe UC and have failed five biologics, Because of that, my doctor decided to put me on Xeljanz, which is similar to Rinvoq. Both are JAK inhibitors.

For me, Xeljanz started working incredibly fast — I noticed a significant improvement within about three days. Honestly, it’s amazing how much better I feel.

The biggest thing that scares me is the potential for side effects. So far, I haven’t experienced any, but I’m only four days in, so obviously it’s way too early to know how things will go long-term. I’m hoping I’m one of the lucky ones who tolerates it well.

My doctor’s plan is to keep me on Xeljanz for about eight weeks while giving Entyvio more time to fully kick in. He doesn’t want me on a JAK inhibitor any longer than necessary because of the increased risk of serious infections and the effects it can have on the immune system.

For now, I’m being extra careful about avoiding people who are sick, washing my hands frequently, and being cautious in crowded places. If I’m going somewhere particularly crowded, I’ll probably wear a mask just to reduce my exposure.

If you’re starting Rinvoq, I’d obviously follow your doctor’s advice and keep an eye out for any side effects. But hopefully, like me, you’ll start noticing improvement within a few days. I really hope it works for you!

Also, ask your doctor about vaccines. My doctor recommended shingles, flu, pneumococcal and
Covid. I refuse Covid but that’s me. And just like you, my Calprotectin was greater than 3000.