Drug Interaction Report

Fluocinolone and Upadacitinib: Interaction Details

A pharmacist-reviewed analysis of the Fluocinolone and Upadacitinib interaction: the documented clinical effects, severity rating, onset, mechanism, and management considerations, with cited references throughout.

AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature

Upadacitinib

Rinvoq Rinvoq®
+

Fluocinolone

Capex Derma-Smoothe FS Dermotic Flac Iluvien Retisert Synalar Yutiq
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Updated Aug 8, 2026
Editorial policy · Data sources
LinkedIn
Interaction severity
Major
Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
How we grade severity & evidence

Severity levels

  • Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
  • Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
  • Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
  • Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.

Evidence grades

  • Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
  • Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
  • Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
  • Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
  • Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.

Of 30 documented Fluocinolone interactions, 18 are rated major — including this one.
Worried about symptoms right now? Contact your pharmacist or prescriber, or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (US). Call 911 for an emergency.
Onset
unspecified
Evidence
probable
Severity
Major

What happens

Increased risk of gastrointestinal perforations

Interaction Deep Dive

Concomitant use of upadacitinib and a corticosteroid may increase the risk of gastrointestinal perforations. In clinical trials, gastrointestinal perforations have been reported with upadacitinib and that risk factors include the use of corticosteroid. Monitor patients being treated with upadacitinib, who may be at risk for gastrointestinal perforation such as those taking concomitant corticosteroid. Evaluate promptly patients presenting with new onset abdominal pain for early identification of gastrointestinal perforation12.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Unknown

Literature reports

1 report — tap to read

a) In clinical trials, gastrointestinal perforations have been reported with upadacitinib and that risk factors include the use of corticosteroid 12.

Common questions

Can I take Fluocinolone and Upadacitinib together?

Increased risk of gastrointestinal perforations Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Fluocinolone and Upadacitinib interaction?

It is rated major. Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.

How quickly could this interaction happen?

The documented onset is "unspecified". The timing of this interaction is not well characterized.

How strong is the evidence for this interaction?

The evidence is graded "probable". Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.

Questions for your pharmacist

  • Does my dose of Fluocinolone or Upadacitinib need adjusting while I take them together?
  • What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
  • Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
  • Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?

References (2)

  1. Product Information: RINVOQ(R) oral extended-release tablets, upadacitinib oral extended-release tablets. AbbVie Inc (per FDA), North Chicago, IL, 2024. DailyMed
  2. Product Information: RINVOQ LQ(R) Oral Solution, upadacitinib oral solution. AbbVie Inc (per FDA), North Chicago, IL, 2024. DailyMed
Was this write-up helpful?
Upadacitinib

Keep reading about Upadacitinib

All Upadacitinib interactions (71) Upadacitinib drug information
Also serious with: Fludrocortisone Acetate Ciclesonide Nasal Spray Nifedipine Cariprazine
Fluocinolone

Keep reading about Fluocinolone

All Fluocinolone interactions (30) Fluocinolone drug information
Also serious with: Desmopressin Mifepristone Desmopressin Nasal Bemiparin
Beyond drug–drug

These medications also interact with supplements

Prescription drugs aren't the whole picture — herbal and dietary supplements can interact with them too. From the evidence-graded Natural Medicines database:

Fluocinolone + Activated Charcoal Coffee Charcoal European Mandrake Glucomannan Guar Gum Gum Arabic Slippery Elm Tragacanth + 9 more

major · moderate · minor — check everything you take with our drug–supplement interaction checker.

Check another combination

Our instant two-drug interaction checker is almost here.

Coming soon

The instant two-drug checker is on its way.

In the meantime, browse the directory below to look up any drug and see its documented interactions.

Still have questions about this combination?

Every question gets a real answer from a licensed pharmacist — free, and usually within a day.

Ask the pharmacist
This information is for education, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any medication without talking to your pharmacist or prescriber.