Why carry out this study?

Acne was the most common treatment-emergent adverse event as reported in the primary upadacitinib trials in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis.

This study evaluated the incidence, possible associated medications, clinical characteristics, and management of acne events in Japanese patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis who were receiving upadacitinib in the first year of the Rising Up study.

What was learned from this study?

Approximately 17–32% of Japanese patients with atopic dermatitis treated with upadacitinib experienced acne events that were mild or moderate, had a mean (range) onset time of 135.4 (7–465) days after initiation of therapy, lasted 3–4 months on average, and were readily managed with topical treatments.

Patients and clinicians should be aware that acne is a potential side effect associated with upadacitinib treatment for atopic dermatitis; however, no special precautionary measures for potential acne development are needed before starting upadacitinib.