Gut and liver
Cure8 research brief
Why This Matters
People using upadacitinib for Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis should be aware of a newly reported, reversible semen discoloration that may be dose-related. This could be concerning for patients and affect discussions about fertility, side effects, or dose adjustments.
Who Should Pay Attention
Adult male patients on or considering upadacitinib (especially high-dose 45 mg), IBD clinicians, and reproductive/urology consultants.
Study Snapshot
Story typeResearch paper
Evidence typeResearch paper
Source depthJournal abstract
What To Know
This is a retrospective case series (six patients) described in a journal abstract. It does not establish how commonly this occurs overall or the exact biological mechanism. The observations are limited by small numbers and by being retrospective; they are hypothesis-generating rather than definitive.
Clinically, the authors observed no urologic abnormality on evaluation and reversal after dose change or stopping the drug in some patients. If you are taking or prescribing upadacitinib: discuss any new reproductive or genitourinary changes with your clinician.
Decisions about dose changes or stopping therapy should be individualized and guided by a clinician familiar with your IBD and treatment options.
Keep In Mind
This is an abstract-level case series from a small number of patients; it does not provide population incidence or mechanistic proof. The findings are preliminary and need confirmation in larger, prospective studies. The report noted normal urologic evaluations and semen analyses in the cases described.
Source Details
Review the original publication for the complete reporting, methods, and context.
Research paper
Evidence type derived from source or registry metadata.
PublicationGut and liver
AuthorsJeong Hwa Lee, Hae Chang Cho, Jae Myung Cha +3 more
InstitutionDepartment of Gastroenterology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Study typeJournal article
Indexed viaPubMed
Source typeResearch paper
PublishedJun 22, 2026, 12:00 AM
Content availableJournal abstract
This Cure8 brief is based on source text from the linked article. Cure8 is informational only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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