RhAPPcast: Expanding the Arsenal: JAK Inhibitors in the Evolving GCA Landscape

Welcome to RhAPPcast, the official podcast of Rheumatology Advanced Practice Providers. In this fourth episode of our GCA Fireside Chat series, host Amanda Mixon is joined by nurse practitioner Naomi Amudala and clinical pharmacist Jessica Farrell to explore the evolving role of JAK inhibitors in the treatment of giant cell arteritis (GCA). Building on insights from the SELECT-GCA study, the discussion dives into how JAK inhibition may fit into clinical practice—covering patient selection, safety monitoring, and the logistical challenges of integrating new therapies into care. Our expert guests share real-world perspectives from both academic and community settings, addressing key considerations such as prednisone tapering, insurance barriers, lab monitoring, vaccination timing, and cost concerns for Medicare patients. Whether you are an APP, pharmacist, or rheumatology provider, this episode offers practical guidance on when to consider JAK inhibitors, how to navigate access issues, and what to watch for when managing patients with GCA. Stay tuned for the final installment of the series, where we’ll take a closer look at the safety data of upadacitinib and its implications for clinical decision-making.