Rinvoq

Rinvoq (generic name: upadacitinib) is an oral medication that can be prescribed for adults with one of the following conditions if treatment with a TNF (tumor necrosis factor) blocker has been tried, and it either did not work well or could not be tolerated.

Rinvoq is FDA-approved to treat several immune-mediated inflammatory disorders, including:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): A chronic autoimmune disease causing joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and progressive joint damage.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): A form of arthritis linked to psoriasis, causing joint inflammation, stiffness, and skin lesions.
• Atopic Dermatitis (AD): Also known as eczema, it leads to itchy, dry, and inflamed skin. Rinvoq is prescribed when other treatments fail to control symptoms.
• Ulcerative Colitis (UC): A form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that results in persistent diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and abdominal pain.
• Crohn’s Disease: Another type of IBD affecting the digestive tract, leading to severe cramping, weight loss, and fatigue.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A type of arthritis affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
• Axial Spondyloarthritis: A progressive inflammatory disease affecting the spine and pelvis, leading to chronic pain and reduced flexibility.

Upadacitinib is classified as a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor. It is designed to regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation in patients with chronic autoimmune diseases. Rinvoq is primarily prescribed for conditions involving excessive immune activity, which leads to inflammation and tissue damage.

Mechanism of Action

Upadacitinib functions by blocking specific Janus kinase (JAK) enzymes that play a role in signaling pathways involved in immune system activation. By inhibiting these enzymes, Rinvoq disrupts the inflammatory process that contributes to symptoms like joint swelling, pain, skin irritation, and intestinal inflammation. Unlike some traditional immunosuppressants, JAK inhibitors act inside cells to modify immune responses selectively, reducing inflammation while maintaining some immune function.

Clinical Benefits

Rinvoq has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing inflammation, improving mobility, and alleviating pain in patients with autoimmune diseases. Clinical trials have shown that Rinvoq helps prevent disease progression, reducing long-term complications. In conditions like RA and PsA, it has been linked to improvements in joint function and overall quality of life. In UC and Crohn’s disease, it can induce and maintain remission, improving digestive health and reducing symptoms like persistent diarrhea and abdominal pain.

As well, it can be prescribed for adults and children over the age of 12 with moderate to severe eczema (atopic dermatitis) that did not respond to previous treatment and whose eczema is not well controlled with other pills or injections,

Dosage

The recommended dosage of Rinvoq varies depending on the condition being treated. It is taken orally once daily, with or without food. The typical dosing regimen includes:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis & Psoriatic Arthritis: 15 mg once daily
• Atopic Dermatitis: 15 mg once daily, increasing to 30 mg if necessary
• Ulcerative Colitis & Crohn’s Disease: 45 mg once daily as an induction dose, followed by 15 mg or 30 mg daily for maintenance
• Ankylosing Spondylitis & Axial Spondyloarthritis: 15 mg once daily

If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered unless it is close to the next scheduled dose. Do not double-dose to compensate for a missed dose.

Storage

• Store at room temperature (20-25°C / 68-77°F).
• Keep away from moisture and direct sunlight.
• Do not refrigerate or freeze.
• Store in the original container to protect from humidity.

For more information, read our article on drug storage.

Common Questions About Rinvoq

How much does Rinvoq cost me?

The US retail price for Rinvoq 15 mg is $265 per dose. Some retail chains offer discounted prices of between $210 and $230  for each 15 mg dose. Our price here at IsraelPharm for the same drug is $35 per tablet, delivered to your door at no extra charge!

How is Rinvoq used for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s Disease?

Treatment for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s Disease is divided into separate induction and maintenance phases, and the dose depends on the phase, the patient’s age and response to treatment, the severity of the disease and any other medication the patient may be taking. In the case of a flare-up of Crohn’s Disease, the dosage may have to be adjusted accordingly by the prescribing physician.

Are there any other uses for Rinvoq?

Rinvoq is sometimes prescribed off-label for other inflammatory or autoimmune diseases, though more studies are needed. Potential uses include lupus, alopecia areata, and uveitis, where JAK inhibition may help control inflammation. However, off-label use should always be at the advise of a healthcare provider.

How does upadacitinib compare to biologics?

Upadacitinib is an oral JAK inhibitor, whereas biologics are injectable. Both target inflammation but in different ways.

Do JAK inhibitors suppress the immune system completely?

No, they modulate immune response rather than fully suppress it, reducing overactive inflammation while maintaining immune function.