Rinvoq
Prescription Required
Indications
Rinvoq is an anti-inflammatory drug used to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, active psoriatic arthritis, moderate to severe ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, ankylosing spondylitis, and non-radiographic axial spondylarthritis.
Upadacitinib is a selective Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor that reduces inflammation by blocking the activity of Janus kinases which contribute to immune-mediated inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Rinvoq is prescribed for those with inflammatory conditions that are not responsive to traditional or biologic treatment.
This anti-inflammatory medication has been found to provide effective relief from symptoms of various inflammatory conditions including rheumatoid arthritis. Rinvoq is generally well-tolerated with similar adverse effects to other JAK inhibitors but with higher efficacy.
Uses and Dosage
The dose of Rinvoq prescribed will vary depending on the person and inflammatory condition being treated. Follow all your doctor’s directives and read packaging instructions carefully to ensure the best results.
- Swallow tablets whole
- Take with a full glass of water
- Take your dose with or without food at the same time each day
- For rheumatoid arthritis, most adults take 15mg once a day
- For psoriatic arthritis, adults take 15mg once daily
- Adults treating atopic dermatitis start by taking 15mg once a day and then can increase to 30mg once a day if needed
- To treat ulcerative colitis, adults take 45mg once a day for 8 weeks
- For ankylosing spondylitis, adults take 15mg daily
- Those with non-radiographic axial spondylarthritis take 15mg once a day
- You may need frequent medical tests while taking Rinvoq
- Take Rinvoq as directed by your doctor
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat
- Keep in original container away from children and pets
Side Effects
Rinvoq may cause some side effects to develop while reducing inflammation. Speak with your doctor for more information regarding any symptoms you may encounter when taking upadacitinib.
Common Rinvoq side effects:
- Fever
- Cough
- Nausea
- Cold symptoms (stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat)
Serious Side Effects
Some more serious adverse reactions may occur when taking upadacitinib. Stop using Rinvoq and call your doctor if you develop any of the following side effects:
- Fever, chill, night sweats, constant tiredness
- Wheezing, trouble breathing, severe or worsening cough
- Increased urination, pain or burning during urination
- Unexplained weight loss
- Lumps in your neck, armpits, or groin
- Signs of shingles (flu-like symptoms, tingly or painful blistering rash on one side)
- Perforated digestive tract (fever, severe stomach pain, diarrhea, changes in bowel habits)
- Signs of hepatitis (loss of appetite, vomiting, stomach pain on the upper right side, dark urine, clay-coloured stools, jaundice)
Some Rinvoq users have developed heart attacks, strokes, and serious blood clots during treatment. Seek immediate medical attention if you have any of the following:
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Chest pain or pressure that may spread to your jaw, shoulder, arms, or back
- Nausea, vomiting, cold sweat
- Light-headed feeling like you might pass out
- Weakness on one side of your body
- Slurred speech, drooping on one side of your mouth
- Pain, swelling, or redness in an arm or leg
Allergic Reactions
Do not take Rinvoq if you are allergic to upadacitinib or any of the listed ingredients. If you develop signs of an allergic reaction, stop using this medication and contact your doctor right away.
Rinvoq allergy symptoms may include:
- Hives
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
Cautions
Rinvoq affects your immune system and may cause you to become infected more easily. Contact your doctor if you have signs of an infection such as fever, chills, aches, tiredness, cough, skin sores, diarrhea, weight loss, or burning when you urinate.
This medication may increase your risk of developing serious medical problems including serious infections, a perforated digestive tract, heart attack, stroke, blood clots, or cancer.
Before taking Rinvoq, tell your doctor if you have ever had any of the following:
- Weakened immune system or chronic infection (tuberculosis, shingles, HIV, or hepatitis)
- Cancer
- Kidney disease, transplant, or if you are on dialysis
- Diverticulitis, ulcer in your stomach or intestines
- Heart problems
- A heart attack, stroke, or blood clot
- High cholesterol
- If you’ve ever smoked
Tell your doctor right away if you have been exposed to tuberculosis or if you have recently traveled to ensure you do not become infected.
To ensure your safety in taking Rinvoq, tell your doctor if you have any of the following:
- Liver disease
- Chronic lung disease
- Diabetes
- Low red or white blood cell count
- If you have a scheduled vaccine
Avoid receiving any live vaccines while taking Rinvoq because they may not be as effective or could lead to an infection. These vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella, rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella, and zoster.
Do not take Rinvoq while pregnant because upadacitinib can cause harm to your baby. Use effective birth control methods during treatment and for at least 4 weeks after your final dose. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Do not breastfeed while taking Rinvoq and for at least 6 days after your last dose.
Some drugs may interact with upadacitinib and cause adverse reactions. To ensure your safety, tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including over the counter medicine, but especially any of the following:
- Phenytoin
- Antibiotics (clarithromycin, rifampin)
- Antifungal medicine (fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole)
- Immunosuppressive drugs (azathioprine, cyclosporine, and others)
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and others)
- Steroid medicine (dexamethasone, prednisone, and more)
Rinvoq is not an approved treatment for anyone under the age of 18 years old.
Form and Strength
This anti-inflammatory medication is available in tablet form.
Rinvoq tablet strength:
- 15mg
The 15mg Rinvoq tablets are available in quantities of 28.
FAQ
Is Rinvoq an anti-inflammatory?
Yes, Rinvoq offer anti-inflammatory properties through the inhibition of Janus kinase receptors responsible for producing destructive inflammation. Thanks to these effects, Rinvoq is used to treat various inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and more.
How long does it take for Rinvoq to work?
Rinvoq is readily absorbed by your digestive system but takes some time for the upadacitinib to work into your system and cause visible effects. Some patients feel relief from symptoms within a week of treatment while most notice significant improvement within 12 weeks.
Resources:
Additional information
Brand Name: |
Rinvoq |
|---|---|
Scientific Name: |
Upadacitinib |
Other Names: |
Rinvoq |
Strength(s): |
15mg, 30mg |
Quantities Available: |
28, 30 |
Formulation: |
Tablet |
