Rinvoq is a prescription medication used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, atopic dermatitis (eczema), ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, ankylosing spondylitis, and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. This medication is available as an oral long-acting (extended-release) tablet. Rinvoq can reduce the body’s ability to fight infections, increase the risk of certain cancers, increase the risk of cardiovascular events (such as heart attack or stroke), and cause blood clots.
Rinvoq overview
BRAND NAMES:
Rinvoq
Generic Names:
Rinvoq
Uses:
Treats rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, atopic dermatitis (eczema), ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, ankylosing spondylitis, and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.
Therapeutic Classes:
Disease-modifying antirheumatic, janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor
Forms:
Long-acting tablet
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Rinvoq used for?
Rinvoq (upadacitinib) is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor that blocks specific signals that are thought to cause inflammation. Rinvoq is used to treat certain inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, atopic dermatitis (eczema), ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, ankylosing spondylitis, and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. This medication comes as an oral tablet that is long-acting (extended-release) and taken once a day.
Key takeaways
You may be more likely to develop infections while taking Rinvoq. These infections are usually mild (such as a cold or a sinus infection), but occasionally, they can be serious or even life-threatening, so it is important to monitor infection symptoms.
Get early treatment for any infection so they don't become more serious. It is important to tell your doctor if you get symptoms of infection such as fever, tiredness, persistent cough, wounds, skin sores and blisters, dental problems, or burning on urination.
While taking Rinvoq, you should not receive some types of vaccinations. Discuss receiving vaccines with a healthcare provider.
Some cases of skin cancer have occurred in people taking Rinvoq, so it is important to check for new skin lesions and regularly check the whole body for changes in skin appearance.
While taking Rinvoq, there have been cases of blood clots in the veins called venous thrombosis. It’s important to tell your doctor right away if you have a painful swollen leg, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
What form(s) does Rinvoq come in
Long-acting (24-hour extended-release) tablet
15 mg
30 mg
45 mg
What are common Rinvoq doses?
The dose of Rinvoq will depend on the type of inflammatory condition being treated.
The typical standard dose of Rinvoq is a 15 mg tablet once daily.
When treating certain inflammatory conditions, some people may require a higher dose to treat the condition properly. If the Rinvoq standard dose of 15 mg is not effective enough, healthcare providers will increase the dose to a 30 mg tablet once daily.
Certain conditions require an induction period when starting Rinvoq. The typical induction dose of Rinvoq is a 45 mg tablet once daily for eight to twelve weeks depending on the condition.
Common Rinvoq prescriptions
Rinvoq
28 tablets extended release 24 hour bottleRinvoq
30 tablets extended release 24 hour bottle
How to take Rinvoq
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Take your medicine around the same time each day as it will help you remember when to take it.
This medication can be taken with or without food.
Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
If you take the extended-release tablet, part of the tablet may pass into your stools. If this happens, contact your healthcare provider as they’ll need to assess the treatment.
Avoid food or beverages containing grapefruit while taking Rinvoq as eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice may increase the risk of side effects.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
What to do if you miss a dose of Rinvoq
Take a dose as soon as you remember, as long as it is at least ten hours before your next dose. Otherwise, skip the missed dose and wait until it is time to take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Rinvoq contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you have an allergic reaction to upadacitinib.
Rinvoq warnings
Rinvoq is not safe to take during pregnancy as it can harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine and for at least 4 weeks after the last dose.
Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine and for at least 6 days after the last dose.
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease (including hepatitis B or C), blood problems, cancer or a history of cancer, diabetes, lung disease, HIV, stomach or bowel problems (including diverticulitis), or a history of tuberculosis. Also, tell your doctor if you have a current infection or an infection that keeps returning.
This medicine may cause the following problems: Increased risk for serious infections (bacterial, fungal, viral), including herpes infection or shingles. Increased risk for cancer, including non-melanoma skin cancer. Increased risk for blood clots, stomach or bowel perforation (tear or hole), or high cholesterol in the blood. Increased risk for heart attack or stroke.
You must have a skin test for tuberculosis (TB) before starting this medicine. Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your home has ever had a positive TB skin test or been exposed to TB.
This medication can reduce your body’s ability to fight infections. Rinvoq can make infections that you already have worse or increase the risk of new infections.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Rinvoq interactions
Some medicines can affect how upadacitinib works. While there are many possible drug interactions, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following: atorvastatin, azathioprine,, carbamazepine, clarithromycin, cyclosporine, ethinyl estradiol, itraconazole, ketoconazole, levonorgestrel, methotrexate, midazolam, phenobarbital, phenytoin, posaconazole, rifampin, rosuvastatin, voriconazole, or NSAID pain medicine (including aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen). There are many other possible Rinvoq drug interactions that are not included.
This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccine.
Rinvoq interacts with grapefruit, so it is best to avoid food or beverages containing grapefruit while taking Rinvoq. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may increase the risk of side effects.
It’s important to tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Rinvoq side effects
Rinvoq can reduce the body’s ability to fight infections. It can make infections that you already have worse or increase the risk of new infections, which can be life-threatening. Contact your doctor immediately if you have signs of an infection.
Serious side effects
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Chest pain, trouble breathing, weakness in one part or on one side of your body, slurred speech
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, night sweats, body aches
Pain, redness, swelling, or tenderness in the arms or legs, chest pain, or shortness of breath
Skin or mole changes, sores that do not heal
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
Less serious side effects
Acne
Inflammation of the hair follicles
Nausea, feeling sick in the stomach
Weight gain
It’s important to communicate with your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while taking Rinvoq or if you have any problems taking it.
Sources:
Rinvoq Prescribing Information, DailyMed
Rinvoq, Abbvie
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