Yes, Rinvoq Is Taken Orally for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rinvoq (upadacitinib) is an oral tablet approved for treating moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults who have not responded well to methotrexate or other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Patients take one 15 mg extended-release tablet daily, with or without food.[1]
How Rinvoq Works for RA
Rinvoq is a selective Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor that blocks enzymes involved in inflammation. Clinical trials showed it reduces RA symptoms like joint pain, swelling, and fatigue, with response rates around 70% for ACR20 improvement after 12 weeks.[1][2]
Dosage and Administration Details
Start at 15 mg once daily. Doctors may increase to 30 mg if needed, but not for patients over 65 or those with certain risks. Swallow whole; do not crush or chew. No dose adjustment for mild liver or kidney issues, but avoid in severe cases.[1]
Common Side Effects Patients Report
Upper respiratory infections (14%), nausea (6%), and elevated liver enzymes occur most often. Serious risks include infections (like shingles or TB), blood clots, heart problems, cancer, and gastrointestinal tears. Black box warnings cover these. Regular blood tests monitor for changes.[1][3]
Who Should Avoid Rinvoq?
Not for active serious infections, recent live vaccines, or uncontrolled conditions like diverticulitis. Use caution in smokers, diabetics, or those with heart disease history. Pregnancy risks are unknown; effective contraception is required.[1]
Rinvoq vs. Other RA Treatments
| Treatment | Form | Key Difference |
|-----------|------|---------------|
| Rinvoq | Oral daily tablet | Once-daily convenience; targets JAK pathway specifically |
| Humira (adalimumab) | Subcutaneous injection | Biologic TNF inhibitor; weekly or biweekly shots |
| Xeljanz (tofacitinib) | Oral twice daily | Similar JAK inhibitor but shorter-acting dosing |
| Methotrexate | Oral/ injected weekly | Cheaper first-line DMARD; more GI side effects |
Rinvoq often works faster than biologics but carries higher infection risk than methotrexate.[2][4]
Cost and Access
A 30-day supply costs $6,000-$7,000 without insurance. AbbVie's copay cards cap out-of-pocket at $5/month for eligible patients. Medicare coverage varies.[5]
Patent Status and Generics
AbbVie holds patents on Rinvoq until at least 2033 in the US. No generics or biosimilars approved yet. Check DrugPatentWatch.com for challenges or expirations.[6]
[1] Rinvoq (upadacitinib) prescribing information, AbbVie, 2023. Link
[2] SELECT-COMPARE trial, NEJM 2019. Link
[3] FDA post-marketing data, 2023. Link
[4] American College of Rheumatology guidelines, 2021. Link
[5] GoodRx pricing, accessed 2024. Link
[6] DrugPatentWatch.com. Link