Rinvoq

Rinvoq (upadacitinib) is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor used to treat several inflammatory conditions in adults and children, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), atopic dermatitis (AD, eczema), ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn's disease (CD), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA), polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA), and giant cell arteritis (GCA). It works by blocking JAK enzymes involved in inflammation signaling. Rinvoq tablets are taken once daily; Rinvoq LQ oral solution is taken twice daily.

• Rinvoq LQ is an oral solution formulation of upadacitinib approved only for PsA and pJIA in children weighing at least 10 kg.

Rinvoq (upadacitinib) gained FDA approval on August 16, 2019, for moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis. Additional indications have been approved since then, most recently giant cell arteritis in April 2025. There is no Rinvoq generic.

Rinvoq is FDA-approved for the following inflammatory conditions:

• Moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults when 1 or more tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers have been tried and did not work well or could not be tolerated. Not for use in combination with other JAK inhibitors, biologic DMARDs, or potent immunosuppressants (azathioprine, cyclosporine).
• Active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in adults and children aged 2 to under 18 years (weighing at least 10 kg) when 1 or more TNF blockers have been tried and did not work well or could not be tolerated. Not for use in combination with other JAK inhibitors, biologic DMARDs, or potent immunosuppressants (azathioprine, cyclosporine).
• Refractory, moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) in adults and children aged 12 and older (weighing at least 40 kg) whose disease is not adequately controlled with other systemic drugs, including biologics, or when those therapies are not recommended. Not for use in combination with other JAK inhibitors, biologic immunomodulators, or other immunosuppressants. Note: Rinvoq LQ oral solution has not been established for use in atopic dermatitis.
• Moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC) in adults when 1 or more TNF blockers have been tried and did not work well or could not be tolerated. If TNF blockers are clinically inadvisable, patients must have received at least one approved systemic therapy before Rinvoq. Not for use in combination with other JAK inhibitors, biological therapies for UC, or potent immunosuppressants such as azathioprine and cyclosporine.
• Moderate to severe Crohn's disease (CD) in adults when 1 or more TNF blockers have been tried and did not work well or could not be tolerated or after taking a different injection or pill (systemic therapy) when your healthcare provider does not recommend TNF blockers. Not for use in combination with other JAK inhibitors, biological therapies for CD, or potent immunosuppressants such as azathioprine and cyclosporine.
• Active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in adults when 1 or more TNF blockers have been tried and did not work well or could not be tolerated. Not for use in combination with other JAK inhibitors, biologic DMARDs, or potent immunosuppressants (azathioprine, cyclosporine).
• Active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) in adults with objective signs of inflammation when a TNF blocker has been tried and did not work well or could not be tolerated. Not for use in combination with other JAK inhibitors, biologic DMARDs, or potent immunosuppressants (azathioprine, cyclosporine).
• Active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA) in children aged 2 and older, when 1 or more TNF blockers have been tried and did not work well or could not be tolerated. Not for use in combination with other JAK inhibitors, biologic DMARDs, or potent immunosuppressants (azathioprine, cyclosporine).
• Giant cell arteritis (GCA) in adults (approved April 2025). Not for use in combination with other JAK inhibitors, biologic DMARDs, or potent immunosuppressants (azathioprine, cyclosporine).

The safety and effectiveness of Rinvoq/Rinvoq LQ have not been established in children with AS, nr-axSpA, UC, or CD; in children under 12 years with AD; or in children under 2 years with pJIA or PsA.

• Take exactly as your healthcare provider directs.
• Rinvoq tablets are taken once daily, with or without food. Swallow whole; do not crush, split, or chew.
• Rinvoq LQ oral solution is taken twice daily, with or without food. Use only the provided oral syringe to measure the dose.
• Rinvoq LQ and Rinvoq tablets are not interchangeable. Do not switch between them without your healthcare provider's guidance.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Do not double up doses.
• If you take too much, call your healthcare provider or Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222, or go to the nearest emergency room.

Rinvoq LQ oral solution is NOT the same as Rinvoq tablets. They are not interchangeable and are not swapped milligram for milligram. Any change between them must be made by the healthcare provider.

The prescribing information does not give specific instructions for a missed dose. Contact your pharmacist or healthcare provider for advice if you miss a dose, and do not take two doses at once to make up for it.

How to give Rinvoq LQ oral solution

Rinvoq LQ comes as a 180 mL bottle of clear, colorless to light yellow solution, packaged with a press-in bottle adapter and a 10 mL oral dosing syringe.

• Give the dose twice daily, with or without food.
• Use only the oral syringe supplied with the bottle. Use a new syringe each time you start a new bottle.
• Give the dose within 1 hour of drawing it into the syringe.
• Offer your child a drink of water after the dose.
• Rinse the syringe with water only between doses. Do not use soap and do not put it in the dishwasher. Store it clean and dry.
• Push the bottle adapter in the first time you use the bottle and leave it in place.
• Write the date you first opened the bottle on the carton, and throw away any solution left 60 days after that date.
• Store the bottle upright in its carton in a cool dark place, between 2°C and 30°C (36°F and 86°F).
• Do not open a new bottle until the one in use is finished.

Rinvoq carries a Boxed Warning, the FDA's most serious safety warning, for serious infections, mortality, malignancy, major adverse cardiovascular effects (MACE), and thrombosis.

Serious infections

Rinvoq/Rinvoq LQ can lower the immune system's ability to fight infections. Serious infections, including tuberculosis (TB), bacterial, fungal, and viral infections that can spread throughout the body, have occurred. Some have been fatal. The most frequently reported serious infections with Rinvoq include pneumonia and cellulitis.

Before starting Rinvoq/Rinvoq LQ, your healthcare provider should test you for TB and viral hepatitis. Do not start Rinvoq/Rinvoq LQ if you have an active infection unless your healthcare provider says it is safe to do so. You may be at higher risk of developing shingles (herpes zoster).

Tell your healthcare provider before starting Rinvoq/Rinvoq LQ if you:

• Are being treated for an infection or have recurring infections
• Have diabetes, chronic lung disease, HIV, or a weakened immune system
• Have or have had TB, shingles, or hepatitis B or C
• Live in or have traveled to areas where certain fungal infections (such as histoplasmosis) are common, including the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys and the Southwest United States
• Have symptoms of infection: fever, sweating, or chills, muscle aches, cough, blood in your phlegm, shortness of breath, tiredness, weight loss, warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body, diarrhea, stomach pain, or burning when you urinate or urinating more often than usual

Increased risk of death

A large postmarketing safety study found a higher rate of all-cause mortality, including sudden cardiovascular death, in patients 50 years of age and older with at least one cardiovascular risk factor treated with another JAK inhibitor compared to TNF blockers.

Cancer and immune system problems

Cancers, including lymphoma, have occurred in people treated with Rinvoq. Non-melanoma skin cancer has also been reported.

In a large safety study in people with rheumatoid arthritis treated with a different JAK inhibitor, cancers overall (not counting non-melanoma skin cancer) and lymphomas occurred more often than in people treated with TNF blockers. Lung cancers occurred more often in current or past smokers taking the JAK inhibitor than in those taking TNF blockers, and current or past smokers had an added risk of cancer overall.

Follow your healthcare provider's advice about having your skin checked for skin cancer during treatment. Limit the amount of time you spend in sunlight, and avoid using tanning beds or sunlamps. Wear protective clothing when you are in the sun and use a sunscreen with a high protection factor (SPF 30 and above). This is especially important if your skin is very fair or if you have a family history of skin cancer.

Increased risk of major cardiovascular events (MACE)

In a large safety study in people with rheumatoid arthritis aged 50 and over with at least one cardiovascular risk factor, a different JAK inhibitor was linked to a higher rate of major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, non-fatal heart attack, and non-fatal stroke) than TNF blockers. Current or past smokers were at added risk.

Your healthcare provider will weigh this risk before starting or continuing Rinvoq, particularly if you smoke or have other cardiovascular risk factors. Rinvoq/Rinvoq LQ should be stopped in anyone who has a heart attack or stroke. Seek emergency help immediately if you develop:

• Discomfort in the center of your chest that lasts for more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back, or severe tightness, pain, pressure, or heaviness in your chest, throat, neck, or jaw
• Pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort, breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, vomiting, feeling lightheaded, weakness in one part or on one side of your body, or slurred speech.

Blood clots (thrombosis)

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and arterial thrombosis have occurred in patients treated with Rinvoq. Some events have been fatal. The risk is higher in patients aged 50 and older with at least one cardiovascular risk factor. Stop taking Rinvoq/Rinvoq LQ and get medical help immediately if you have:

• Swelling, or pain or tenderness in one or both legs
• Sudden unexplained chest or upper back pain
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Do not take Rinvoq/Rinvoq LQ if you are allergic to upadacitinib or any of its inactive ingredients.

Before taking Rinvoq/Rinvoq LQ, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you:

• Have an active infection
• Are a current or past smoker
• Have had a heart attack, other heart problems, or stroke
• Have liver or kidney problems
• Have unexplained stomach pain, a history of diverticulitis, or stomach/intestinal ulcers, or take NSAIDs
• Have diabetes
• Have low red or white blood cell counts
• Have recently received or are scheduled to receive a vaccine (live vaccines must be avoided)
• Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding

Pregnancy

Rinvoq/Rinvoq LQ may harm an unborn baby based on animal studies. Before starting treatment, pregnancy status will be checked. Use effective contraception during treatment and for 4 weeks after the last dose. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant. If you become pregnant during treatment, you are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-633-9110 (pregnancy surveillance program).

Breastfeeding

Rinvoq/Rinvoq LQ may pass into breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 6 days after the last dose.

Average retail prices (without insurance):

• 30-day supply of 15 mg tablets: $5,800-$6,500
• 30-day supply of 30 mg tablets: $5,800-$6,500
• 30-day supply of 45 mg tablets: $5,800-$6,500
• Rinvoq LQ oral solution: $5,500-$6,200 per bottle

Actual costs vary based on insurance coverage, pharmacy, and location.

Ways to save on Rinvoq

AbbVie offers the Rinvoq Complete Savings Card for eligible commercially insured patients, who may pay as little as $5 per month (restrictions apply). Uninsured or underinsured patients may qualify for free medication through the AbbVie Patient Assistance Foundation. Contact AbbVie at 1-800-2RINVOQ (1-800-274-6867) or ask your doctor about savings programs. Compare prices at different pharmacies and check our detailed price guide for more cost information.

Common side effects

The most common side effects of Rinvoq/Rinvoq LQ by condition are:

• RA, PsA, AS, nr-axSpA, and pJIA: upper respiratory tract infections, shingles, herpes simplex, bronchitis, nausea, cough, fever, acne, and headache
• GCA: upper respiratory infections, headache, tiredness, peripheral edema, cough, anemia, rash, shingles, and nausea
• AD: upper respiratory infections, acne, herpes simplex, headache, elevated creatine phosphokinase, cough, allergic reactions, folliculitis, nausea, abdominal pain, fever, weight gain, shingles, flu, tiredness, neutropenia, muscle pain, and flu-like illness
• UC: upper respiratory infections, acne, herpes simplex, folliculitis, rash, flu, shingles, elevated cholesterol, elevated creatine phosphokinase, elevated liver enzymes, neutropenia, lymphopenia, and fever
• CD: upper respiratory infections, fever, shingles, bronchitis, pneumonia, flu, acne, herpes simplex, tiredness, cough, headache, elevated creatine phosphokinase, elevated liver enzymes, anemia, neutropenia, leukopenia, and gastroenteritis.

Serious Side Effects

See "Warnings and important information" above. Other serious side effects include:

• Severe allergic reactions (hypersensitivity): Anaphylaxis and angioedema have been reported. Symptoms include rash (hives), trouble breathing, feeling faint or dizzy, or swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat. Stop taking Rinvoq/Rinvoq LQ and get emergency medical help immediately if these occur.
• Gastrointestinal (GI) perforation: Tears in the stomach or intestines have been reported, most often in people taking NSAIDs or corticosteroids or with a history of diverticulitis. Seek medical help immediately if you develop stomach pain, fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting.
• Retinal detachment: Separation or tears to the lining at the back of the eye have been reported in patients with atopic dermatitis. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you notice any sudden changes in vision.
• Eczema herpeticum: Eczema herpeticum (Kaposi's varicelliform eruption) has been reported in patients with atopic dermatitis treated with Rinvoq. Contact your healthcare provider if you develop widespread blistering or painful skin sores.
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): Hypoglycemia, including severe cases, has been reported after starting Rinvoq/Rinvoq LQ, mainly in people with diabetes. If you have diabetes, your healthcare provider may recommend checking your blood sugar more often during treatment. Contact your healthcare provider if you develop signs or symptoms of low blood sugar.
• Changes in laboratory test results: Rinvoq can affect blood counts and liver tests. Your healthcare provider will monitor for: Low neutrophil counts (neutropenia) Low lymphocyte counts (lymphopenia) Low red blood cell counts (anemia) Increased cholesterol levels (check around 12 weeks after starting) Elevated liver enzymes Rinvoq/Rinvoq LQ should not be started or continued if counts are too low (absolute lymphocyte count below 500 cells/mm3, absolute neutrophil count below 1000 cells/mm3, or hemoglobin below 8 g/dL).
• Medication residue in stool: Some people may see whole tablets or tablet fragments in their stool, most often in those with shortened GI transit times or conditions such as ileostomy or colostomy. Contact your healthcare provider if this occurs repeatedly, as it may indicate inadequate drug absorption.

These are not all the possible side effects of Rinvoq/Rinvoq LQ. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Before starting Rinvoq or Rinvoq LQ, healthcare providers should:

• Ensure immunizations are current (live vaccines should not be administered during treatment with Rinvoq/Rinvoq LQ)
• Screen for active/latent tuberculosis and viral hepatitis
• Check liver function and pregnancy status
• Verify blood counts meet minimum thresholds.

Do not start or continue Rinvoq/Rinvoq LQ if:

• Absolute lymphocyte count is below 500 cells/mm³
• Absolute neutrophil count is below 1000 cells/mm³
• Hemoglobin is below 8 g/dL

Rinvoq LQ oral solution is not substitutable with Rinvoq extended-release tablets. Any switch between the two formulations must be managed by the healthcare provider.

Adult Dose of Rinvoq for RA, AS, and nr-axSpA

• 15 mg orally once daily

Adult Dose of Rinvoq for PA

• 15 mg orally once daily

Child 2 to <18 years (10 kg+) Dose of Rinvoq/Rinvoq LQ for PA

Dose of Rinvoq for AD

• Adults <65 and Children 12+ (40 kg+): Start with 15 mg once daily. If an adequate response is not achieved, the dose may be increased to 30 mg once daily. Discontinue if 30 mg is not effective.
• Adults 65+: 15 mg orally once daily
• Severe Renal Impairment: 15 mg orally once daily.

Adult Dose of Rinvoq for UC

• Induction (first 8 weeks): 45 mg orally once daily
• Maintenance: 15 mg orally once daily
• Severe cases: May use 30 mg orally once daily for maintenance Discontinue treatment if 30 mg once daily is not effective

Notes: Use the lowest effective dose. Adjust dosing for kidney/liver issues or drug interactions per prescribing information.

Adult Dose of Rinvoq for CD

• Induction (first 12 weeks): 45 mg orally once daily
• Maintenance: 15 mg orally once daily
• Refractory, Severe, or Extensive Disease: 30 mg orally once daily for maintenance Discontinue treatment if 30 mg once daily is not effective.

Notes: Use the lowest effective dose. Adjust dosing for kidney/liver issues or drug interactions per prescribing information.

Child 2+ Dose of Rinvoq/Rinvoq LQ for pJIA

Adult Dose of Rinvoq for Giant Cell Arteritis

• 15 mg orally once daily in combination with a tapering course of corticosteroids. Rinvoq 15 mg once daily can be used as monotherapy following corticosteroid discontinuation.

This varies by condition, and the prescribing information reports the earliest point at which a difference from placebo was measured rather than when any one person will notice a change.

• Rheumatoid arthritis: higher ACR20 response rates than placebo were seen as early as 1 week in two trials.
• Psoriatic arthritis: response rates separated from placebo by week 2.
• Atopic dermatitis: more people on Rinvoq reported meaningful itch relief than on placebo by week 1, with most of the benefit reached by week 4.
• Ulcerative colitis: onset of response was seen as early as week 2.
• Crohn's disease: onset of clinical response was seen as early as week 2.

The trials measured their main results at week 12 to 16 for most conditions, so a full assessment of whether Rinvoq is working usually takes around 3 months. Your healthcare provider may increase the dose if the response is not adequate, and will stop Rinvoq if the higher dose does not work either.

Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice during treatment with Rinvoq/Rinvoq LQ. Grapefruit is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and may increase upadacitinib blood levels, raising the risk of side effects.

Do not receive live vaccines while taking Rinvoq/Rinvoq LQ.

Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Key interactions include:

• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, clarithromycin, and grapefruit): these may increase upadacitinib blood levels. Dose adjustments may be required for patients with AD, UC, or CD. Not recommended to use Rinvoq 30 mg with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors in AD.
• Strong CYP3A4 inducers (such as rifampin, phenytoin): these may reduce upadacitinib levels and its effectiveness. Coadministration is not recommended.
• Immunosuppressants (such as azathioprine, cyclosporine): concurrent use may increase infection risk and is not recommended.

Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are unsure whether you are taking any of these medications.Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

Rinvoq Tablets

• Store between 36°F and 77°F (2°C and 25°C)
• Keep in the original bottle to protect from moisture
• Keep out of reach of children.

Rinvoq LQ

• Store between 36°F and 86°F (2°C and 30°C)
• Discard any remaining solution 60 days after opening the bottle
• Keep out of reach of children.

Active ingredient: upadacitinib

Inactive ingredients (15 mg tablets): colloidal silicon dioxide, ferrosoferric oxide, hypromellose, iron oxide red, magnesium stearate, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, talc, tartaric acid, and titanium dioxide.

Inactive ingredients (30 mg tablets): colloidal silicon dioxide, hypromellose, iron oxide red, magnesium stearate, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, talc, tartaric acid, and titanium dioxide.

Inactive ingredients (45 mg tablets): colloidal silicon dioxide, hypromellose, iron oxide yellow and iron oxide red, magnesium stearate, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, talc, tartaric acid, and titanium dioxide.

Inactive ingredients (LQ, oral solution): citric acid anhydrous, purified water, sodium benzoate, sodium citrate dihydrate, and sucralose.

What do Rinvoq tablets look like?

See the Drugs.com pill identifier for more information about Rinvoq.

Manufactured by AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois, USA.