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Compare Olumiant vs. Rinvoq

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Baricitinib (Olumiant) and upadacitinib (Rinvoq) are both Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, they have different FDA-approved uses and dosing. Baricitinib is also approved for severe hair loss (alopecia areata) and COVID-19 in hospitalized adults needing breathing support, while upadacitinib is used for conditions like ulcerative colitis, eczema, and Crohn's disease, among others. Baricitinib is taken as a 2 mg or 4 mg tablet once daily, depending on the condition, while upadacitinib is typically taken as a 15 mg tablet once daily, with some conditions requiring a higher dose. Upadacitinib is available in both tablet and liquid forms, unlike baricitinib, which is only available as a tablet. Both medications can increase the risk of infections and have potential drug interactions. You should avoid grapefruit juice with upadacitinib due to a potential interaction. Both medications require careful monitoring.

  • Olumiant (baricitinib)
    Rinvoq (upadacitinib)
  • Olumiant (baricitinib)
    Rinvoq (upadacitinib)

  • Summary of Olumiant vs. Rinvoq

    Summary for JAK inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Olumiant (baricitinib) is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor. It's used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and severe hair loss (alopecia areata) in adults. It can also be prescribed for adults hospitalized with COVID-19 who need breathing support. Olumiant (baricitinib) is taken by mouth once daily. The most common side effect of this medication is a higher risk of infections.

    Summary for JAK inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Rinvoq (upadacitinib) is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor. It's used to treat certain inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ulcerative colitis (UC), and eczema (atopic dermatitis). But it's not a first-choice option and typically only prescribed when other treatments haven't worked well. Rinvoq (upadacitinib) is taken by mouth, usually once daily. It's available as an extended-release tablet (Rinvoq) and an oral solution (Rinvoq LQ), but the two formulations aren't interchangeable. Side effects include a higher risk of infections, acne, and nausea.

  • Indications of Olumiant vs. Rinvoq

    Indications for
    •Moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults
    •COVID-19 in hospitalized adults who need oxygen or support from machines to help breathe
    •Severe hair loss (alopecia areata) in adults
    Indications for

    Moderate-to-severe inflammatory conditions in which other treatments haven't worked:

    •Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults
    •Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in adults and children ages 2 years and older
    •Eczema (atopic dermatitis) in adults and children ages 12 years and older
    •Ulcerative colitis (UC) in adults
    •Crohn's disease (CD) in adults
    •Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in adults
    •Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) in adults
    •Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA) in adults and children ages 2 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Olumiant vs. Rinvoq

    Pros and Const for JAK inhibitor
    Pros
    •Works well for rheumatoid arthritis, COVID-19, and alopecia areata
    •The only JAK inhibitor FDA-approved for COVID-19
    •Taken once per day
    •Can be taken with or without food
    Cons
    •Not a good option for people with severe liver and kidney problems
    •Can cause low blood cell counts and raise the risk of infection
    •It's not clear how safe it is when taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding
    Pros and Const for JAK inhibitor
    Pros
    •Can treat many different inflammatory conditions
    •Available as a tablet and a liquid
    •The tablet only needs to be taken once a day
    Cons
    •Can raise risk for infections
    •Not the best option for people with severe liver or kidney problems
    •Not safe for use during pregnancy

  • Common Side Effects of Olumiant vs. Rinvoq

    Common Side Effects for

    Rheumatoid arthritis:

    •Upper respiratory infection (up to 16%)

    COVID-19:

    •Raised liver enzymes (9-18%)
    •Infections (up to 9%)

    Alopecia areata:

    •Upper respiratory infection (18-21%)
    •Headache (6-7%)
    •Acne (6%)
    •High cholesterol (4-6%)
    •Urinary tract infection (4%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (25%)
    •Acne (16%)
    •Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection (8%)
    •Headache (6%)

    Note: Side effects listed were reported by people who took Rinvoq for eczema.

  • Warnings of Olumiant vs. Rinvoq

    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious infections
    •Possible higher risk of death
    •Possible risk of cancer
    •Risk of heart attack, stroke, and other blood clots
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Tears in the gut
    •Changes in lab tests
    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious infections
    •Possible higher risk of death for people with rheumatoid arthritis
    •Risk of cancer
    •Possible risk of heart attack, stroke, and other blood clots
    •Severe allergic reaction
    •Stomach and gut tears
    •Abnormal lab results (e.g., blood cell counts, cholesterol levels)
    •Possible harm to unborn babies
    •Medication in stool

  • Prices with our coupons for Olumiant vs. Rinvoq

    Learn more about Olumiant
    Learn more about Rinvoq

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