Key takeaways
Abatacept (Orencia) and upadacitinib (Rinvoq) are both medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). However, they belong to different medication classes and have distinct characteristics. Abatacept is a biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) that is administered via injection or infusion, while upadacitinib is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor taken orally. Abatacept is also used for juvenile idiopathic arthritis and prevention of graft-versus-host disease, whereas upadacitinib is used for a broader range of conditions, including ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and eczema. Abatacept is typically dosed based on body weight and given weekly or monthly, while upadacitinib is usually taken once daily. Common side effects of abatacept include headache and dizziness, while upadacitinib may cause acne and nausea. Both medications increase the risk of infections, but upadacitinib also carries risks of blood clots and potential harm during pregnancy. There is no generic version available for either medication.
