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Orencia vs. Rinvoq

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

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.

Orencia

(abatacept)

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Rinvoq

(upadacitinib)

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Summary for Orencia

Prescription only

Orencia (abatacept) is an injectable biologic medication used for different types of autoimmune arthritis (joint inflammation), including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). It's given as an injection under the skin once a week or as an infusion through the veins (IV) in the clinic once a month. Common side effects include infection, headache, and dizziness.

Indications for Orencia

Pros and Cons for Orencia

Pros

  • Can be used in children age 2 years and older (for certain conditions)
  • Comes as a prefilled syringe or autoinjector for easy at-home injections
  • Clinic infusions are available for people who don't like to give themselves injections and are generally given only once a month
  • SQ injections are given once weekly and IV infusions are given once monthly

Cons

  • Raises your risk for infections because it weakens your immune system
  • Can't be used with other biologic medications because higher risk of infection
  • Can take 3 to 6 months to notice an improvement in your symptoms (for arthritis)
  • Only treats the symptoms and isn't a cure for inflammatory problems

Common Side Effects for Orencia

  • Headache (18%)
  • Sore throat, runny nose, or other cold-like symptoms (12%)
  • Dizziness (9%)
  • Cough (8%)
  • Back pain (7%)
  • High blood pressure (7%)
  • Upset stomach (6%)
  • Pain while urinating and other symptoms of an urinary tract infection (6%)

Please note: The side effects above were reported by adults who received Orencia (abatacept) for rheumatoid arthritis. The side effects you experience might be different if you're taking Orencia (abatacept) for a different condition or if you're injecting it under the skin.

Warnings for Orencia

  • Risk of serious infections
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Vaccines
  • Worsening breathing problems
  • Falsely high blood sugars

Summary for Rinvoq

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 for Rinvoq

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

Pros and Cons for Rinvoq

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 for Rinvoq

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

Warnings for Rinvoq

  • 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 Orencia vs. Rinvoq

Price Card Drug Icon
Orencia1 carton / 4 clickject autoinjectors of 125mg/ml
$5,539.00$7,445.71
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Price Card Drug Icon
Rinvoq30 tablets / 15mg
$6,244.67$8,869.21
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