Are you a healthcare professional? Join GoodRx for HCPs

Compare Rinvoq vs. Cimzia

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

Key takeaways

Rinvoq (upadacitinib) and Cimzia (certolizumab) are both medications used to treat inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. However, they belong to different medication classes. Rinvoq is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, while Cimzia is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker. Rinvoq is taken orally, either as an extended-release tablet or an oral solution, and is typically taken once daily. In contrast, Cimzia is administered as an injection every 2 to 4 weeks. Rinvoq is available in both tablet and liquid forms, but Cimzia is only available as an injection. Common side effects of Rinvoq include upper respiratory infections and acne, while Cimzia may cause upper respiratory infections and skin rash. Both medications can increase the risk of infections, but Rinvoq also has a risk of causing blood clots and stomach tears. Additionally, Rinvoq is not recommended during pregnancy, whereas Cimzia might be okay, depending on a risk-benefit discussion with your prescriber. It's important to discuss with your healthcare professional which medication is best for your condition and lifestyle.

Rinvoq (upadacitinib)
Cimzia (certolizumab)
Rinvoq (upadacitinib)
Cimzia (certolizumab)
Summary of Rinvoq vs. Cimzia
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.
Summary for TNF blocker
Prescription only
Cimzia (certolizumab) is a prescription biologic used to treat several autoimmune conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn's disease. It works by blocking a protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF), which helps reduce inflammation in your body. The medication is given as an injection under the skin every 2 to 4 weeks, depending on your condition. Common side effects include upper respiratory infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and skin rash.
Indications of Rinvoq vs. Cimzia
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

Indications for

•Moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease when other treatments haven't worked - adults only

•Moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) - adults only

•Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA) - adults children 2 years and older

•Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) - adults only

•Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) - adults only

•Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) - adults only

•Moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (PsO) - adults only
Pros and Cons of Rinvoq vs. Cimzia
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

Pros and Const for TNF blocker
Pros

•Treats a variety of autoimmune conditions

•Only need to inject every 2 to 4 weeks

•Available as a prefilled syringe for at-home administration

Cons

•Can raise your risk for infections

•Some people might have difficulty injecting it properly

•Might have a higher risk for certain cancers
Common Side Effects of Rinvoq vs. Cimzia
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.
Common Side Effects for

•Upper respiratory infections (18%)

•Rash (9%)

•Urinary tract infections (8%)
Warnings of Rinvoq vs. Cimzia
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

Common Side Effects for

•Serious infections

•Cancer

•Heart failure

•Allergic reactions

•Nervous system problems

•Blood problems

•Lupus-like condition

•Live vaccines
Prices with our coupons for Rinvoq vs. Cimzia
Learn more about Rinvoq
Learn more about Cimzia

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.

Compare Rinvoq vs. Cimzia

Key takeaways

Summary of Rinvoq vs. Cimzia

Indications of Rinvoq vs. Cimzia

Pros and Cons of Rinvoq vs. Cimzia

Common Side Effects of Rinvoq vs. Cimzia

Warnings of Rinvoq vs. Cimzia

Prices with our coupons for Rinvoq vs. Cimzia

Compare other Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis drugs

Browse medications

Good news for your inbox