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Compare Rinvoq vs. Cosentyx

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

Key takeaways

Rinvoq (upadacitinib) and Cosentyx (secukinumab) are both medications used to treat inflammatory conditions like ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis. However, they belong to different medication classes. Rinvoq is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, while Cosentyx is an interleukin 17 (IL-17) inhibitor. Rinvoq is taken orally, either as a tablet or liquid, and is typically dosed once daily. In contrast, Cosentyx is administered as an injection, usually once a month after initial loading doses. Both medications are only available as brand-name products. Common side effects of Rinvoq include acne and upper respiratory infections, while Cosentyx may cause common cold symptoms and diarrhea. Both medications can increase the risk of infections, but Cosentyx may also worsen inflammatory bowel disease symptoms. Additionally, Rinvoq interacts with grapefruit, while Cosentyx requires caution with latex allergies due to its injection devices.

Rinvoq (upadacitinib)
Cosentyx (secukinumab)
Rinvoq (upadacitinib)
Cosentyx (secukinumab)
Summary of Rinvoq vs. Cosentyx
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 Interleukin 17 (IL-17) antagonist
Prescription only
Cosentyx (secukinumab) is an injectable medication that helps treat many inflammatory conditions. This includes psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), among others. The medication works as an interleukin 17 (IL-17) antagonist to lower inflammation in the body. It's usually injected under the skin once a month. You use the prefilled syringes, Sensoready Pens, or UnoReady Pens to inject. For some conditions, it can also be given as an infusion into the vein at a clinic. The dosing depends on your age, health condition, and treatment plan. Side effects can include upper respiratory tract infections and upset stomach. Cosentyx (secukinumab) is a brand-name medication.
Indications of Rinvoq vs. Cosentyx
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

•Plaque psoriasis (PsO) in people 6 years and older

•Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in people 2 years and older

•Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in adults

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

•Moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in adults

•Enthesitis-related arthritis in children 4 years and older
Pros and Cons of Rinvoq vs. Cosentyx
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 Interleukin 17 (IL-17) antagonist
Pros

•Generally injected once a month (might need a few starter doses)

•Available as prefilled syringes or pens for at-home injections

•Okay for some children (with plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, or enthesitis-related arthritis)

•Few side effects

Cons

•Must be given as an injection

•Might raise the risk of infections

•Might cause flare-ups in people with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease

•Pens and prefilled syringes might not be a good option for people with a latex allergy
Common Side Effects of Rinvoq vs. Cosentyx
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

•Common cold (11%)

•Diarrhea (4%)

•Upper respiratory tract infections (3%)
Warnings of Rinvoq vs. Cosentyx
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

•Risk of infection

•Caution when getting vaccines

•Eczema-like skin reaction

•Allergic reaction

•Inflammatory bowel disease
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Key takeaways

Summary of Rinvoq vs. Cosentyx

Indications of Rinvoq vs. Cosentyx

Pros and Cons of Rinvoq vs. Cosentyx

Common Side Effects of Rinvoq vs. Cosentyx

Warnings of Rinvoq vs. Cosentyx

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