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Compare Rinvoq vs. Dupixent

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

Key takeaways

Rinvoq (upadacitinib) and Dupixent (dupilumab) are both medications used to treat inflammatory conditions, such as eczema. However, they belong to different medication classes and have distinct characteristics. Rinvoq is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor taken orally, while Dupixent is a monoclonal antibody given as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection. Rinvoq is used for a variety of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis, and is typically taken once daily. In contrast, Dupixent is used for conditions like asthma and eosinophilic esophagitis, with dosing usually every 2 weeks or monthly. Rinvoq is available in both tablet and liquid forms, whereas Dupixent comes as a pre-filled pen or syringe. Common side effects of Rinvoq include a higher risk of infections and acne, while Dupixent may cause injection site reactions and eye inflammation. Additionally, Rinvoq can interact with many medications and should not be taken with grapefruit. Neither medication is available in a generic form.

Rinvoq (upadacitinib)
Dupixent (dupilumab)
Rinvoq (upadacitinib)
Dupixent (dupilumab)
Summary of Rinvoq vs. Dupixent
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 antagonist
Prescription only
Dupixent (dupilumab) is an injection that helps treat certain inflammatory conditions. This includes eczema, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), among others. It's a biologic medication known as an interleukin antagonist that lowers inflammation. Dupixent (dupilumab) comes as prefilled pens and prefilled syringes. It's injected under the skin of the belly or thighs (or in the back of the upper arm with someone's help). The dosing schedule depends on the condition you have, your age, and your weight. It's injected either every week, every 2 weeks, or every 4 weeks. Side effects include injection site reactions and eye problems.
Indications of Rinvoq vs. Dupixent
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 eczema - for people 6 months and older

•Moderate-to-severe asthma - add-on maintenance for people 6 years and older

•Long-term sinus congestion with nasal polyps - add-on maintenance for people 12 years and older

•Eosinophilic esophagitis - for people 1 year and older

•Prurigo nodularis (long-term itchy skin bumps) - for adults

•Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - add-on maintenance for adults

•Long-term hives - for people 12 years and older
Pros and Cons of Rinvoq vs. Dupixent
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 antagonist
Pros

•Taken every other week or monthly for most conditions

•Approved for some children (specific age depends on the condition)

•Available as prefilled pens (for people ages 2 years and older)

•Available as prefilled syringes (for people ages 6 months and older)

Cons

•Given as an injection under the skin

•Not used for helping with asthma attacks

•Can cause injection reactions, such as pain, bruising, and swelling

•Unknown if it's safe or works well while pregnant or breastfeeding
Common Side Effects of Rinvoq vs. Dupixent
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

•Injection site reaction (e.g., pain, swelling, bruising; 10%)

•Eye redness or eye inflammation (10%)

•Cold sores (4%)
Warnings of Rinvoq vs. Dupixent
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

•Allergic reactions

•Eye inflammation

•Other inflammation in the body

•Risk of worsening of breathing problems in people with asthma or COPD

•Risk of psoriasis

•Joint pain and psoriatic arthritis

•Unknown effect in people with parasitic worm infections

•Interaction with vaccines
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Key takeaways

Summary of Rinvoq vs. Dupixent

Indications of Rinvoq vs. Dupixent

Pros and Cons of Rinvoq vs. Dupixent

Common Side Effects of Rinvoq vs. Dupixent

Warnings of Rinvoq vs. Dupixent

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