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Compare Rinvoq vs. Enbrel

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

Key takeaways

Rinvoq (upadacitinib) and Enbrel (etanercept) are both medications used to treat autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). However, they belong to different medication classes. Rinvoq is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, while Enbrel is a biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) that works as a monoclonal antibody. Rinvoq is taken orally, either as an extended-release tablet or an oral solution, and is typically dosed once daily. In contrast, Enbrel is administered as a subcutaneous injection, usually once a week. Both are available only as brand name products. Common side effects of Rinvoq include a higher risk of infections, acne, and nausea, whereas Enbrel may cause injection site reactions and infections. Both medications can increase the risk of serious infections and certain cancers, but Enbrel also has potential nervous system effects and can worsen heart failure. Additionally, Rinvoq should not be taken with grapefruit, while Enbrel requires proper training for injection.

  • Rinvoq (upadacitinib)
    Enbrel (etanercept)
  • Rinvoq (upadacitinib)
    Enbrel (etanercept)

  • Summary of Rinvoq vs. Enbrel

    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 Biologic DMARD
    Prescription only

    Enbrel (etanercept) is a weekly injection used for many autoimmune conditions. Currently, it's only available as a brand-name product and can be expensive.

  • Indications of Rinvoq vs. Enbrel

    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
    •Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
    •Plaque psoriasis (PsO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA)
    •Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
    •Childhood arthritis (polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, JIA)

  • Pros and Cons of Rinvoq vs. Enbrel

    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 Biologic DMARD
    Pros
    •Available in a prefilled syringe or autoinjector for easy-at-home injections
    •Can be used in children age 2 and older for certain indications (JIA)
    •Can be kept at room temperature for up to 14 days
    •Manufacturer offers copay card for people with commercial insurance
    •Not many side effects other than infection and redness and irritation at the injection site
    Cons
    •Raises risk of serious infections
    •Can cause the hepatitis B virus to reappear if you have a history of infection
    •Lymphoma and other cancers have been reported in people taking Enbrel (etanercept)
    •Available only as a brand medication so it can be expensive and isn't always covered by insurance
    •Needs to be given every week, unlike Humira (adalimumab), which is given every other week

  • Common Side Effects of Rinvoq vs. Enbrel

    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
    •Infection (including common cold/flu) (50%)
    •Injection site reaction (37%)
    •Diarrhea (8%)

  • Warnings of Rinvoq vs. Enbrel

    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
    •Cancers
    •Nervous system effects
    •Heart failure
    •Bleeding and infections

  • Prices with our coupons for Rinvoq vs. Enbrel

    Learn more about Rinvoq
    Learn more about Enbrel

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