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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)

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Enbrel

(etanercept)

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Summary for Rinvoq

Prescription only

Rinvoq (upadacitinib) is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor. It treats many inflammatory conditions. This includes rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn's disease (CD), and eczema (atopic dermatitis). It's often used when other treatments haven't worked well. Rinvoq (upadacitinib) is taken by mouth, usually once a day. It comes as an extended-release pill (Rinvoq) and an oral solution (Rinvoq LQ). These formulations aren't the same and can't be swapped easily. Side effects include nausea and a higher risk of infection.

Indications for Rinvoq

Pros and Cons for Rinvoq

Pros

  • Can treat many different inflammatory conditions
  • Available as a tablet and a liquid
  • Tablets are taken once a day

Cons

  • Can raise your risk of infections
  • Can interact with grapefruit
  • Not the best option for people with severe liver or kidney problems

Common Side Effects for Rinvoq

Warnings for Rinvoq

  • Serious infections
  • Possible higher risk of heart attack, stroke, or heart-related death in certain older adults with RA
  • Risk of cancer
  • Risk of blood clots
  • Allergic reactions
  • Stomach damage
  • Abnormal lab results (e.g., blood counts, cholesterol)
  • Harm to an unborn baby
  • Medication in stool

Summary for Enbrel

Prescription only

Enbrel (etanercept) is used for certain autoimmune conditions in adults and children. This includes rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and plaque psoriasis. It works as a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker to reduce inflammation in the body. Enbrel (etanercept) is given as an injection under the skin, typically once a week. It comes as vials and prefilled syringes. There are also Enbrel SureClick autoinjectors, as well as Enbrel Mini prefilled cartridges for AutoTouch autoinjectors. Side effects include infections and injection site reactions.

Indications for Enbrel

Pros and Cons for Enbrel

Pros

  • Available in many options for at-home injections (e.g., prefilled syringes, autoinjectors)
  • Can be used for children age 2 and older with certain kinds of juvenile arthritis
  • Can be used for both adults and children 4 years and up for plaque psoriasis

Cons

  • Must be given as an injection under the skin
  • Must give injection every week
  • Raises the risk of serious infections

Common Side Effects for Enbrel

  • Infection (27%)
  • Injection site reaction (15%)

Warnings for Enbrel

  • Risk of serious infections
  • Risk of cancers
  • Problems with the nervous system
  • Heart failure
  • Low blood cell counts
  • Serious allergic reaction
  • Not recommended for certain people with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA)
  • Not recommended with Kineret (anakinra) or Orencia (abatacept)
  • Caution use in people with moderate or severe liver damage from alcohol use

Prices with our coupons for Rinvoq vs. Enbrel

Price Card Drug Icon
Rinvoq30 tablets / 15mg
$6,244.67$8,828.35
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Enbrel1 carton / 4 sureclicks of 50mg
$3,353.53$10,463.30
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