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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'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.

Indications for Rinvoq

Moderate-to-severe inflammatory conditions in which other treatments haven't worked:

Pros and Cons for Rinvoq

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

Common Side Effects for Rinvoq

Note: Side effects listed were reported by people who took Rinvoq for eczema.

Warnings for Rinvoq

  • 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

Summary for Enbrel

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 for Enbrel

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

Pros and Cons for Enbrel

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 for Enbrel

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

Warnings for Enbrel

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

Prices with our coupons for Rinvoq vs. Enbrel

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Rinvoq30 tablets / 15mg
$6,244.67$8,869.21
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Enbrel1 carton / 4 sureclicks of 50mg
$3,353.53$11,050.23
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