Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Rinvoq vs. Humira

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

Key takeaways

Rinvoq (upadacitinib) and Humira (adalimumab) are both medications used to treat inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Crohn's disease (CD). However, they belong to different medication classes. Rinvoq is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, while Humira is a biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) that blocks tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Rinvoq is taken orally, usually once a day, and is available as an extended-release tablet and an oral solution. In contrast, Humira is injected under the skin, typically every other week, and is available as a prefilled injection pen. Common side effects of Rinvoq include a higher risk of infections and acne, while Humira can cause injection-site reactions and upper respiratory infections. Both medications can increase the risk of serious infections, but they have different interactions and precautions, such as avoiding grapefruit with Rinvoq and caution with live vaccines with Humira.

  • Rinvoq (upadacitinib)
    Humira (adalimumab)
  • Rinvoq (upadacitinib)
    Humira (adalimumab)

  • Summary of Rinvoq vs. Humira

    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 TNF blocker
    Prescription only

    Humira (adalimumab) is an injection used to treat many different autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and plaque psoriasis. As a TNF blocker, the medication works by blocking a protein that causes inflammation in your body. It's given as a shot under the skin once every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on your condition. Humira (adalimumab) doesn't have a true generic, but there are several similar versions called biosimilars. Common side effects include infections, injection site reactions, and headache.

  • Indications of Rinvoq vs. Humira

    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) - adults only
    •Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) - people age 2 and older
    •Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) - adults only
    •Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) - adults only
    •Crohn's disease (CD) - people age 6 and older
    •Ulcerative colitis (UC) - people age 5 and older
    •Plaque psoriasis - adults only
    •Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) - people age 12 and older
    •Uveitis - people age 2 and older

  • Pros and Cons of Rinvoq vs. Humira

    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 TNF blocker
    Pros
    •Can be used for many autoimmune conditions
    •Available as a ready-to-use pen that makes it easier to self-inject at home
    •Can be used in young children (as young as 2 years old for some conditions)
    •Only needs to be injected a couple times a month
    •Can be left at room temperature for up to 14 days if needed
    Cons
    •Raises the risk of serious infections
    •Can take a few weeks or longer to work
    •Might be difficult to inject for some people
    •Can't receive any live vaccines while taking the medication
    •Might contain rubber or latex, which can cause a reaction for those with an allergy

  • Common Side Effects of Rinvoq vs. Humira

    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 (20%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (17%)
    •Headache (12%)
    •Rash (12%)
    •Sinus inflammation (11%)
    •Accidental injury (10%)
    •Nausea (9%)
    •Urinary tract infection (UTI) or bladder infection (8%)

    Note: The side effects listed above were reported by adults with rheumatoid arthritis and are similar to those seen in people using Humira (adalimumab) for other conditions.

  • Warnings of Rinvoq vs. Humira

    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
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Nervous system effects
    •Low blood cell counts
    •Heart failure
    •Lupus-like syndrome
    •Live vaccines

  • Prices with our coupons for Rinvoq vs. Humira

    Learn more about Rinvoq
    Learn more about Humira

Compare other Ulcerative Colitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis drugs

Entyvio vs RinvoqEticovo vs RinvoqOlumiant vs RinvoqOrencia vs RinvoqRemicade vs RinvoqRinvoq vs ActemraRinvoq vs CibinqoRinvoq vs CimziaRinvoq vs CosentyxRinvoq vs DupixentRinvoq vs EnbrelRinvoq vs HumiraRinvoq vs OtezlaRinvoq vs SimponiRinvoq vs SkyriziRinvoq vs XeljanzRinvoq vs ZeposiaStelara vs RinvoqCimzia vs HumiraCosentyx vs HumiraEnbrel vs HumiraEntyvio vs HumiraHumira vs DovonexHumira vs PrednisoneHumira vs SimponiHumira vs TaclonexHumira vs TazoracZeposia vs EntyvioZeposia vs OcrevusZeposia vs Rebif
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.