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Compare Rinvoq vs. Otezla

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

Key takeaways

Rinvoq (upadacitinib) and Otezla (apremilast) are both medications used to treat inflammatory conditions, but they work differently and treat different conditions. Rinvoq is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor that helps with various types of arthritis, eczema, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease. It's taken once a day and is currently only available as a brand-name medication. On the other hand, Otezla is a phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitor used for psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and mouth sores from Behçet’s disease. It has a more complex dosing schedule that starts low and gradually increases to reduce side effects like nausea and diarrhea. Unlike Rinvoq, Otezla has a generic version approved but not yet available until at least 2028. Rinvoq can raise the risk of serious infections and blood clots, while Otezla may cause weight loss and has a risk of depression. Both medications require careful monitoring and have specific guidelines for use with other medications and during pregnancy.

  • Rinvoq (upadacitinib)
    Otezla (apremilast)
  • Rinvoq (upadacitinib)
    Otezla (apremilast)

  • Summary of Rinvoq vs. Otezla

    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 PDE-4 inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Otezla (apremilast) is a tablet that's taken by mouth. It's used to treat plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and mouth sores from Behçet’s disease. This medication belongs to the drug class called phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitors. You usually start Otezla (apremilast) at a low dose. Then, the dose is slowly raised over 5 days to lower the risk of side effects like nausea and diarrhea. This medication is available as a brand-name medication. Generic versions of apremilast likely won't be available until at least 2028.

  • Indications of Rinvoq vs. Otezla

    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
    •Active psoriatic arthritis in adults
    •Moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in people age 6 years and older weighing at least 44 lbs
    •Mouth sores from Behçet’s disease in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Rinvoq vs. Otezla

    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 PDE-4 inhibitor
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Can take with or without food
    •Dose adjustment available for people with severe kidney problems
    Cons
    •Dosing schedule can be confusing in the beginning
    •Common to have nausea or diarrhea in the beginning
    •Might not be a good option for people who've had depression or suicidal behavior

  • Common Side Effects of Rinvoq vs. Otezla

    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
    •Diarrhea (17%)
    •Nausea (17%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (e.g., common cold; 9%)
    •Headache (6%)

  • Warnings of Rinvoq vs. Otezla

    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 reaction
    •Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
    •Depression
    •Possible weight loss
    •Drug interactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Rinvoq vs. Otezla

    Learn more about Rinvoq
    Learn more about Otezla

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