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Compare Rinvoq vs. Simponi

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

Key takeaways

Rinvoq (upadacitinib) and Simponi (golimumab) are both used to treat inflammatory conditions, but they have some key differences. Rinvoq is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor taken as a daily oral tablet, while Simponi is a monoclonal antibody given as a monthly injection. Rinvoq is used for a wider range of conditions, including various types of arthritis, eczema, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease, whereas Simponi is used for different types of arthritis and ulcerative colitis. Both Rinvoq and Simponi are only available as a brand medication. Rinvoq comes as an oral tablet while Simponi comes in a prefilled syringe or autoinjector for easier use. Both medications can raise the risk of serious infections, but Rinvoq also has a risk of blood clots. Simponi, on the other hand, can cause heart failure and nervous system problems. Additionally, Rinvoq is not recommended during pregnancy, while the safety of Simponi during pregnancy is not well-studied.

Rinvoq (upadacitinib)
Simponi (golimumab)
Rinvoq (upadacitinib)
Simponi (golimumab)
Summary of Rinvoq vs. Simponi
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
Simponi (golimumab) is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker (or inhibitor). It's used to treat many types of inflammatory conditions in adults, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and ulcerative colitis (UC). Simponi (golimumab) is given as an injection under the skin, typically once per month. Side effects of this medication include upper respiratory tract infections, injection-site reactions, and high blood pressure.
Indications of Rinvoq vs. Simponi
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

•Moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (in combination with methotrexate (Trexall))

•Moderate-to-severe psoriatic arthritis (PsA) (alone or in combination with methotrexate (Trexall))

•Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)

•Moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC) when other treatment options haven't worked well
Pros and Cons of Rinvoq vs. Simponi
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 injected at home (after training from the prescriber)

•Available in a prefilled syringe or autoinjector

•Can be stored at room temperature for up to 30 days

•Injected monthly for most conditions

Cons

•Only approved for adults

•Not available as a generic

•Raises the risk of serious infections

•Given as an injection
Common Side Effects of Rinvoq vs. Simponi
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

•Upper respiratory tract infection (16%)

•Injection site reactions, including pain and bruising (6%)

•Viral infections (5%)

•Higher liver enzymes (up to 4%)

•High blood pressure (3%)

Note: Side effects were reported by people who also took other medications (including methotrexate or corticosteroids) at the same time.
Warnings of Rinvoq vs. Simponi
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

•Risk of cancer

•Heart failure

•Nervous system problems

•Lupus-like syndrome

•Lower blood cell counts

•Serious medication interactions

•Allergic reactions
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Key takeaways

Summary of Rinvoq vs. Simponi

Indications of Rinvoq vs. Simponi

Pros and Cons of Rinvoq vs. Simponi

Common Side Effects of Rinvoq vs. Simponi

Warnings of Rinvoq vs. Simponi

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