Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Rinvoq vs. Xeljanz

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

  • Rinvoq (upadacitinib)
    Xeljanz (tofacitinib)
  • Rinvoq (upadacitinib)
    Xeljanz (tofacitinib)

  • Summary of Rinvoq vs. Xeljanz

    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 JAK inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Xeljanz (tofacitinib) is a JAK inhibitor that treats different types of inflammatory problems (like psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis) in adults. It's also used for certain kinds of arthritis in children ages 2 years and older. Xeljanz (tofacitinib) is taken by mouth once or twice per day. It's a good option for people who've tried other medications already, but the medication has side effects like a higher risk of infections, headache, and diarrhea. It also has serious risks, including heart problems and blood clots.

  • Indications of Rinvoq vs. Xeljanz

    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 adults
    •Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in adults
    •Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in adults
    •Moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC) in adults
    •Moderate-to-severe polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA) in children ages 2 years and older - immediate-release tablets and liquid only

  • Pros and Cons of Rinvoq vs. Xeljanz

    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 JAK inhibitor
    Pros
    •Works well to treat many types of inflammatory problems
    •Good option for people who haven't responded well to other treatments
    •Available as immediate-release and extended-release tablets
    •Liquid form available if you have trouble swallowing
    Cons
    •Potential to cause many serious side effects (e.g., certain cancers, serious infections, blood clots, stomach problems)
    •Can raise cholesterol levels
    •Not recommended to breastfeed while taking the medication
    •Not completely clear whether it's safe to take during pregnancy

  • Common Side Effects of Rinvoq vs. Xeljanz

    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

    Arthritis:

    •Upper respiratory tract infection (4%)
    •Nose and throat infection (3-4%)
    •Diarrhea (3-4%)
    •Headache (3-4%)

    Ulcerative colitis:

    •Nose and throat infection (10-14%)
    •High cholesterol (5-9%)
    •Headache (3-9%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (6-7%)
    •Muscle damage (3-7%)
    •Rash (3-6%)
    •Diarrhea (2-5%)
    •Stomach infection (3-4%)
    •Anemia (2-4%)

    Note: The side effects you have might differ based on your dose and the reason why you're taking Xeljanz (tofacitinib).

  • Warnings of Rinvoq vs. Xeljanz

    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
    •Possible higher risk of death for people with rheumatoid arthritis
    •Possible risk of cancer
    •Risk of heart attack, stroke, and blood clots
    •Stomach problems
    •Allergic reactions
    •Low blood cell counts
    •Liver damage

  • Prices with our coupons for Rinvoq vs. Xeljanz

    Learn more about Rinvoq
    Learn more about Xeljanz

Compare other 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 RinvoqDuobrii vs SkyriziEnbrel vs CosentyxEnbrel vs HumiraEnbrel vs SimponiEnbrel vs TrexallEnbrel vs XeljanzEntyvio vs SkyriziOmvoh vs SkyriziOrencia vs EnbrelOtezla vs EnbrelPrednisone vs EnbrelSkyrizi vs Enbrel
View More

Browse medications

View All

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