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Compare Rinvoq vs. Xeljanz

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

Key takeaways

Rinvoq (upadacitinib) and Xeljanz (tofacitinib) are both JAK inhibitors used to treat inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis. However, they have some differences. Rinvoq is available as an extended-release tablet and an oral solution, while Xeljanz comes in immediate-release and extended-release tablets, as well as a liquid form. Rinvoq is typically taken once daily, whereas Xeljanz can be taken once or twice daily, depending on the formulation. Both medications are approved to treat additional inflammatory conditions; Rinvoq is approved for eczema and Crohn's disease, but Xeljanz is not. Common side effects of Rinvoq include acne and upper respiratory infections, while Xeljanz may cause diarrhea and headaches. Both medications can increase the risk of serious infections and blood clots. Rinvoq and Xeljanz both interact with many medications, including grapefruit juice. Both medications require careful monitoring and should not be used with live vaccines.

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 an oral medication that can treat different inflammatory problems. It can help adults with psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and ulcerative colitis, among other conditions. It's also helpful for children with a certain kind of arthritis. Xeljanz (tofacitinib) is a JAK inhibitor that lowers inflammation in the body. It comes as a tablet or liquid that's taken twice a day. There's also a longer-lasting once-daily tablet for adults. Xeljanz (tofacitinib) is a good option for people who've tried other medications first. But it can have side effects like headache, diarrhea, and a higher risk of infection. This medication is brand name only; there isn't a generic yet.
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 course juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pcJIA) in children 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

•Liquid form available for the immediate-release version if you have trouble swallowing pills whole

•Extended-release, once-daily tablets available for adults

•Good option for people when other treatments haven't worked well

Cons

•Has potentially serious risks (e.g., serious infections, blood clots)

•Can raise cholesterol levels

•Not clear if it's safe to take during pregnancy

•Breastfeeding not recommended during treatment
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%)

•Lab results suggesting muscle damage (3-7%)

•Rash (3-6%)

•Diarrhea (2-5%)

•Stomach infection (3-4%)

•Anemia (2-4%)
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

•Risk of serious infections

•Possible higher risk of death for some older people with rheumatoid arthritis

•Possible risk of cancer

•Risk of blood clots, heart attack, or stroke

•Stomach problems

•Allergic reactions

•Low blood cell counts

•Liver damage
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Compare Rinvoq vs. Xeljanz

Key takeaways

Summary of Rinvoq vs. Xeljanz

Indications of Rinvoq vs. Xeljanz

Pros and Cons of Rinvoq vs. Xeljanz

Common Side Effects of Rinvoq vs. Xeljanz

Warnings of Rinvoq vs. Xeljanz

Prices with our coupons for Rinvoq vs. Xeljanz

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