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Rinvoq vs. Xeljanz

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.

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

• 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.

• 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

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.

• 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

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%)

• 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