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Stelara vs. Rinvoq

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

Key takeaways

Stelara (ustekinumab) and Rinvoq (upadacitinib) are both medications used to treat autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, such as ulcerative colitis and psoriatic arthritis. However, they belong to different medication classes. Stelara is an interleukin antagonist that blocks proteins in your immune system to lower inflammation, while Rinvoq is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor that blocks the JAK enzyme to reduce inflammation. Stelara is given as an injection, either under the skin or through an intravenous (IV) infusion, and is typically administered every 8 to 12 weeks. Rinvoq, on the other hand, is taken orally once a day as a tablet or liquid. Stelara is available for both adults and children as young as 6 years old, while Rinvoq can be used in adults and children as young as 2 years old for certain conditions. Common side effects of Stelara include common cold symptoms and headaches, whereas Rinvoq may cause upper respiratory infections and acne. Both medications can increase your risk of infections. And both medications are available only as brand-name products.

Stelara

(ustekinumab)

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Rinvoq

(upadacitinib)

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Summary for Stelara

Prescription only

Stelara (ustekinumab) is an injectable medication used to treat autoimmune conditions like plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. As an interleukin antagonist, it works by blocking certain proteins that cause inflammation in your body, which helps reduce swelling and ease symptoms. You typically get it as an injection under your skin. Common side effects include common cold symptoms, headache, and feeling tired. This medication also has many biosimilars available.

Indications for Stelara

Pros and Cons for Stelara

Pros

  • After the first few doses, only need a shot every 8 to 12 weeks
  • Available as a prefilled syringe or vial
  • Syringes can be stored at room temperature for up to 30 days
  • Approved for children as young as 6 years old

Cons

  • Can weaken your immune system and raise your risk of infection
  • Potential to cause serious allergic reactions
  • For CD and UC, the first dose must be given as an IV infusion
  • Can't receive live vaccines while taking this medication

Common Side Effects for Stelara

Plaque psoriasis

  • Common cold symptoms (7-8%)
  • Upper respiratory tract infection (4-5%)
  • Headache (5%)

Psoriatic arthritis

  • Joint pain (3%)
  • Nausea (3%)

Crohn's disease

  • Common cold symptoms (11%)
  • Redness at the injection site (5%)
  • Yeast infection (5%)
  • Bronchitis (5%)

Ulcerative colitis:

  • Common cold symptoms (24%)
  • Headache (10%)
  • Stomach pain (7%)
  • Flu infection (6%)
  • Fever (5%)

Warnings for Stelara

  • Infections
  • Cancers
  • Severe allergic reaction
  • Brain condition
  • Vaccines
  • Lung problems

Summary for Rinvoq

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.

Indications for Rinvoq

Moderate-to-severe inflammatory conditions in which other treatments haven't worked:

Pros and Cons for Rinvoq

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

Common Side Effects for Rinvoq

Note: Side effects listed were reported by people who took Rinvoq for eczema.

Warnings for Rinvoq

  • 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

Prices with our coupons for Stelara vs. Rinvoq

Price Card Drug Icon
Ustekinumab1 syringe / 1ml of 90mg/ml
$7,005.48$11,560.57
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Rinvoq30 tablets / 15mg
$6,882.62$8,869.21
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