Rinvoq contains Upadacitinib, an oral medication that belongs to the class of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. It is used to treat autoimmune and inflammatory diseases by reducing overactive immune system responses.

Mechanism of Action

• Upadacitinib selectively inhibits JAK1, an enzyme involved in transmitting signals from inflammatory cytokines (chemical messengers).

• By blocking JAK1, it prevents activation of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, which reduces the production of substances that cause inflammation and tissue damage.

  Uses

  Rinvoq 15 mg is approved for the treatment of several chronic inflammatory conditions, including:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) – in adults with moderate to severe RA not responding to methotrexate.

  • Psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

  • Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA).

  • Atopic dermatitis (eczema) – moderate to severe.

  • Ulcerative colitis (UC).

  • Crohn’s disease.

    Adverse Effects

    • Common: upper respiratory infections, fever, nausea, cough, acne, headache, high cholesterol levels.

    • Serious risks:

      • Increased risk of serious infections (TB, shingles, pneumonia).

      • Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism).

      • Heart problems (heart attack, stroke risk in some patients).

      • Cancer risk (lymphoma, skin cancers reported in some cases).

      • Liver enzyme elevation and changes in blood counts.