Rinvoq (upadacitinib)
Effectiveness:

(4.21)

Based on 62 studies

Side Effects:
High ⚠️Boxed Warning

Image for illustration purposes only. Actual medication may appear different.

Oral
Once daily
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Available by Prescription
As Low as $0
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Highlights

  • Fast-acting with improvements in first few weeks
  • 70-85% of adolescents see major improvement after 16 weeks
  • Works better and faster than dupilumab
  • Mild to moderate acne is most common
  • May cause elevated blood enzyme levels requiring monitoring
  • ⚠️ This medication carries a boxed warning. This is the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) most stringent warning for prescription drugs, indicating a serious or life-threatening risk associated with the medication.

What are others saying?

Rinvoq had me almost completely clear within a week, but I was getting some weird side effects (nausea, fatigue, and it messed with my period). I stopped taking it for a couple days and switched to taking it in the morning about two weeks ago, and it's been smooth sailing ever since.

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Results: 95% improvement to face, results appearing within the first 3 days, no itching, no pain. It's been so long since I've been confident enough in my skin to wear no makeup.

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Nothing was working for my severe eczema until I started Rinvoq. After about a week everything was clear.

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We collect reviews of treatments from various sources including social media and are not always able to verify whether these have been written by actual patients.


How well does Rinvoq work?
Rinvoq is above average for atopic dermatitis "JAK Inhibitors" treatments.
What is the evidence behind Rinvoq?
Upadacitinib is highly effective at reducing itch and improving skin symptoms in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, with benefits seen as early as 1-2 weeks of treatment and maintained through 52 weeks
What does the research say?
Study Summary

Upadacitinib (15mg or 30mg daily) showed rapid improvements in itch, pain, and other eczema symptoms within the first week of treatment. These improvements were maintained for 52 weeks, with patients also experiencing better sleep, quality of life, and mental health.

Early and Sustained Improvements in Symptoms and Quality of Life with Upadacitinib in Adults and Adolescents with Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis: 52-Week Results from Two Phase III Randomized Clinical Trials (Measure Up 1 and Measure Up 2)
Study Type
Clinical Trial
Studied Population
Total Patients: 1,609
Severity: moderate to severe
Age: 12+
Results
Upadacitinib showed better results than placebo across all measured outcomes

Study Summary

Upadacitinib, taken as a daily pill, significantly improved eczema symptoms compared to placebo. After 16 weeks, 60-70% of patients taking upadacitinib 15mg and 73-80% of patients taking 30mg had their eczema improve by at least 75%, compared to only 13-16% of patients taking placebo.

Once-daily upadacitinib versus placebo in adolescents and adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (Measure Up 1 and Measure Up 2): results from two replicate double-blind, randomised controlled phase 3 trials
Study Type
Clinical Trial
Studied Population
Total Patients: 1,683
Results

What are other patients saying?
  • Rinvoq saved me
    Dec. 16, 2024
    Nothing was working for my severe eczema until I started Rinvoq. After about a week everything was clear. I could cry at how happy I am. I’m finally able to live my life. I had to drop out of school for years because of my eczema and now I’m able to go back and finish my degree. I’m able to socialize. I’m able to be happy now. I’m even able to pet dogs now without getting a flare. If you are considering trying Rinvoq please go for it!!!
  • Started Rinvoq!!! Been 2 days and already seeing insane improvements
    Jan. 9, 2025
    I started 15mg rinvoq for my moderate to severe eczema. I’ve tried steroid creams for 5 years and stopped cuz they were making my skin worse. After 2 years off steroids, I finally decided to try rinvoq. In ONLY 2 DAYS my itch went from a 9/10 to a 2/10. My skin already feels softer. I’m sleeping through the night. I can shower painlessly and without being severely itchy during and afterwards. It’s significantly less red and inflamed. By body is clearing up really fast but my face isn’t yet. My face and neck were my worst areas so that makes sense. I’m so greatful that it’s working and I haven’t experienced any nausea or headaches thankfully☺️🙏
  • Rinvoq changed my life
    Oct. 12, 2024
    Hi, I’m a 25 F who’s suffered with severe eczema my entire life. When I say severe, I mean unable to move certain days, terrified to shower, bloody sheets, etc. type of severe. I’ve tried probably every steroid cream and lotion under the sun. I’ve tried prednisone, some steroid shots, and was on dupixent for awhile. Prednisone and steroid shots helped calm my skin down from flare ups, but it didn’t fix the itchiness or anything like that. Dupixent was the worse for me it helped in someways, but also made the skin on my face 1000x worse. This was a few years ago and since then I’ve just suffered with my eczema because I wasn’t in a good mental place to try new medications, that I figured would also fail. Now onto the happy stuff! I went to my dermatologist about a month ago, after tested, and coming out negative, for lupus. She prescribed me Rinvoq and was kind enough to give me free samples. This appointment happened early morning and I took the pill when I got home. I know this sounds crazy, but that night when going to sleep I swear I was NOT itchy. I’m always itchy, so i definitely noticed that I didn’t feel the urge to scratch. Guess what? Since that first day I haven’t needed to scratch at all. My skin is HEALED and CLEARED for the first time in basically my entire life. If you’re like me and have suffered a lifetime of bloody sheets, scars, being insecure about scabs.. and you’ve tried all the other steps below maybe give Rinvoq a try. It’s completely changed my skin.
Upadacitinib shows superior efficacy compared to dupilumab (another common treatment) in improving skin clearance and reducing itch, with faster onset of action
What does the research say?
Study Summary

This study compared two medications for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: oral upadacitinib and injectable dupilumab. Upadacitinib worked better and faster than dupilumab, with 72.4% of patients seeing major skin improvement after 16 weeks compared to 62.6% with dupilumab. However, upadacitinib had more side effects including acne and infections.

Efficacy and Safety of Upadacitinib vs Dupilumab in Adults With Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis
Study Type
Clinical Trial
Studied Population
Total Patients: 673
Results

Study Summary

Upadacitinib was effective in treating moderate-to-severe eczema in adults, including patients who didn't respond well to other treatments like dupilumab or baricitinib. About 73% of patients achieved significant improvement in their eczema, and 69% experienced reduced itching after 16 weeks of treatment.

Effectiveness of Upadacitinib in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis including those with Inadequate Response to Dupilumab and/or Baricitinib: Results from the BioDay Registry
Study Type
Multicenter Study
Studied Population
Total Patients: 47
Severity: moderate to severe
Age: 18+
Results

What are other patients saying?
  • Rinvoq has completely healed my eczema in just a month. AMA
    Aug. 6, 2024
    I've suffered from eczema for over 25 years. I tried everything. 2 months ago I had the second worst flare of my life (the worst being TSW during the pandemic) and decided to try Rinvoq. My skin is now completely clear. I feel like I have my life back. If you're thinking of taking Rinvoq but have some doubts, ask me anything!
  • Anyone on or taken Rinvoq?
    Jan. 17, 2025
    Hello! I’ve been dealing with flare-up issues all over my body for about more than 6 years. 30 years old. I just saw a new doctor and after so many ointments I finally decided to go with taking RINVOQ pills. I smoke weed daily. I know I know.. but I’m so nervous to be on it. Please anyone who has taken this drug please share your experience and recommendations! Thank you!
  • Rinvoq or methotrexate
    Jan. 21, 2025
    after 2 years of cyclosporine and 6 months of Dupixent they are allowing me to choose between the 2. I had a lot of success with cyclo but Dupixent flared me, which will be best to take? not looking for medical advice jsut opinions (19F) UK
The most common side effect is acne (occurring in 10-16% of patients), which is usually mild/moderate and manageable. Other potential side effects include increased risk of infections and elevated liver enzymes
What does the research say?
Study Summary

This study looked at the safety of upadacitinib across multiple conditions including atopic dermatitis by analyzing data from clinical trials. For atopic dermatitis patients, upadacitinib was generally well-tolerated, with acne being a notable side effect specific to AD patients.

Safety profile of upadacitinib over 15 000 patient-years across rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and atopic dermatitis
Study Type
Clinical Trial
Studied Population
Total Patients: 2,693
Severity: not available
Age: not available
Results

What are other patients saying?
  • Treating my eczema completely changed my outlook on life
    June 9, 2024
    A couple years ago, I was prescribed Rinvoq after decades of severe eczema. It only took 10 days for me to have "normal" skin, which was something I never realized I hadn't experienced before. 7 months later I was saddened when it stopped working, so I had to switch to Dupixent. While the peak results on Dupixent are not as good as when I was on Rinvoq, I'm still for the most part living a "normal" life now. Looking back now, I can't believe how handicapped I was in so many things. I use to always blame myself for always wanting to stay at home and not socialize with anyone. Or for not being nearly as good at basketball as I wanted to be. Or always looking gross because I hated taking showers (they were always painful). I never wanted to wear anything but sweatpants and oversized shirts because tight clothing was uncomfortable for me, which was awkward when I went to events were everyone else was dressed up. I had seen dermatologists in the past. Did all the treatments (dieting, bleach baths, wet dressings, immunosuppressants) and none of it really worked. I used to think that was all apart of life and I just sucked at it. I blamed myself for not achieving what I saw my peers around me were doing. I blamed myself for not being able to stick to my treatment plans (it's a lot of effort to prepare bleach baths/wet dressings when you can't even move your body lol). I blamed myself for having eczema because I figured there must be something that I did to make it that bad. Once I got properly treated, there was this overwhelming feeling of "forgiveness" for myself that I didn't expect to feel. It's sounds cliche, but I have a totally different view of my entire life up to this point. Like yeah, no shit you didn't want to see friends. Or no shit you sucked at sports. You couldn't move your limbs. No shit you only wore loose clothes. It was never a skill issue, you were literally handicapped the whole time, you just didn't know what it felt like to be normal. I still feel like I'm further behind in life than I should, but that's not all my fault (some of it is lol). Oh yeah and I have eyebrows now.
  • MY ECZEMA IS GETTING BETTER!
    March 19, 2024
    I started Rinvoq like less than a week ago and noticed changes. My skin is looking WAYYYYY better! I have been feeling more confident, except for the fact my eyebrows are still gone, im working on that though im using hair grow serum to grow them back. I quit dupixent to start Rinvoq and dont regret it, with rinvoq if you stop it you can go back on it whenever and it will put you back to how u were before u quit it. i recommend %100!!!
  • Rinvoq and Acne?
    July 26, 2022
    Anyone who took rinvoq for eczema ever experienced acne as a side effect? And if so, how are you managing this side effect? Or am I stuck with this until I stop the meds? :/
Upadacitinib significantly improves quality of life measures including sleep, daily activities, and emotional wellbeing in patients with atopic dermatitis
What does the research say?
Study Summary

Upadacitinib (15mg or 30mg daily) showed rapid improvements in itch, pain, and other eczema symptoms within the first week of treatment. These improvements were maintained for 52 weeks, with patients also experiencing better sleep, quality of life, and mental health.

Early and Sustained Improvements in Symptoms and Quality of Life with Upadacitinib in Adults and Adolescents with Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis: 52-Week Results from Two Phase III Randomized Clinical Trials (Measure Up 1 and Measure Up 2)
Study Type
Clinical Trial
Studied Population
Total Patients: 1,609
Severity: moderate to severe
Age: 12+
Results
Upadacitinib showed better results than placebo across all measured outcomes

Study Summary

Upadacitinib combined with topical steroids significantly improved itch, skin pain, sleep, and quality of life in patients with atopic dermatitis. The improvements were seen within 1-2 weeks and lasted for up to 52 weeks, with 62-84% of patients experiencing meaningful improvements depending on the dose.

Rapid and sustained improvements in itch and quality of life with upadacitinib plus topical corticosteroids in adults and adolescents with atopic dermatitis: 52-week outcomes from the phase 3 AD Up study.
Study Type
Clinical Trial
Studied Population
Total Patients: 901
Severity: moderate to severe
Age: adolescents and adults
Results
Both doses showed sustained improvements across all patient-reported outcomes, with higher dose showing better results

What are other patients saying?
  • Anyone have experience with RINVOQ?
    Jan. 6, 2022
    Just saw the dermatologist for my eczema thats just everywhere on my body and we tried everything like creams, uv therapy and he said i qualify for RINVOQ now which is a oral treatment thats supposedly better than dupixent and has almost no side effects. Just wanted to hear it from people who may have already taken it.
  • Alcohol while using rinvoq (jak inhibitor)
    Feb. 17, 2022
    Hey guys, I am currently 6 weeks into rinvoq for my eczema and it has been working really well. Body is pretty much fully cleared except a few spots on my face. I was wondering is it fine to drink alcohol and get drunk while using rinvoq? Like once a week a few vodka glasses?
  • Switching from dupixent to Rinvoq (Upadacitinib) any experiences?
    Jan. 1, 2022
    I've been on dupxent for 15 weeks but it didnt help me. My facial flares and eyes got worse doctor told me to stop and start using rinvoq next week. What are your experiences with it? Was worrying about it having too many side effects

Is Rinvoq Right For Me?

Upadacitinib (RINVOQ) is a type of medicine called a JAK inhibitor. It works by blocking certain proteins in your body that contribute to inflammation.
Rinvoq might be right for you if:
  • You are 12 years of age or older

  • You have moderate to severe atopic dermatitis

  • Other systemic treatments, including biologics, haven't worked well enough for you

  • Other systemic treatments are not recommended for you

It works by blocking specific proteins called Janus kinases (JAKs) that are involved in inflammation. By blocking these proteins, upadacitinib helps reduce inflammation in your body that causes symptoms of atopic dermatitis.
The medicine is safe and effective for children 12 years and older who weigh at least 40 kg (88 pounds). It has not been studied in children younger than 12 years old.
The medicine can be used in elderly patients. However, patients 65 years and older may have a higher risk of side effects, particularly serious infections and malignancies, especially with the 30 mg dose.
Based on animal studies, upadacitinib may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, contact your healthcare provider right away. Women who can become pregnant should use effective birth control while taking upadacitinib and for 4 weeks after stopping treatment.
Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with upadacitinib and for 6 days after the last dose.

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