All medications
Targeted oral therapies
Upadacitinib
Brand names: Rinvoq
A selective JAK inhibitor used across many inflammatory conditions.
Video lesson
Animated explainer
What it’s used for
Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, giant cell arteritis, atopic dermatitis and inflammatory bowel disease.
How it works
It mainly blocks JAK1, a key relay for inflammatory signals inside immune cells.
How it’s taken
A tablet once a day.
Side effects
Infections, shingles, acne, raised cholesterol and liver enzymes, and blood count changes. Boxed warnings for clots, heart events and cancer apply.
Monitoring
Blood counts, liver tests and cholesterol.
Good to know
Not for use in pregnancy. Shingrix vaccination is recommended.
At a glance
Class
Targeted oral therapies
Brand names
Rinvoq
Reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD, FACR
Questions about your own care?
Book an in-person or telehealth consultation with Dr. Tahir.
For education only. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without talking to your care team.