RINVOQ 15MG/ 30MG/ 45MG TAB (UPADACITINIB)

🧬 Introduction

         Upadacitinib (brand name RINVOQ) is an oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor developed by AbbVie. It’s approved for treating several autoimmune and inflammatory conditions in          adults where other therapies (e.g., biologics or TNF inhibitors) have been ineffective or intolerable. Conditions include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

• Psoriatic arthritis (PsA)

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

• Giant cell arteritis (GCA)

• Moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (in adults & children ≥12)

• Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), especially after inadequate response to TNF blockers

🧪 Salt / Composition

• Generic: Upadacitinib

• Brand: RINVOQ, and RINVOQ LQ oral solution

• Strengths:

  • Tablets: 15 mg, 30 mg, 45 mg

  • Oral solution LQ: 1 mg/mL

💊 Recommended Dose

     Adults

• 15 mg once daily (extended-release tablet)

     UC and Crohn’s Disease

• Induction: 45 mg once daily for 8–12 weeks

• Maintenance: 15 mg once daily

• In refractory cases, up to 30 mg once daily, but discontinue if inadequate response

     Pediatric 

• RINVOQ LQ oral solution:

  • 4–7 kg: 3 mg twice daily

  • 7–13 kg: 4 mg twice daily

  • ≥13 kg: 6 mg twice daily

⚠️ Side Effects

     Serious 

• Serious infections

• Malignancy (lymphoma, skin cancer)

• Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE)

• Thromboembolism (DVT/PE)

     Common

• Upper respiratory & urinary infections

• Nausea, headache

• Elevated liver enzymes

• Injection-site pain (versus biologics)

• Lipid increases and lab abnormalities

⚠️ Precautions & Monitoring

1. Infection risk: Screen for latent TB before treatment; avoid concomitant potent immunosuppressants

2. Cardiovascular: DVT/PE and MACE risk—assess baseline CV risk

3. Malignancy: Monitor for new skin or lymphoid cancers

4. Lab monitoring: CBC, liver enzymes, lipids regularly

5. Drug Interactions:

   • RINVOQ tablets: no dose change with CYP3A4 inhibitors

   • In UC/Crohn’s with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors: induction/maintenance adjustments recommended

6. Renal/Hepatic impairment:

   • No adjustment needed for mild–moderate renal impairment; not recommended in ESRD

   • Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C): not recommended

✅ Conclusion

RINVOQ (upadacitinib) offers a powerful once-daily oral treatment for various inflammatory diseases, particularly after conventional therapies have failed. Though highly effective, its use requires careful patient selection and ongoing monitoring for infections, cardiovascular risks, lab changes, and malignancy. Discuss with your healthcare provider to determine if it suits your treatment goals and risk profile.