Rinvoq (upadacitinib) is a brand-name drug prescribed for certain autoimmune conditions in adults and some children. Rinvoq comes as an extended-release oral tablet that you take once per day.
Rinvoq belongs to a drug class called Janus kinase inhibitors. Rinvoq isn’t available in a generic version.
Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Rinvoq, including its strengths and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Rinvoq, including details about its uses, safety, and limitations of use, see this article.
Note: This article describes typical dosages for Rinvoq provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Rinvoq, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
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The information below describes Rinvoq’s recommended dosages for the conditions it treats.
Rinvoq form
Rinvoq comes as an extended-release oral tablet. With extended-release medications, the drug releases slowly into your body over time.
Rinvoq strengths
Rinvoq comes in three strengths:
- 15 milligrams (mg)
- 30 mg
- 45 mg
Typical dosages
Recommended dosages for Rinvoq depend on the condition the drug is treating.
For some conditions, your doctor may prescribe a low or high dosage to start. They may call this your “starting dosage.” Then your doctor will adjust your dosage over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. They may refer to this as your “maintenance dosage.” They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The following information describes Rinvoq dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended for adults. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Note: Rinvoq has certain limitations to its use in treating the following conditions. To learn more, see this article.
Dosage for rheumatoid arthritis
Rinvoq’s recommended dosage for rheumatoid arthritis is 15 mg once per day.
Dosage for psoriatic arthritis
Rinvoq’s recommended dosage for psoriatic arthritis is 15 mg once per day.
Dosage for atopic dermatitis
Rinvoq’s recommended dosage for atopic dermatitis (a type of eczema) depends on your age.
If you’re age 65 years or older, the typical dosage is 15 mg once per day.
If you’re under 65 years old, the typical starting dosage is 15 mg once per day. If needed, your doctor may increase your dosage to 30 mg once per day.
Dosage for ulcerative colitis
Rinvoq’s recommended starting dosage for ulcerative colitis is 45 mg once per day for 8 weeks. Then your doctor will lower your dosage. The typical maintenance dosage is 15 mg once per day. If needed, your doctor may increase it to 30 mg once per day.
Dosage for Crohn’s disease
Rinvoq’s recommended starting dosage for Crohn’s disease is 45 mg once per day for 12 weeks. Then your doctor will lower your dosage. The typical maintenance dosage is 15 mg once per day. If needed, your doctor may increase it to 30 mg once per day.
Dosage for ankylosing spondylitis
Rinvoq’s typical dosage for ankylosing spondylitis (a type of large joint and spine arthritis) is 15 mg once per day.
Dosage for non-radiographic axial spondylitis
Rinvoq’s dosage for non-radiographic axial spondylitis (a type of spine arthritis) is 15 mg once per day.
Children’s dosage
Rinvoq is approved to treat atopic dermatitis in children ages 12 years and older. The recommended starting dosage is 15 mg once per day. If needed, your child’s doctor may increase their dosage to 30 mg once per day.
Note: These recommended dosages are for children ages 12 years and older who weigh at least 40 kilograms (kg). For reference, 1 kg is about 2.2 pounds (lb), so 40 kg is about 88 lb.
Long-term treatment
Rinvoq is meant to be taken as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Rinvoq is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
If you have questions about your dosage or treatment plan, talk with your doctor.
The Rinvoq dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:
- the type and severity of the condition you’re taking Rinvoq to treat
- how well your kidneys or liver work
- your age
- other medications you may take
Other medical conditions you have can also affect your Rinvoq dosage.
Dosage adjustments
For certain conditions, your doctor may lower your Rinvoq dosage if you have problems with your kidneys or liver. They may also lower your dosage if you take drugs known as CYP3A4 inhibitors during Rinvoq treatment. To learn about CYP3A4 inhibitors and other medications that may interact with Rinvoq, see this article.
Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medications you take and any health conditions you may have. Your doctor will determine whether to adjust your Rinvoq dosage.
Rinvoq comes as an extended-release oral tablet that you swallow whole with or without food. (With extended-release medications, the drug releases slowly into your body over time.) Do not crush, cut, or chew the tablet. Always follow your doctor’s instructions for taking Rinvoq.
If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERSSome pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.
If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Rinvoq in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.
If you miss a dose of Rinvoq, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip this missed dose. Then take your next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses at once to make up for the missed one.
To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.
It’s important that you do not take more Rinvoq than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose. To learn about Rinvoq’s side effects, see this article.
If you take more than the recommended amount of Rinvoq
Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Rinvoq. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Rinvoq for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.
As with any drug, never change your dosage of Rinvoq without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Rinvoq that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.
Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Rinvoq. These additional articles might be helpful:
- More about Rinvoq. For information about other aspects of Rinvoq, refer to this article.
- Side effects. To learn about side effects of Rinvoq, see this article. You can also look at the Rinvoq prescribing information.
- Drug comparison. To find out how Rinvoq compares with Dupixent, read this article.
- Details about your condition. For more information about your condition, see our:
- arthritis hub and these lists of psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis articles
- eczema hub and this list of atopic dermatitis articles
- inflammatory bowel disease hub and these lists of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease articles
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
