Rinvoq (upadacitinib) is a brand-name drug prescribed for certain autoimmune conditions in adults and some children. Rinvoq comes in two forms: an extended-release oral tablet and an oral solution. How often you take it depends on the form your doctor prescribes.

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.

The information below describes Rinvoq’s recommended dosages for the conditions it treats.

Rinvoq forms

Rinvoq comes as an extended-release oral tablet. With extended-release medications, the drug releases slowly into your body over time.

The drug is also available as an oral solution called Rinvoq LQ.

Note that you cannot use Rinvoq and Rinvoq LQ interchangeably. Also, the FDA has approved Rinvoq LQ to treat only some of the same conditions Rinvoq is approved to treat. Doctors usually prescribe the oral solution to certain children. For more information, see the “Children’s dosage” section below or talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Rinvoq strengths

Rinvoq comes in three strengths:

  • 15 milligrams (mg)
  • 30 mg
  • 45 mg

Rinvoq LQ is available in one strength: 1 milligram per milliliter (mg/mL).

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. (For dosage recommendations for children, see the “Children’s dosage” section below.)

Note: Rinvoq should not be used in certain situations to treat the conditions discussed below. To learn more, see the Rinvoq uses section in 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. However, if your symptoms don’t lessen with this dosage, your doctor may recommend switching to a different treatment.

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 (ongoing) dosage is 15 mg once per day. If needed, your doctor may increase your dosage 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

Below are the dosage recommendations for the conditions Rinvoq is approved to treat in children. Depending on a child’s weight, doctors may prescribe Rinvoq LQ oral solution instead of Rinvoq extended-release oral tablet. Note that you cannot use Rinvoq LQ and Rinvoq interchangeably. For more information, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Dosage for atopic dermatitis in children

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.

Dosage for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in children

Rinvoq is approved to treat PsA in children ages 2 years and older. For this use, doctors based Rinvoq’s dosage on body weight.

Children who weigh under 30 kg (about 66 lb) will take Rinvoq LQ for PsA. The recommended dosage depends on how much a child weighs. (Note that 10 kg and 20 kg are about 22 lb and 44 lb, respectively.)

  • between 10 kg to less than 20 kg: 3 mg (3 mL of the solution) twice per day
  • between 20 kg to less than 30 kg: 4 mg (4 mL of the solution) twice per day

Children who weigh 30 kg or more may take either Rinvoq or Rinvoq LQ. Their recommended dosages are as follows:

  • Rinvoq: 15 mg once per day
  • Rinvoq LQ: 6 mg (6 mL of the solution) twice per day

Dosage for polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children

Rinvoq is approved to treat polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children ages 2 years and older. (Polyarticular means the arthritis affects five or more joints. Idiopathic means the cause of the arthritis is unknown.) For this use, doctors base Rinvoq’s dosage on body weight.

Children who weigh under 30 kg will take Rinvoq LQ for their arthritis. The recommended dosage depends on how much a child weighs:

  • between 10 kg to less than 20 kg: 3 mg (3 mL of the solution) twice per day
  • between 20 kg to less than 30 kg: 4 mg (4 mL of the solution) twice per day

Children who weigh 30 kg or more may take either Rinvoq or Rinvoq LQ. Their recommended dosages are as follows:

  • Rinvoq: 15 mg once per day
  • Rinvoq LQ: 6 mg (6 mL of the solution) twice per day

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

Your doctor may lower your Rinvoq dosage if you have kidney or liver problems, depending on the condition you’re using Rinvoq to treat. They may also lower your dosage if you take drugs known as CYP3A4 inhibitors during Rinvoq treatment. This also depends on the condition you’re using the drug to treat. 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.

How you’ll take Rinvoq depends on the form your doctor prescribes. Regardless of the form, always follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the drug.

How to take Rinvoq extended-release oral tablets

You’ll swallow Rinvoq extended-release oral tablets 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.

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.

How to take Rinvoq LQ oral solution

Doctors typically prescribe Rinvoq LQ to certain children.

Rinvoq LQ comes with an oral dosing syringe for administering doses and a bottle adapter for drawing the solution into the syringe. Rinvoq LQ may be taken with or without food. For more information on how to take Rinvoq LQ, see the instructions for use in the drug’s prescribing information.

ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERS

Some 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 may also 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. If your child misses a dose of Rinvoq or Rinvoq LQ, the same guidance applies.

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 (or administer more Rinvoq LQ to a child than their 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:

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.