Rinvoq (upadacitinib) is a prescription drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and certain other immune-related conditions. The drug comes as an extended-release oral tablet that’s taken once daily.
Rinvoq is used to treat the following conditions in adults:
- ankylosing spondylitis
- moderate to severe Crohn’s disease
- moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis
- moderate to severe ulcerative colitis
- non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis
- psoriatic arthritis
This drug is also used to treat moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (a form of eczema) in adults and some children.
The active ingredient in Rinvoq is upadacitinib. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Rinvoq belongs to a group of drugs called Janus kinase inhibitors (JAK). It comes as an extended-release* oral tablet, which releases its contents slowly into your body over time.
This article describes the dosages of Rinvoq, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Rinvoq, see this in-depth article.
The table below highlights the basics of Rinvoq’s dosage in adults. All doses are oral tablets that are taken once daily. The dosage strength is listed in milligrams (mg).
| Condition | Starting dosage | Maintenance dosage |
| ankylosing spondylitis | 15 mg | 15 mg |
| atopic dermatitis | 15 mg | may be increased to 30 mg in adults younger than 65 years |
| Crohn’s disease | 45 mg for 12 weeks | 15 mg or 30 mg |
| ulcerative colitis | 45 mg for 8 weeks | 15 mg or 30 mg |
| rheumatoid arthritis | 15 mg | 15 mg |
| non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis | 15 mg | 15 mg |
| psoriatic arthritis | 15 mg | 15 mg |
What is Rinvoq’s form?
Rinvoq is available as an extended-release tablet you take by mouth. Extended-release medications release their contents slowly into your body over time.
What strengths does Rinvoq come in?
Rinvoq comes in three strengths: 15 mg, 30 mg, and 45 mg.
What are the usual dosages of Rinvoq?
Your dosage depends on the condition you’re taking Rinvoq to treat and how severe the condition is. Your doctor will likely start you on the recommended dosage and may adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for rheumatoid arthritis
The dosage of Rinvoq in adults with rheumatoid arthritis is typically 15 mg taken once daily.
Dosage for psoriatic arthritis
The dosage of Rinvoq in adults with psoriatic arthritis is typically 15 mg taken once daily.
Dosage for ulcerative colitis
The starting dosage of Rinvoq in adults with ulcerative colitis is 45 mg taken once daily for 8 weeks. After this, the usual maintenance dosage of Rinvoq is 15 mg once daily.
In some cases, your doctor may increase your dosage to 30 mg once daily if your symptoms don’t improve with the 15 mg dose. Ultimately, they’ll prescribe the lowest dosage that treats your condition. They’ll have you stop treatment with Rinvoq and switch you to a different medication if you don’t respond to the 30 mg daily dosage.
Dosage for Crohn’s disease
The starting dosage of Rinvoq for adults with Crohn’s disease is 45 mg taken once daily for 12 weeks. After this, the usual maintenance dose is 15 mg taken once daily.
In some cases, if you don’t respond to the 15 mg daily dosage, your doctor may increase it to 30 mg daily. If your symptoms don’t improve with the higher dose, your doctor will have you stop Rinvoq and switch you to a different medication.
Dosage for ankylosing spondylitis
The usual Rinvoq dosage for adults with ankylosing spondylitis is 15 mg taken once daily.
Dosage for non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis
Rinvoq’s dosage for adults with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis is 15 mg taken once daily.
Dosage for atopic dermatitis
The recommended starting dosage of Rinvoq in adults younger than 65 years with atopic dermatitis is 15 mg taken once daily. If you don’t respond to this dosage, your doctor may increase it to 30 mg once daily.
Your doctor will have you stop treatment with Rinvoq if you don’t respond to the 30-mg daily dose. They’ll recommend a different treatment instead.
The dosage of Rinvoq for atopic dermatitis in adults ages 65 years and older is 15 mg taken once daily.
What’s the dosage of Rinvoq for children?
Rinvoq is used to treat moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in children ages 12 years and older when other treatments don’t work or aren’t suitable.
The dosage for children weighing at least 40 kilograms (kg*) is 15 mg taken once daily.
If your child doesn’t respond to this dosage, their doctor may increase it to 30 mg once daily. If they still don’t respond to the 30-mg daily dose, their doctor will have them stop Rinvoq and will recommend a different treatment.
For more information about Rinvoq’s dosage for children, talk with your child’s doctor or a pharmacist.
* One kilogram equals about 2.2 pounds (lb).
Is Rinvoq used long term?
Yes, Rinvoq is usually used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
Dosage adjustments
You may need dosage adjustments for Rinvoq if you have liver or kidney problems. Rinvoq is not recommended if you have end stage kidney disease or severe liver disease.
If you have severe kidney disease, your doctor will adjust your dosage of Rinvoq for the following conditions:
- For atopic dermatitis, you’ll take 15 mg once per day.
- For ulcerative colitis, you’ll take 30 mg once daily for 8 weeks. Then, your doctor will lower your dosage to 15 mg once per day.
- For Crohn’s disease, you’ll take 30 mg once daily for 12 weeks. Then, they’ll lower your dosage to 15 mg per day.
If you have mild to moderate liver disease, your doctor will adjust your dosage of Rinvoq for the following conditions:
- For ulcerative colitis, you’ll take 30 mg once daily for 8 weeks. Then, your doctor will lower your dosage to 15 mg per day.
- For Crohn’s disease, you’ll take 30 mg once daily for 12 weeks. Then, they’ll lower your dosage to 15 mg per day.
The dosage of Rinvoq you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:
- the type and severity of the condition you’re using the drug to treat
- your age
- your weight (for children)
- other medications you take
- other conditions you may have (see the “Dosage adjustments” section above)
Rinvoq comes as an extended-release tablet you take by mouth once daily. You can take Rinvoq with or without food.
Do not crush, chew, or cut Rinvoq tablets. This may affect how the drug works. If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication.
For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Rinvoq, see the “Expiration” section of this article or talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Accessible drug containers and labels
Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:
- have large print
- use braille
- feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio
Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.
Let your pharmacist know if you have trouble opening medication bottles. They may have tips to help, or they may be able to supply Rinvoq in an easy-open container.
If you miss a dose of Rinvoq, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at its usual time. If you’re not sure whether you should take a missed dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
If you need help remembering to take your dose of Rinvoq on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
Do not take more Rinvoq than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
What to do in case you take too much Rinvoq
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Rinvoq. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by Rinvoq’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends this medication for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
Remember, you should not change your dosage of Rinvoq without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take this medication exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.
Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Does my dosage of Rinvoq depend on the severity of my condition?
- Do I have a higher risk of serious side effects if I take the maximum dosage?
- How does the dosage of Rinvoq compare with that of Humira?
To learn more about Rinvoq, see these articles:
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Disclaimer: Healthline 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.