This page contains information about how to take RINVOQ® to get the best out of your treatment.
How and when to take RINVOQ® (upadacitinib)
One or two tablets as prescribed every day with a full glass of water
At the same time each day – with or without food
As a whole tablet – do not split, halve, crush or chew it
AVOID food or drink containing grapefruit during treatment with RINVOQ®
For as long as your doctor has told you to –
continue taking it even if you feel better
Your condition is an ongoing, chronic, inflammatory one, so it's important to remember to take your treatment daily as prescribed. Taking RINVOQ® every day keeps the levels of medicine in your body stable to give it the best chance of being successful in treating your condition.
How to store RINVOQ®:
In a cool, dry place below 30°C (RINVOQ® does not need to be refrigerated).
Store your tablets in the original blister pack to protect them from moisture.
Do not store RINVOQ® in the bathroom, near a sink, on a window sill or in the car.
Out of sight and reach of children – a locked cupboard at least 1.5 metres off the ground is a good place to store medicines.
Remember, do not take RINVOQ® if the expiry date has passed. If you need to throw your medicine away, do not throw it out in the household waste, ask your pharmacist how to correctly dispose of it.
What you need to know about RINVOQ® dosing
What is the best time to take RINVOQ®?
Take your medicine at about the same time each day. It will help you remember when to take it.
Can I drink alcohol while taking RINVOQ®?
There is no information on the effects of taking RINVOQ® with alcohol.
What should I do if I forget to take my RINVOQ®?
Take it as soon as you remember, as long as it is at least 10 hours before your next dose. Otherwise, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to.
What to do if I miss my RINVOQ® dose by more than 10 hours?
Skip the missed dose and take only a single dose as usual the following day. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten tablet.
Can I miss a RINVOQ® dose if my symptoms have improved?
No. Do not stop taking or skip a dose of RINVOQ® unless instructed to by your doctor. RINVOQ® is used to treat chronic inflammatory conditions but does not cure them altogether. Stopping or interrupting treatment with RINVOQ® may cause your disease to worsen, so it's important to keep taking your medication even if you feel better.
How is RINVOQ® different from other medications I am taking?
RINVOQ® helps to reduce the underlying inflammation causing your symptoms and may work differently to other medications you may be taking. Each medication you have been given plays a specific and defined role in your overall health. To get the most from your treatment plan, take all your medications as prescribed – always ask if you are unsure.
I used to use an injection for my condition, why am I taking a tablet now?
You may have previously been on a medicine for your condition that required injections. The active ingredient of RINVOQ® is provided in tablet form.
Will RINVOQ® affect my ability to drive or use a machine?
It is not expected that RINVOQ® will have an effect on your ability to drive or use machines.
Will RINVOQ® cause weight gain?
RINVOQ® may cause weight gain in some people. Weight increase has been reported in RINVOQ® clinical trials as a common side effect (occurs in 1–10% of patients).