Key takeaways
- Rinvoq is a prescription medication used to manage certain immune-related conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Crohn’s disease.
- Dosage varies depending on the condition being treated, its severity, and individual factors like your age and weight.
- Depending on the form of Rinvoq your doctor prescribes, you will likely take this drug once or twice daily.
Rinvoq (upadacitinib) is a prescription drug used to treat the following conditions in adults:
- moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis
- psoriatic arthritis
- ankylosing spondylitis
- non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis
- moderate to severe Crohn’s disease
- moderate to severe ulcerative colitis
- moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (a form of eczema)
- giant cell arteritis (also known as temporal arteritis)
This drug is also used to treat the following conditions in some children:
- polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis
- moderate to severe atopic dermatitis
- psoriatic arthritis
The drug comes as an extended-release oral tablet and as an oral solution called Rinvoq LQ. Depending on the form of Rinvoq your doctor prescribes, you will likely take the drug once or twice daily.
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 (JAK) inhibitors.
This article describes the dosages of Rinvoq, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Rinvoq, including specifics about when it should or should not be used, see Rinvoq overview article.
Your doctor will likely start you on a low dosage and adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The following table highlights the basic dosages of Rinvoq extended-release oral tablets for adults. (Extended-release medications release their contents slowly into your body over time.) All doses are taken once daily. Dosages are expressed in milligrams (mg).
| Condition | Starting dosage | Maintenance dosage |
|---|---|---|
| rheumatoid arthritis | 15 mg | 15 mg |
| psoriatic arthritis | 15 mg | 15 mg |
| ankylosing spondylitis | 15 mg | 15 mg |
| non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis | 15 mg | 15 mg |
| 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 |
| atopic dermatitis | 15 mg | may be increased to 30 mg in adults younger than age 65 years |
| temporal arteritis | 15 mg | 15 mg |
For information about Rinvoq LQ’s dosages, see the “Rinvoq dosage for children” section. (Rinvoq LQ is typically prescribed for children.)
Rinvoq forms
Rinvoq is available as an extended-release oral tablet and as an oral solution called Rinvoq LQ. The oral solution comes with a bottle adapter and oral syringe, which are used to take the medication.
Note: Rinvoq and Rinvoq LQ may not be used interchangeably. If you have questions about the differences between Rinvoq or Rinvoq LQ, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Rinvoq strengths
Rinvoq comes in three strengths:
- 15 mg
- 30 mg
- 45 mg
Rinvoq LQ comes in a strength of 1 milligram per milliliter (mg/mL) in a bottle containing 180 mL of solution.
The prescribed Rinvoq dosage may vary depending on the condition it’s being used to treat. Always follow your doctor’s instructions. Notify them if you experience any Rinvoq side effects that may prevent you from taking your medication.
This section covers dosages for adults taking Rinvoq extended-release oral tablets. For information about children’s dosages and Rinvoq LQ, see the “Rinvoq dosage for children” section.
The following information 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 Rinvoq dosage for rheumatoid arthritis is typically 15 mg taken once daily.
Dosage for psoriatic arthritis
The dosage of Rinvoq for psoriatic arthritis is typically 15 mg taken once daily.
Dosage for ankylosing spondylitis
The Rinvoq dosage for ankylosing spondylitis is typically 15 mg taken once daily.
Dosage for non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis
The Rinvoq dosage for non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis is typically 15 mg taken once daily.
Dosage for Crohn’s disease
The starting dosage of Rinvoq for 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 your symptoms don’t ease with the 15 mg daily dosage, your doctor may increase it to 30 mg daily. If your symptoms don’t lessen with the higher dose, your doctor will have you stop Rinvoq and switch you to a different medication.
Dosage for ulcerative colitis
The starting dosage of Rinvoq for 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 ease 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 your symptoms don’t lessen with the 30-mg daily dosage.
Dosage for atopic dermatitis
The recommended starting dosage of Rinvoq in adults younger than age 65 years with atopic dermatitis is 15 mg taken once daily. If your symptoms don’t ease with this dosage, your doctor may increase it to 30 mg once daily.
Your doctor will have you stop treatment with Rinvoq if your symptoms don’t lessen with the 30-mg daily dosage. 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.
Dosage for temporal arteritis
The recommended dosage of Rinvoq is 15 mg once daily, along with a tapering course of corticosteroids. The 15 mg daily dose of Rinvoq can be continued after stopping corticosteroid treatment.
Here are the Rinvoq dosage recommendations for children. Depending on a child’s weight, their doctor may prescribe Rinvoq LQ oral solution instead of Rinvoq extended-release oral tablets.
For more information about Rinvoq’s dosage for children, talk with your child’s doctor or a pharmacist.
Note: Rinvoq LQ and Rinvoq cannot be used interchangeably. If your child’s doctor recommends switching forms, they will advise you on how to do this safely.
Children’s dosage for polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Doctors may prescribe Rinvoq to treat polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children ages 2 years and older. Rinvoq’s dosage and form for this use are based on body weight. Rinvoq LQ is usually prescribed to children who weigh under 30 kilograms (kg), which is about 66 pounds (lb). Children who weigh 30 kg or more may take either Rinvoq or Rinvoq LQ.
The following table lists the dosages for polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Note that Rinvoq LQ comes in a strength of 1 mg/mL. So a dose of 1 mg is equal to 1 mL of solution.
| Child’s weight | Form | Dosage |
|---|---|---|
| 10 kg (about 22 lb) to less than 20 kg (about 44 lb) | Rinvoq LQ | 3 mg twice daily |
| 20 kg to less than 30 kg | Rinvoq LQ | 4 mg twice daily |
| 30 kg and over | Rinvoq or Rinvoq LQ | • Rinvoq: 15 mg once daily • Rinvoq LQ: 6 mg twice daily |
Children’s dosage for psoriatic arthritis
Doctors may prescribe Rinvoq to treat psoriatic arthritis in children ages 2 years and older. Rinvoq’s dosage and form for this use are based on body weight. Rinvoq LQ is usually prescribed to children who weigh under 30 kg. Children who weigh 30 kg or more may take either Rinvoq or Rinvoq LQ.
The following table lists the dosages for psoriatic arthritis. Note that Rinvoq LQ comes in a strength of 1 mg/mL. So a dose of 1 mg is equal to 1 mL of solution.
| Child’s weight | Form | Dosage |
|---|---|---|
| 10 kg to less than 20 kg | Rinvoq LQ | 3 mg twice daily |
| 20 kg to less than 30 kg | Rinvoq LQ | 4 mg twice daily |
| 30 kg and over | Rinvoq or Rinvoq LQ | • Rinvoq: 15 mg once daily • Rinvoq LQ: 6 mg twice daily |
Children’s dosage for atopic dermatitis
Rinvoq is used to treat moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in children ages 12 years and older.
For this use, doctors typically prescribe Rinvoq extended-release oral tablets. The dosage for children weighing at least 40 kg (about 88 lb) is 15 mg taken once daily.
If your child’s symptoms don’t lessen with this dosage, their doctor may increase it to 30 mg once daily. If their symptoms still don’t ease with the 30-mg daily dose, their doctor will have them stop Rinvoq and will recommend a different treatment.
Rinvoq comes as an extended-release oral tablet and as an oral solution called Rinvoq LQ. See the following section for information on taking these different Rinvoq forms. Always follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the drug, regardless of which form you are prescribed.
Taking Rinvoq
You take Rinvoq tablets 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 these tips on how to swallow a pill for help.
Taking Rinvoq LQ
Doctors typically prescribe Rinvoq LQ to children for certain conditions.
If your child is prescribed Rinvoq LQ, you’ll give them the drug using an oral dosing syringe, typically twice daily. The prescription comes with this syringe as well as a bottle adapter that enables you to draw the solution into the syringe. For details on how to take Rinvoq LQ, see the instructions for use in the drug’s prescribing information.
Rinvoq LQ may be taken with or without food.
How long do you take Rinvoq?
Rinvoq is usually 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.
What if I miss a dose?
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.
Do not take double the dose to make up for a missed dose, as this may increase your risk of Rinvoq side effects.
Follow the same guidance if your child misses a dose of Rinvoq or Rinvoq LQ.
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.
Dosage adjustments
You may need dosage adjustments for Rinvoq if you have liver or kidney problems, but this depends on the condition you’re taking Rinvoq to treat. 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 daily.
- For ulcerative colitis, you’ll take 30 mg once daily for 8 weeks. Then, your doctor will lower your dosage to 15 mg once daily.
- For Crohn’s disease, you’ll take 30 mg once daily for 12 weeks. Then, they’ll lower your dosage to 15 mg once daily.
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 once daily.
- For Crohn’s disease, you’ll take 30 mg once daily for 12 weeks. Then, they’ll lower your dosage to 15 mg once daily.
Do not take more Rinvoq than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects. (For the same reason, do not administer more Rinvoq LQ to your child than prescribed.)
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 following are answers to commonly asked questions about Rinvoq’s dosage.
How long does it take for Rinvoq to start working?
Rinvoq begins working right after your first dose. But you may not notice an improvement in your symptoms for several weeks after starting this drug. You doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about how long it takes Rinvoq to work.
If your symptoms don’t start to ease after several weeks, let your doctor know. They may need to adjust your Rinvoq dosage, or they may recommend you take a different medication.
What factors can affect my dosage?
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
- body weight (for children)
- other medications you take
- other conditions you may have
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.