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Rinvoq vs. Cosentyx

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Rinvoq (upadacitinib) and Cosentyx (secukinumab) are both medications used to treat inflammatory conditions like ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis. However, they belong to different medication classes. Rinvoq is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, while Cosentyx is an interleukin 17 (IL-17) inhibitor. Rinvoq is taken orally, either as a tablet or liquid, and is typically dosed once daily. In contrast, Cosentyx is administered as an injection, usually once a month after initial loading doses. Both medications are only available as brand-name products. Common side effects of Rinvoq include acne and upper respiratory infections, while Cosentyx may cause common cold symptoms and diarrhea. Both medications can increase the risk of infections, but Cosentyx may also worsen inflammatory bowel disease symptoms. Additionally, Rinvoq interacts with grapefruit, while Cosentyx requires caution with latex allergies due to its injection devices.

Rinvoq

(upadacitinib)

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Cosentyx

(secukinumab)

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Summary for Rinvoq

Prescription only

Rinvoq (upadacitinib) is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor. It's used to treat certain inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ulcerative colitis (UC), and eczema (atopic dermatitis). But it's not a first-choice option and typically only prescribed when other treatments haven't worked well. Rinvoq (upadacitinib) is taken by mouth, usually once daily. It's available as an extended-release tablet (Rinvoq) and an oral solution (Rinvoq LQ), but the two formulations aren't interchangeable. Side effects include a higher risk of infections, acne, and nausea.

Indications for Rinvoq

Moderate-to-severe inflammatory conditions in which other treatments haven't worked:

Pros and Cons for Rinvoq

Pros

  • Can treat many different inflammatory conditions
  • Available as a tablet and a liquid
  • The tablet only needs to be taken once a day

Cons

  • Can raise risk for infections
  • Not the best option for people with severe liver or kidney problems
  • Not safe for use during pregnancy

Common Side Effects for Rinvoq

Note: Side effects listed were reported by people who took Rinvoq for eczema.

Warnings for Rinvoq

  • Serious infections
  • Possible higher risk of death for people with rheumatoid arthritis
  • Risk of cancer
  • Possible risk of heart attack, stroke, and other blood clots
  • Severe allergic reaction
  • Stomach and gut tears
  • Abnormal lab results (e.g., blood cell counts, cholesterol levels)
  • Possible harm to unborn babies
  • Medication in stool

Summary for Cosentyx

Prescription only

Cosentyx (secukinumab) is an injectable medication that treats many inflammatory conditions. This includes plaque psoriasis (PsO), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), among others. It works as an interleukin 17 antagonist to lower inflammation in the body. Some people might need a few starter doses. But it's usually injected under the skin once a month. You can use the prefilled syringes, Sensoready Pens, or UnoReady Pens to inject. For some conditions, the medication can also be given as an infusion into the vein at a clinic. The dosing depends on your age, health condition, and treatment plan. Side effects include upper respiratory tract infections and upset stomach.

Indications for Cosentyx

Pros and Cons for Cosentyx

Pros

  • Generally injected once a month (might need a few starter doses)
  • Available as prefilled syringes or pens for at-home injections
  • Okay for children of certain ages to use (depends on the condition being treated and with the exception of nr-axSpA)
  • Few side effects

Cons

  • Must be given as an injection
  • Might raise the risk of infections
  • Might cause flare-ups in people with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
  • Sensoready pens and prefilled syringes might not be a good option for people with a latex allergy

Common Side Effects for Cosentyx

Warnings for Cosentyx

  • Risk of infection
  • Caution when getting vaccines
  • Eczema-like skin reaction
  • Allergic reaction
  • Inflammatory bowel disease

Prices with our coupons for Rinvoq vs. Cosentyx

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Rinvoq30 tablets / 15mg
$6,244.67$8,869.21
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Cosentyx1 carton / 2 sensoready pens of 150mg/ml
$7,189.40$10,968.95
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