Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
about RINVOQ

FAQs

You might have questions about your new treatment that you need answered. You should always speak to your doctor about any questions you may have and refer to the RINVOQ (upadacitinib) Consumer Medicine Information. Below you can also find information on some of the most frequently asked questions about RINVOQ.1,2

 

About RINVOQ

You will be prescribed RINVOQ for as long as it continues to work for you. This means as long as it helps you maintain your condition and does not cause any side effects that outweigh the benefits of taking your medicine.  

RINVOQ needs to be taken every day in order to work effectively, so do not stop taking it or change the dose unless your doctor tells you to, even if you don’t have any symptoms. Always use RINVOQ as directed by your healthcare professional.

Like all medicines, RINVOQ may cause side effects. Sometimes they are serious, but most of the time they are not. Nevertheless, it’s important to know what side effects to be mindful of while taking RINVOQ. You can read more about the side effects of RINVOQ on the Safety Information page or refer to the Consumer Medicine Information.

It is important that you do not skip doses of RINVOQ.

  • If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember as long as it is at least 10 hours before your next dose.
  • If you forget your dose for an entire day, just 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 the dose that you missed.

Immediately contact your doctor or the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26) for advice or go to the Emergency Department at the nearest hospital, even if you are not experiencing any signs of discomfort or poisoning. You may need urgent medical attention.

No. Do not stop taking RINVOQ unless your doctor has told you to. If you feel you need to stop taking your medicine or are unsure what to do, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist as soon as possible.

RINVOQ is part of your overall treatment plan decided by your doctor. It helps to reduce the underlying inflammation caused by your condition. You may be taking it along with other medications or treatment regimens specified by your doctor or it may have replaced another treatment regimen which you used to follow. Often these different medications work in different ways. You should reach out to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about your medications.

 

Some medicines should not be taken together with RINVOQ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for information on medicines to be careful with or avoid while taking RINVOQ. Make sure you tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other or any new medicines, including any medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Your doctor may advise you to take RINVOQ in addition to other medications.

However, it is important to note that some medicines should not be taken together with RINVOQ, as they may interfere with each other. So, make sure you tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other or any new medicines, including any medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Some vaccines should not be given while you are taking RINVOQ. Check with your doctor before you receive any immunisations.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for information on medicines to be careful with or avoid while taking RINVOQ and read the Consumer Medicine Information for more details.

Yes, avoid food or drink containing grapefruit during treatment with RINVOQ as these may interact and increase the risk of side effects. 

No. Do not split, crush or chew the tablets. Swallow them whole with a full glass of water.

Keep your tablets in a cool, dry place that is below 30oC. Remember to consider temperature when transporting your RINVOQ medication as well.

Some vaccines should not be given while you are taking RINVOQ. Check with your doctor before you receive any immunisations (such as herpes zoster and COVID-19 vaccinations). Live vaccines should not be given during RINVOQ treatment, or just before starting RINVOQ treatment. Click here for more information on vaccinations while taking RINVOQ.

If you are thinking of travelling overseas or somewhere that will require vaccinations, speak to your doctor. Some vaccines such as live vaccines cannot be given while you are taking RINVOQ or just before starting treatment. Click here for more information on travelling and vaccinations while taking RINVOQ.

Also consider visiting the www.smartraveller.gov.au website and contacting your airline before travelling to ensure you follow any specific requirements.

You must tell any other doctors, surgeons, dentists and pharmacists who treat you that you are taking RINVOQ prior to any treatment.

RINVOQ should not be taken during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking RINVOQ. ​​

You should use effective contraception to avoid becoming pregnant whilst taking RINVOQ, and for at least 4 weeks after your last dose of RINVOQ.​​

If you become pregnant while taking RINVOQ, you should tell your doctor immediately. You should not take RINVOQ while you are breastfeeding as it is not known if RINVOQ passes into breast milk. To learn more about RINVOQ and pregnancy, click here or refer to the Consumer Medicine Information.

A spinning sensation (vertigo) has been reported in some patients taking RINVOQ. Do not drive or use machines if you experience vertigo while taking RINVOQ until it resolves.  

If you still have questions

If you still have questions after reading this page, speak to your healthcare professional who will be able to answer them, or refer to the Consumer Medicine Information.

References: 1. RINVOQ Consumer Medicine Information. 2. RINVOQ Product Information. AC-005092-00. AU-RNQ-250016. August 2025.