From the FDA Drug Label
Table 4: Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥ 1% of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Treated with RINVOQ 15 mg in Placebo-controlled Trials Adverse Reaction Placebo RINVOQ 15 mg N = 1042(%) N = 1035(%) ... Nausea 2.2 3.5
Nausea is a side effect of Rinvoq (upadacitinib), with an incidence of 3.5% in patients treated with RINVOQ 15 mg, compared to 2.2% in the placebo group 1.
From the Research
Yes, nausea is a side effect of Rinvoq (upadacitinib), occurring in approximately 7% of patients taking the 15 mg dose and 1% of patients taking the 30 mg dose, as reported in the study published in the Lancet in 2018 2.
Overview of Rinvoq (Upadacitinib)
Rinvoq is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor used to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, atopic dermatitis, and ulcerative colitis. The medication works by affecting certain signaling pathways in the body that can influence the digestive system and trigger the nausea response in some patients.
Managing Nausea
If you experience nausea while taking Rinvoq, taking the medication with food may help reduce this side effect. Staying well-hydrated and eating smaller, more frequent meals can also help manage nausea. If nausea becomes severe or persistent, you should contact your healthcare provider, as they may recommend anti-nausea medications or consider adjusting your treatment plan.
Safety Profile
The safety profile of upadacitinib has been evaluated in several studies, including a 5-year study published in RMD open in 2024 3, which found that the medication continued to be effective in treating clinical and functional outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, with a safety profile consistent with earlier studies. However, the study also reported numerically higher rates of anaemia, herpes zoster, and creatine phosphokinase elevation with the 30 mg dose compared to the 15 mg dose.
Key Points
- Nausea is a potential side effect of Rinvoq (upadacitinib)
- The incidence of nausea varies by dose, with 7% of patients taking the 15 mg dose and 1% of patients taking the 30 mg dose experiencing nausea 2
- Managing nausea may involve taking the medication with food, staying hydrated, and eating smaller meals
- If nausea becomes severe or persistent, patients should contact their healthcare provider for guidance on managing the side effect.