Upadacitinib and Oily Skin: What Users Say

• Sur...
• February 8, 2021

Upadacitinib for Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have tried just about everything under the sun for my RA. Was on Orencia for almost 5 years and loved it, until it quit working. I started taking Rinvoq on Nov 11th. Immediately noticed very oily skin and cystic acne. I usually never break out. In the first 5 weeks of taking it, my immune system weakened so much, I had a sinus infection, bronchitis, 2 UTIs, a yeast infection, and was constantly broke out with fever blisters. I also developed back pain so bad I could barely move in the morning. I'm very active so I wasn't sure that was the Rinvoq. I came off Rinvoq to give my immune system a chance to work again. After a week of being off Rinvoq, my acne cleared up, the infections and fever blisters went away, and my back didn't hurt anymore. Began taking Rinvoq again, within a few days my acne came back and my low back pain is just as painful as before."

• Tig...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 29, 2020

Upadacitinib for Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have taken just about every drug available for Rheumatoid Arthritis in the 20 years since diagnosis. Some did not work, some worked for a while, and others made me sick as a dog. I have had to take prednisone on and off (mostly on) for both decades. I have been suffering terribly this past year or so. My doctor prescribed Rinvoq and didn't say much about it. Within the first two days, I started feeling better. Almost a month in and I can say I feel like ten years have been lifted from me. It is like a miracle, I am tapering from the prednisone. I am so much more active now. I hope it continues to work. Oily skin and flushing, no big deal."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 25, 2020

Upadacitinib for Rheumatoid Arthritis "About a week after I started Rinvoq, I began to get extremely oily skin on my face and shoulders. I am in my 50s and have acne all over my face, hairline (including the nape of my neck), back, and chest! I wash my face 3-4 times a day because it’s so oily! My skin was normal to dry prior to starting this medication."

• Lee...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 17, 2021

Upadacitinib for Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have been on Rinvoq for RA for exactly one year and it has been amazing. My blood work is perfect. I did get shingles on the 3rd month after starting it but I got through it and have been doing so well. Hardly any pain at all and I have suffered for 22 years. The only side effects I have noticed is when my immune system is taking a hit, I get super tired and weak feeling (that’s how I know it’s working extra good). When the tiredness eases up then I know my immune system is relaxing. I have experienced extra oily skin but it might be hormones as well, hard to say. I recommend this to anyone suffering as it's great to feel this good compared to the other horrible RA drugs. Good luck to all!"

• Mom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 14, 2021

Upadacitinib for Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have tried many meds for RA. Was very successful with Xeljanz but had continual sinusitis. Now Rinvoq is not as successful for pain/RA, but I get less sinusitis. Also developed very oily skin and acne about my neck, face, and shoulders. I am 58 and on HRT as well and MRX 10 mg."

• Sid...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 11, 2022

Upadacitinib "Rinvoq works perfectly for my ankylosing spondylitis (AS) problem. I have been taking it for over 4 months. Also, I didn't get any of these side effects, such as acne, oily skin, or feeling sick, etc. It's a great medication."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 15, 2025

For Ulcerative Colitis "I have been suffering from ulcerative colitis for about 8 years. I've been on many medications, including other biologics like Humira and Stelara. Both of those worked until they didn't. I was in a yearlong flare-up and was losing a lot of blood. I began Rinvoq, and within a week, the symptoms had eased. At the end of week 3, my bleeding stopped. I have had a few extended colds. The oily skin and acne are not pleasant, but I would rather have them than bleed out."