Upadacitinib for Rheumatoid Arthritis User Reviews (Page 2)

• Tired...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 28, 2021

Rinvoq (upadacitinib) "In the beginning, I watched a Rinvoq commercial on all the RA relief I could have if I switch to Rinvoq. So I have discussed this option to my Arthritis doctor to switch me to Rinvoq. I was exhausted all the time, gained weight, depressed, going to the ER due to experiencing painful flare-ups but they couldn't diagnose my problem even when I told them I was having a RA flare-up, crying for a cortisone shot. My hands, shoulders, knees were crippling that I couldn't pick up a glass, flush a toilet, etc so I was popping prednisone like candy. When I first started Rinvoq I was feeling good UNTIL these last 3 months I have been having VERY painful flare-ups again with a sore throat, flu-like symptoms, dry mouth, tiredness, and more weight gain; back to the old painful symptoms again. Just typing this comment my hands are in pain and stiff. Made another appointment with my RA doctor to discuss my option of switching to another medication."

• Libramd
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 30, 2020

Rinvoq (upadacitinib) "I have been on almost all medicines out there. So far I've been on Rinvoq a month. I'm always skeptical about drugs working since I've been trying them for 39 years. Rinvoq says it can start to work 2 weeks to 6 months. I have noticed little things like easier time standing up and not as stiff when I wake up. The last 3 days I've been having more pain and stiffness. As far as side effects I've had cough, hoarseness, muscle cramping. Recently extreme bruising, I woke up with bruises all over hands palms back fingers, all over legs and forearms. None of these side effects will cause me to quit the medicine. All pretty mild compared to effects of other meds."

• JPano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 30, 2021

Rinvoq (upadacitinib) "I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis as per the doctors. The first doctor gave me hydroxychloroquine. The second doctor gave me Leflunomide. None of these very effective. My wrist and fingers get stuck in the night especially when it's cold. The third doctor suggested me specialty medicine called enbrel. Enbrel was effective for the first two or three months. Then it had no effect. Symptoms gotten worse. So the doctor suggested taking Rinvoq. Rinvoq is also useless. Enbrel was very good at least for 3 months. Rinvoq had no effect from the beginning. This specialty medicine is no use or my symptoms is not rheumatoid."

• Debbo
• October 26, 2020

Rinvoq (upadacitinib) "I was diagnosed with RA two years ago, and have tried almost everything. Finally found Rinvoq, and it works! Like others, I had acne and a few other side effects at first, but it went away. Very happy with this drug, as I can now play tennis again!"

• Siobhan
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 17, 2021

Rinvoq (upadacitinib) "I was diagnosed with Ra, sjogren's in 2011. In 1989 I was diagnosed with Hypothyroiditis and Hashimotos disease. Ive been given Mobic, Methotrexate, Placquinel and now Rinvoq. I'm still on Methotrexate, same dose and Rinvoq, I still have Predisone as well. One daily 5mg. I began My Rinvoq the 1st week in July. It is currently 5 weeks. The first week I thought this is the one. I was starting to regain mobility. I do not feel this way any longer. 1. Severe fatigue, so much so I can fall asleep sitting up. 2. Because of the above I am in a fog and can't think. 3. Eyes are blurred and dry also I have my 1st chalazion in my eye. For those who don't know its like a Stye. 4. Headaches 5. At 57 I have acne issues not a lot but there are pimples fill with fluid 6. My left leg swells a lot and my foot. 7. Today trouble breathing We are all different."

• SAL
• September 19, 2021

Rinvoq (upadacitinib) "For me, Rinvoq has been a miracle. I started on it almost 6 months ago and after only a few days all of my symptoms disappeared. Not only was the pain and stiffness gone but the dry eyes, fatique and swelling gone but my COPD cough completely disappeared and my breathing improved by 10-20%. My doctor thinks the breathing improved from the inflammation going away. I'm 72 and honestly felt like I was 25 again! I have had RA for 7 years and tried Methotrexate, Plaquenil, and Leflunomide along with occasional courses of Prednisone and a few ER trips that called for Morphine. Before starting the Rinvoq I took Sufasalazine which helped for a couple of years but just helped, had good and bad days with it. Nothing really worked other than the Prednisone and eventually it didn't help much. After the Sept. 1 FDA report my doctor encouraged me to stop taking the Rinvoq because of the deadly side effects but I'm debating what to do. It comes down to quality of life vs. fear of side effect"

• UTI...
• May 4, 2022

Rinvoq (upadacitinib) "Omg!! On Rinvoq for 8 days!! I came off of it 9 days ago and have had a UTI that is unbearable, I have had Bactrim and now Cipro!! I still have had no relief!! I went for a urine culture yesterday!! I keep getting dizzy and lite headed!! I also got an inflammation infection in my left eye and had to get prednisone drops!!! OMG!! Please be careful if you take RINVOQ!!"

• Katie
• October 12, 2023

Rinvoq (upadacitinib) "I have had RA for 10 years. I was on a new drug every 6 months because nothing was working. I have had countless surgeries to remove nodules on my hands, elbows, and arms. I have been hospitalized twice for acute pain. I have been diagnosed with a severe and aggressive form of RA. I have been on Rinvoq for nine months. The drug started working right away and I am currently in remission. I used to take Prednisone like it was candy. In 9 months, I have taken 2 Prednisones. My quality of life went from poor to fantastic. This has been a miracle drug for me."

• dpano
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 4, 2021

Rinvoq (upadacitinib) "I can relate to JJ's mom. I have had a big problem with vertigo which I think has been exacerbated by Rinvoq. An Otologist diagnosed the condition as viral vertigo. I know the literature states that Rinvoq can active the virus that causes shingles and I wonder if it activated a virus that may be affecting my ear. The vertigo has been debilitating at times and the swishing noise is horrible. I was on antivirals for a year along with a mild diuretic and a very low sodium diet. I went a whole year without a problem during which time I was off the antiviral. After a year the problem is back."

• Decal
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 16, 2023

Rinvoq (upadacitinib) "At one point I had to use a walker and wheelchair. My mobility was so bad I sold my drums and boat because I couldn't use them. I started Rinvoq and after three months, I was doing yard work and almost anything I wanted to do. It's been almost two years now and I'm playing drums again, cutting trees, yard work, cement, and pavers. No side effects, no issues. Thank you, Rinvoq."

• Charl...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 23, 2021

Rinvoq (upadacitinib) "I was in a clinical trial for Rinvoq for five (5) years. Never again. In September 2021 the FDA issued a "boxed" warning (the most serious kind of warning) to be put on Rinvoq regarding the possibility of heart attack and stroke. The research lab conducting the study never informed me of this and they had to have known because the FDA does not issue boxed warnings overnight. Thank God the trial ended in October 2021. In addition, the research lab did not tell me about side affects such as horrible acne with large whiteheads on my face and back pain. I would not sign up for a clinical trial again because I would not know if they were telling the whole truth and nothing but the truth, No more Rinvoq for me. Research lab also told me that Rinvoq would be available at the end of the 5-year trial if I wanted to continue taking it (I don't). Yes, available at the retail cost of $5,969.00 per month. Yes, per month. I don't know anyone who can afford that except the very wealthy ."

• Tony
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 19, 2021

Rinvoq (upadacitinib) "Developed RA in April 2020. I'm a maintenance fitter and it knocked me about terribly. First doctor gave me Celebrex which basically did nothing. Went to doctor no. 2 and he diagnosed the RA properly. Put me straight on to prednisolone 25mg. and booked me in with a specialist. I felt 20 years younger within a few days. I began taking Methotrexate and cutting back 5mgs of the prednisolone every 6 weeks. The pain and swelling started increasing so I stopped reducing the steroids. After 3 months he put me on Plaquenil and I resumed cutting back on the prednisolone. It got to a point where the pain was controllable after a few hours each day, I'm sero positive so there are good days and not so good days. My job is quite physical generally so the RA had been quite debilitating at times. By about May this year things weren't great again so the doc suggested Rinvoq as an alternative. I've been on it for 2.5 months I'm loving the results. No real side effects yet."

• Brenda
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 10, 2021

Rinvoq (upadacitinib) "I have been on RINVOQ For about a year and a half it was working great for the pain and stiffness and then I started getting short of breath and a cough it wasn’t too bad at first but it has progressively got so bad that I cough all day and the least little thing I do I’m short of breath. I have stopped taking the medication but I have still not improved does anyone know how long it takes for this medication to leave your system"

• barb
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 7, 2022

Rinvoq (upadacitinib) "I have had RA for 3 years nothing worked except Rinvoq, I was almost normal almost no pain and could do normal activities. I am a 61 yr old women, I have always had a cough but it worsen with Rinvoq but I continued with the drug. Went for a routine lung test and they found fatty tissue on my lungs did more xrays and ct scans, now they have found that my lymph nodes are abnormal, going for a biopsy next week, seems this could be a side effect of rinvoq now I am scared"

• Julie
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 17, 2021

Rinvoq (upadacitinib) "Been on Rinvoq about 8 months. Shortness of breath couldn't walk to mailbox. All heart tests negative. Sitting here and realized these symptoms coordinated with taking this drug. Starting tomorrow, no more Rinvoq"

• Never...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 28, 2022

Rinvoq (upadacitinib) "I was on this medication for several months, and had a stroke at 42! I stayed in the hospital over a month, had over 13 doctors during this time. 11 out of 13 doctors said that Covid shots and this medication were a bomb waiting to happen! Causing a major stroke! I had very little signs and symptoms but enough to know something wasn’t good. I suffered with dizziness, headaches, chest pain, shortness of breath, and all of this made me always think I had Covid! The same symptoms for Covid are pretty much the same symptoms for every medication in the world that you take! It’s really hard to determine what symptom goes with what diagnose this day and age! Don’t wait until it’s too late just stop taking this medication and try something else. It’s not worth it!"

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

Rinvoq (upadacitinib) "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"

• Colleen
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 28, 2023

Rinvoq (upadacitinib) "I have been using Rinvoq now for almost 2 years. I have absolutely no side effects. I feel normal again. I am 60 years old and I work full time. When I was diagnosed with RA, I could barely walk or get out of bed."

• Luano
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 7, 2020

Rinvoq (upadacitinib) "I have taken Methotrexate / prednisone / Humira / Xeljanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis. Due to inflammation I have been put on Rinvoq for 2 weeks now. I’m nauseous dry eyes blurred vision and fibromyalgia. I also have Type 1 Diabetes Pancreatitis on Fiasp / Toujeo on and Ulcerative Colitis."

• Sandra
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 16, 2021

Rinvoq (upadacitinib) "I have been taking Rinvoq for 11.5 months now. This drug has changed my life. I noticed a big improvement in my pain symptoms about four weeks in. I am 95% pain free and most days I forget I have RA. I do get flares and bad pain every once in a while. The cons of this drug is that it gives me bad fatigue. The fatigue was very disruptive to my life for the first 6-7 months. I have a constant lingering feeling that I am getting sick but never actually get sick. I have also started breaking out around my chin and forehead, I am in my 20s and during puberty I did not suffer from any acne. Overall, this is a great drug for managing my RA and has given me a lot of my life back."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 10, 2023

Rinvoq (upadacitinib) "Rinvoq is a life-changing medication. I have had RA for 31 years. I have been on every treatment available but none gave me the relief this once a pill has. Not any infusion or injection could produce the life this has given me back. No more morning stiffness, no more swollen joints, no more nodules developing on my hands or wrists. I highly recommend this treatment for those that are struggling."

• misty
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 7, 2021

Rinvoq (upadacitinib) "I have been on Rinvoq for about 9 months on and off, I have dry eyes constant runny nose now I have pins and needles in my hands 90% of the time, ulcers in my mouth and when I don't take the Rinvoq for a week or more the pins and needles are rarely. I think Im gonna stop it before it stops me."

• Color...
• November 4, 2023

Rinvoq (upadacitinib) "My improvement was both astonishing and quick. Within 4 days of taking Rinvoq, the 'me' I was before RA was coming back. As seven medicines had already failed me, I began Rinvoq, as usual, optimistic but fatalistic. Even if it worked, my RA history made me only cautiously optimistic—one previous Rx had worked but sent my liver enzymes high, forcing me to stop. So, when I started to feel immensely better by that first weekend, with more energy, with pain & swelling reduced to almost nothing, I was incredulous. I could not believe the difference. Five months later, I am a huge fan. My energy is almost all back (hurray!), I've had only one very, very minor flare, and after two blood tests my ALT remains only mildly elevated. So, yes, I am an enthusiastic fan with a close-to-normal schedule of life. I take a daily 15mg pill, easy to do. For me, this medicine has results that I'd lost hope for. I have 'me' back."

• Night...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 3, 2023

Rinvoq (upadacitinib) "Many failed attempts from over six drugs for my RA, from oral to self-injections paired with methotrexate injections. I was put on Rinvoq in February 2023. Over time, headaches began, and I noticed elevated blood pressure. My PCP would tell me it's my OSA (obstructive sleep apnea). A couple of months later, the headaches and full-body pain became excruciating. Nothing I took would help. My blood pressure would not go down and even reached as high as 190/104. I also experienced a fast heartbeat. I was a miserable soul and wanted to dig a hole and jump in. An ER visit did nothing to alleviate my symptoms. I finally had to figure this out for myself. I decided to stop taking Rinvoq for a couple of days to see what would happen. I noticed a little improvement after day three, so I continued not taking it. I flushed the medication out with nothing but water. By day five, I felt so much better, and one week later, everything had stopped. All I was going through were my normal day-to-day struggles from RA, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia."

• jamie
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 14, 2022

Rinvoq (upadacitinib) "I started this medicine after Enbrel and Humira failed me within a week of taking this medicine I got shingles rashes mouth sores awful stomach pain back pain my heart was racing at 120 beats a minute I tried to reason with my Dr she said the benefits outweigh the risk, I say not so I am quitting the med and hoping for the best"