FDA approves Rinvoq (Upadacitinib) for GCA
The future of treatment alternatives to Prednisone is looking better and better!
https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/fda-approves-upadacitinib-for-adult-patients-with-giant-cell-arteritis
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From the manufacture of Rinvoq (Upadacitinib)
https://www.rinvoq.com/giant-cell-arteritis
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) Support Group.
I was diagnosed on April 15 by my gp and saw my rheumatologist the first week in May. I told him I read about Rinvoq as the newly designated nonsteroidal drug for treatment of this disease. He was surprised to learn I was already aware of this as he was just learning about it. I was given the choice to either stay on prednisone or elect to begin additional treatment with Rinvoq. I elected to add Rinvoq once I received approval for my drug coverage. I feel very fortunate that the timing of this FDA approved drug so closely coincided with my diagnosis. My rheumatologist was very excited to learn of this breakthrough. I expect to be completely off of prednisone by the end of the year but will need to continue with the Rinvoq probably through April of next year.
Transitioning from Actemra to Rinvoq — Seeking Your Experience
My rheumatologist has decided to transition me from Actemra to Rinvoq. If you're currently taking Rinvoq, I’d really appreciate if you would reply to this thread and tell us. When did you start?
How has it worked for you?
Are you satisfied with the results?
Feel free to share as much or as little as you’d like—any insights are welcome.
Thanks, @asa
I have GCA diagnosed Jan 2025, now down to 5mg prednisone and Actemra infusions since the beginning. I am wondering why your doc decided to transition you from Actemra to Rinvoq, if you don’t mind sharing.
@asa
I wish that I could answer your questions ... sorry, but I haven't transitioned from Actemra to Rinvoq.
Transitioning from one biologic to another biologice is common practice for other autoimmune disorders. I don't know why PMR/GCA would be any different. Unlike other autoimmune conditions, current evidence does not outline a standardized approach for switching from one biologic to another for PMR/GCA.
Rinvoq is the next logical choice in my opinion. I might not be too far behind you. I have been on Actemra for 6 years. I don't think Actemra is working as well now as it has for the last 6 years.
I somewhat feel like Actemra is becoming less effective but my rheumatologist warned me that could happen. I hope you can share with us what happened that made you contemplate switching to Rinvoq.
To: Mike, sjc123
You asked why we're switching from Actemra to Rinvoq—great question.
Here’s the backstory: I was first diagnosed with GCA/PMR in 2019. After a long stretch in remission from late 2021 through 2024, I flared again in mid-2024. That meant going back up to 40 mg of prednisone, then tapering down to 8 mg before flaring again.
In January 2025, I flared at 8 mg. My rheumatologist suggested Actemra as a possibility, so we increased prednisone to 15 mg to control the flare and started Actemra. Since then, I’ve tapered back down to 8–9 mg—and flared again,twice.
At this point, my rheumatologist has concluded that Actemra isn’t helping me reach our target of 3–5 mg of prednisone. His current recommendation is to try Rinvoq.
—Asa
@asa
Ask abt Kevzara…..its been good fir me