1. < Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)
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Who is on Rinvoq for GCA vs Actemra?

Posted by graydude @graydude, Feb 11 3:29pm

I’m on 15 mg of Rinvoq for my GCA that started as PMR. I frequently read of people taking Actemra for GCA and wonder if there are advantages to Actemra over Rinvoq. My Rinvoq is a pill taken daily vs a monthly injection. Could that be the advantage? No more shots?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) Support Group.

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hughebo2 | @hughebo2 | Apr 27 6:02am
In reply to @scortellino "I have Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and was recently diagnosed with Giant Cell Arteris ( hospitalized for..." + (show)
Profile picture for scortellino @scortellino

I have Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and was recently diagnosed with Giant Cell Arteris ( hospitalized for 4 days). My Rheumtologist started me on 60 mg of prednisone but has also started me on Rinvoq with the goal of lowering the prednisone.
Has anyone else experienced this ? My pharmacist told me that Rinvoq has fewer and less severe sideeffects that prednisone. I am ready to be off prednisone - weight gain - high bloodpressure and sleepness night, etc. Just curious about Rinzoq.
What a journey we are all on!

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@scortellino

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hughebo2 | @hughebo2 | Apr 27 6:16am
In reply to @scortellino "I have Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and was recently diagnosed with Giant Cell Arteris ( hospitalized for..." + (show)
Profile picture for scortellino @scortellino

I have Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and was recently diagnosed with Giant Cell Arteris ( hospitalized for 4 days). My Rheumtologist started me on 60 mg of prednisone but has also started me on Rinvoq with the goal of lowering the prednisone.
Has anyone else experienced this ? My pharmacist told me that Rinvoq has fewer and less severe sideeffects that prednisone. I am ready to be off prednisone - weight gain - high bloodpressure and sleepness night, etc. Just curious about Rinzoq.
What a journey we are all on!

Jump to this post

@scortellino

My situation is similar to your’s. I was diagnosed with GCA in April of last year and began my 60 mg dosage of prednisone. In June I began taking Rinvoq and have been on it ever since. I have had no side effects and no GCA relapses since taking it as I have been in remission for several months. My rheumatologist wants me to continue taking it through June of next year.

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Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Apr 27 7:03am
In reply to @scortellino "I have Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and was recently diagnosed with Giant Cell Arteris ( hospitalized for..." + (show)
Profile picture for scortellino @scortellino

I have Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and was recently diagnosed with Giant Cell Arteris ( hospitalized for 4 days). My Rheumtologist started me on 60 mg of prednisone but has also started me on Rinvoq with the goal of lowering the prednisone.
Has anyone else experienced this ? My pharmacist told me that Rinvoq has fewer and less severe sideeffects that prednisone. I am ready to be off prednisone - weight gain - high bloodpressure and sleepness night, etc. Just curious about Rinzoq.
What a journey we are all on!

Jump to this post

Hello @scortellino, You will notice that we merged your post with an existing discussion on the same topic so that you can connect with others sharing their experience. If you click the link below it will take you to the beginning of the discussion.
-- Who is on Rinvoq for GCA vs Actemra: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/who-is-on-rinvoq-for-gca-vs-actemra/

You might also be interested in these related discussions:
-- Rinvoq for PMR and GCA - What's your experience?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/rinvoq/
-- FDA approves Rinvoq (Upadacitinib) for GCA: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/fda-approves-rinvoq-upadacitinib-for-gca/

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scortellino | @scortellino | Apr 27 8:17am
In reply to @hughebo2 "@scortellino My situation is similar to your’s. I was diagnosed with GCA in April of last..." + (show)
Profile picture for hughebo2 @hughebo2

@scortellino

My situation is similar to your’s. I was diagnosed with GCA in April of last year and began my 60 mg dosage of prednisone. In June I began taking Rinvoq and have been on it ever since. I have had no side effects and no GCA relapses since taking it as I have been in remission for several months. My rheumatologist wants me to continue taking it through June of next year.

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@hughebo2
Glad to hear there have been no side effects from Rinvoq. Looking forward to tapering off Prednisone.

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graydude | @graydude | Apr 27 11:19am

Here is an update to my February posting. I have been on Rinvoq since January 16 2026. I was at 15 mg of prednisone down from 20 mg when I started. I’m now down to 4 mg prednisone and Rinvoq daily. I have to say I feel like my old self. Only had two minor flares the last two months. I’d like to say it’s the Rinvoq but who can say for sure. I’ve had zero side affects and have been vigilant about watching for stomach pain as I had Diverticulitis several years ago. I don’t want to jinx anything but I like where I’m headed.

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scortellino | @scortellino | Apr 27 12:52pm

Thank you for sharing - I am very hopeful!

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scortellino | @scortellino | Apr 30 4:37am
In reply to @johnbishop "Hello @scortellino, You will notice that we merged your post with an existing discussion on the..." + (show)
Profile picture for John, Volunteer Mentor @johnbishop

Hello @scortellino, You will notice that we merged your post with an existing discussion on the same topic so that you can connect with others sharing their experience. If you click the link below it will take you to the beginning of the discussion.
-- Who is on Rinvoq for GCA vs Actemra: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/who-is-on-rinvoq-for-gca-vs-actemra/

You might also be interested in these related discussions:
-- Rinvoq for PMR and GCA - What's your experience?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/rinvoq/
-- FDA approves Rinvoq (Upadacitinib) for GCA: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/fda-approves-rinvoq-upadacitinib-for-gca/

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@johnbishop
Thank you!

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gailcha | @gailcha | May 3 7:09am
In reply to @scortellino "I have Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and was recently diagnosed with Giant Cell Arteris ( hospitalized for..." + (show)
Profile picture for scortellino @scortellino

I have Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and was recently diagnosed with Giant Cell Arteris ( hospitalized for 4 days). My Rheumtologist started me on 60 mg of prednisone but has also started me on Rinvoq with the goal of lowering the prednisone.
Has anyone else experienced this ? My pharmacist told me that Rinvoq has fewer and less severe sideeffects that prednisone. I am ready to be off prednisone - weight gain - high bloodpressure and sleepness night, etc. Just curious about Rinzoq.
What a journey we are all on!

Jump to this post

@scortellino
I was started on 60 mg prednisone in March by ophthalmologist. Rheumatologist added Rinvoq and lowered prednisone to 10 mg. Vision improved. Also on methotrexate weekly and have reoccurrence of pain 2days before next dose. I too want off the prednisone!

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fore | @fore | 4 days ago

this message is for anyone.no one has talked about the cost of the rinvoq. i see where is 7,000 a month. i have been on actemra for 5 months going to my rheumatologist receiving it intravenously. he might change me to rinvoq. my insurance covers 100% what am i missing?
fore.

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Mike | @dadcue | 4 days ago
In reply to @fore "this message is for anyone.no one has talked about the cost of the rinvoq. i see..." + (show)
Profile picture for fore @fore

this message is for anyone.no one has talked about the cost of the rinvoq. i see where is 7,000 a month. i have been on actemra for 5 months going to my rheumatologist receiving it intravenously. he might change me to rinvoq. my insurance covers 100% what am i missing?
fore.

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@fore
I'm not sure what kind of insurance you have. Your out of pocket cost of Rinvoq depends on your insurance.
https://www.rinvoq.com/cost
--------------------
How is Actemra working for you? Is there a need to switch to Rinvoq?

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