FDA approves Rinvoq (Upadacitinib) for GCA

I have done some reading about Rinvoq unrelated to GCA.
Since the patent for Humira has expired, insurances have been removing it from their formularies forcing some patients to find an alternative. Biosimilars are available for Humira and while Rinvoq is not a biosimilar for Humira, it is an alternative for some patients depending on their medical condition. Humira and Rinvoq are both Abbvie products. Skyrizi is also an Abbvie product.
Rinvoq comes in tablet form so it seems very appealing, no injections, no infusions.
Side effects are always a concern and I was reading patient reviews.

I forgot about posting this. Has anyone started Rinvoq for GCA?
https://www.rinvoqhcp.com/giant-cell-arteritis
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Rinvoq isn't a biologic. Biologic medications are complex drugs derived from living organisms, often administered via an injection or an IV infusion. Rinvoq, on the other hand, is a small molecule drug manufactured from chemicals and taken orally.

I was interested in Rinvoq being suggested as an alternative treatment for Humira for Crohn's disease. These are Abbvie products.
I was not aware Rinvoq is being used for GCA.
Interesting

I'm with you. The side effects of Rinvoq concern me. It has the same risks as Actemra for perforations in the digestive tract, plus Rinvoq has additional risks of cardiovascular problems. Some people with GCA are already at risk of stroke from the GCA, so adding a drug that increases the risk of stroke doesn't seem like a good idea.

And for the same reason you have stated about gastric perforations, seems pretty risky for Crohn's patients.

If Humira is working for you and you have had problems with other medications and your insurance drops Humira from their formulary, that's a problem.

Was diagnosed with GCA mid April and prescribed 60 mg of prednisone daily for about five weeks. I added Rinvoq in mid June and have not experienced any problems. I am slowly tapering my daily prednisone use. I’m now down to 9 mg daily. I am feeling almost normal again. No symptoms of any kind.

That's great. That's an amazingly fast taper. It took me about 6 months from being diagnosed until I was at 9 mg.

Are you also taking Rinvoq?

No, I've been taking weekly injections of Actemra for a little more than a year. It has worked well for me - no symptoms or side effects.

I think you are the first to report that you are taking Rinvoq for GCA since it was only recently FDA approved for GCA on April 29, 2025. How does it feel to be a pioneer in getting alternatives to Prednisone for PMR/GCA?

Long term prednisone as the only option for PMR/GCA is becoming a thing of the past. I started Actemra on January 1, 2019 and that day changed my life. It was the start of a new beginning when I successfully tapered off Prednisone after 12 years.