Rinvoq vs methotrexate...?

[Sar9]

Hey,

I currently take methotrexate but I would really like to stop, mostly because of side effects and still suffering with joint pain.

My rheumatology team are thinking Rinvoq, they’ve wanted to get me on a biologic for a while but I just don’t meet the criteria for funding. But they would be able to give me Rinvoq. I don’t know much about it... is anyone else on it? The side effects mention cancer so that concerns me a little, as well as weight gain. I already struggle with body imagine and weight so I really wouldn’t want to make this worse!

[allanah]

Hi Sar9. I dint know this specific biologic but i have been on many biologics over the years and found them exceptionally helpful. If you read side effects of drugs they are always scary ! but I read a paracetamol leaflet once and it was frightening.😂 What I'm trying to say is side effects will be rare or I feel maybe the drug wouldnt be passed? If your team feel it s the treatment for you then I would be guided by that I think.

Good luck and biologics o can say really helped me xxxx

[Sar9 in reply to allanah]

Hey Allanah thanks for your reply. I’m not sure if it’s a biologic, it’s a JAK inhibitor - which might be the same thing!?

I’m still waiting to hear from my team regarding it. But I think I’m just going to go for it if they think it’s right.

I’m starting to feel like it is possibly a kinder drug than Methotrexate (starting to really dislike this one)!

You’re right about reading the side effects, I looked back at the methotrexate ones and it seems much worse lol 😂

Xx

[allanah in reply to Sar9]

Id just give the team a call and ask how the prescription is progressing, you know what the system is like for getting stuck 🤣 i hope you hear real soon !!!

[Sar9 in reply to allanah]

I’ve left messages and sent emails but not heard anything. I think the nurse who’s been dealing with me is back in work tomorrow so hopefully will hear something this week 🤞🏼🤞🏼 thanks x

[allanah in reply to Sar9]

Good luck xx

[allanah in reply to Sar9]

Any luck yet?

[Sar9 in reply to allanah]

No 😑 bit frustrating really. Have rung and left message and emailed, but noones getting back to me. A bit frustrating... thank god I don’t need help and support!!

[oldtimer]

RINVOQ is the trade name for upadacitinib (generic name). You should find some previous posts on this medication, probably under the generic name.

It's a fairly new JAK inhibitor, so have a look at the NRAS website for information on JAK inhibitors.

My sister was put on it after being on another JAK inhibitor which was not controlling her symptoms, but is was not any improvement and she's been swapped to a different type of biological treatment (Simponi/ golimumab).

[Sar9 in reply to oldtimer]

Thanks for your reply. I have done my research and if my team thinks it’s right I’ll give it a whirl!

[EmmaSpicer-NRAS]

Hi Sar9, thank you for your question. If you'd like to speak to someone at NRAS about JAK inhibitors, our helpline is open 9.30am - 4.30pm every week day nras.org.uk/helpline/

[Sar9 in reply to EmmaSpicer-NRAS]

Perfect, thank you 😊