Rinvoq

[Soccer28]

Hi, I have had RA for approx 5 years. After bad side effects from Methotrexate, my Dr decided to try Humira injections. Humira did not work at all - no relief. The next medication to try was Enbrel. The Enbrel injections were easy and effective for awhile, but Enbrel stopped working after one year. Now my Dr has ordered Rinvoq tablets. I have only been taking Rinvoq for a few days now. Is anyone taking Rinvoq for their RA? Results? Do you like Rinvoq?

I am feeling discouraged. Thank you for any advice that you can give!

[Brokencrow]

Hi, I do like my Rinvoq! It has worked the best on the disease, with the least side effects. I’m not “fixed”, but I am as close as I have been to it, since diagnosis 4 years ago. I failed on methotrexate, sulfasalazine and leflunomide previously.

It worked immediately for me, like the first tablet immediate. Quite amazing!

It’s obviously different for all of us, but don’t give up hope and I definitely recommend giving it a fair go.😀

[Soccer28 in reply to Brokencrow]

Thank you so much for your reply! I appreciate it so much! I am happy to hear that Rinvoq is helping your RA! I am giving it a try! It is helpful to talk to other people with RA. I feel that most people, including family and friends, do not understand the fatigue and pain associated with RA. Thanks again! 😊

[Brokencrow in reply to Soccer28]

Awww hang in there! I still have to pace myself and I am going part time at work soon, but I can get out of bed in the mornings and dress myself, so y’know small wins! 😅

[gaynorwhalley]

Been on for about 18 months, total game changer. Even when I have had to come off for a month due to covid then a further month with shingles I didn't flare! couldn't be happier.....

[Soccer28 in reply to gaynorwhalley]

Thank you so much! I am happy to hear such positive comments about Rinvoq! I hope it works well for me too!

[Knit12]

Rinvoq has been my game changer. After having had this rotten disease for 25 years and tried 10 different drugs (some due to side effects and others cause they just stopped working). I was only the 6th person in my region to start the drug when it first came out, and that was almost 5 years ago. It is a simple once a day tablet. I have little stiffness and not much pain, this was not always the case and at some points of my life, I couldn’t walk unaided and couldn’t get my clothes on. Little side effects. I always stop it for 3 days before a covid vaccination and 3 days after and no flare up at my RA consultants advice after a similar drug I was on stopped working after the vaccine.

Rinvoq or to give it its proper name Upadacitinib is usually given to people like us who cannot tolerate other drugs, I think you are very lucky that your consultant is giving it to you when you are still early in your journey and I hope it becomes the game changer for you and allows you to enjoy your life

[Soccer28 in reply to Knit12]

Thank you for sharing! It really does help to communicate with people who have RA. I am hopeful that Rinvoq will be a game changer for me too! Thank you!

[Eden3]

Hi! Your story is almost exactly like mine. I've had RA for 6 yrs now. I started on Methotrexate, which didn't agree with me, then on to Humira which "worked" only for a few days, then Enbrel which was effective for a couple weeks. Finally, due in part to what my insurance would cover, I was put on Rinvoq, which I believe works in a different way from the others. I have now been on Rinvoq about 3 years and all that time have been in remission. I have my life back! I hope you also have this experience on Rinvoq. Stay optimistic and let us know how it goes!😘

[Perrierhalffullgirl in reply to Eden3]

HAd RA for 5 years and now About to start Rinvoq after being on all the others so reading your comment gives me hope - my life with RA is bad at the moment and this really has made my day - thank you!

[Soccer28 in reply to Perrierhalffullgirl]

Hi! I have had RA for about 8 years. Methotrexate, Humira, Enbrel (in that order) have all failed for me. With much hesitation, I started Rinvoq 2-3 months ago. I was nervous about the side effects and potential risks. I am so grateful for everyone on this forum and the positive comments/advice that I was given! The positive comments about Rinvoq encouraged me to try it and not be afraid. As my rheumatologist said, if the RA is not controlled, it can cause far more damage and health issues - not to mention the pain. I have had success so far with Rinvoq! I am not 100% but I am definitely better then I was 3 months ago. I am beginning to think that I will never be symptom free again. My elbow is always the target of pain and burning since 6 months ago, but definitely much improved since starting Rinvoq. All other joint stiffness and pain is mild on Rinvoq - so far.

I have learned that stress, food, and sleep all play an important role in managing RA. I am under a lot of daily stress at home and I wonder if that’s why my Enbrel suddenly stopped working after 1 year?? I don’t know. The fatigue is also a major problem, but I do notice an improvement since taking Rinvoq.

I hope Rinvoq helps you! Stay positive! It is so helpful to have this support group. I am new to this group - (only 3 months ago) but like I said, I am grateful to talk to people that are going through the same thing. I feel like my family members do not understand RA, which makes it more difficult. It can be depressing at times. So Thank you to everyone for your advice and comments! It absolutely helps! 😊

[BritanyR]

I have been on Rinvoq for two months now. After trying sulfasalizine, cimzia, celebrex, non of them worked. The Cimzia completely made my knees 100 times worst having to them drained and all kinds of pain. But after taking Prednisone and slowly coming off of it and beginning Rinvoq I am complete pain free. My blood work has completely been cleared of inflammation and I am able to do things I've not been able to do in yrs. I absolutely love Rinvoq. The only problem I've had is my kidney function has dropped from 90 percent to 70 percent. So we are watching that. I would be devastated to have to quit the rinvoq after it's the only medication that has worked in yrs.