Introduction
Upadacitinib (trade name: Rinvoq) has been approved in Germany since December 2019 for the treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in adults. It can be used either alone or in combination with methotrexate (MTX). Upadacitinib is an option if previous treatments with antirheumatic medications were not effective enough or if they were not well tolerated.
In rheumatoid arthritis, several joints are permanently inflamed and may become deformed and stiff over time. Muscles also become weaker. In advanced rheumatoid arthritis, stiff joints can make daily tasks difficult. Other symptoms such as pain and can be a big problem too.
Upadacitinib is classified as an immunosuppressant. Immunosuppressants are supposed to relieve inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis.