By Dr Pranab Gyawali, Consultant Gastroenterologist
Introduction – Why I’m making this video
Over the past few months, I’ve noticed a growing interest in Rinvoq among my patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. I’ve also received an increasing number of messages from people who’ve heard about this medication and want to know whether it could help them — especially after trying biologics like infliximab, adalimumab, or risankizumab.
Since I now have several patients on Rinvoq here in Dubai, I’ve recorded a short video to clarify what Rinvoq is, how it works, how effective it really is, and what to know about side effects. This article summarizes the key points I discuss in the video.
Q1. What exactly is Rinvoq?
Rinvoq (upadacitinib) is an oral tablet used for moderate to severe ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. It belongs to a class of medicines known as JAK inhibitors, which block an internal inflammation pathway — the JAK-1 signal — inside immune cells. Unlike traditional biologics, which are large protein drugs given by injection or infusion, Rinvoq is a small-molecule tablet.
Q2. How effective is Rinvoq for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease?
Large international studies showed that about 1 in 3 ulcerative colitis patients achieved remission by 8 weeks; about 4 in 10 Crohn’s patients reached remission by 12 weeks; and roughly 1 in 2 maintained remission after one year. In clinic, many patients notice early changes — less urgency, fewer bowel movements, and better energy — within the first month if the medication is right for them.
Q3. Is Rinvoq safe?
As with any IBD therapy, Rinvoq needs to be prescribed individually. In younger IBD populations studied, serious events were rare (under 1%) and not higher than placebo. The most common side effect I see is mild skin changes (acne-type spots), sometimes a brief headache or cold. Rinvoq isn’t used during pregnancy, so contraception is advised while on treatment. Anyone with cardiovascular history should discuss risks and monitoring with their gastroenterologist.
Q4. Who might benefit most from Rinvoq?
- Patients with Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis who didn’t respond to one or more biologics
- Those preferring an oral option instead of injections
- Situations where a faster response is desired with appropriate monitoring
It’s not the right choice for everyone — but for those who fit the profile, it can be a powerful and convenient option.
Q5. What should you discuss with your gastroenterologist?
- Is Rinvoq suitable for my type and severity of IBD?
- Do I have any cardiovascular risks that change the decision?
- How do we transition safely from my current treatment?
- How will we monitor progress and adjust if needed?
Internal Resources
Crohn’s Disease Treatment in Dubai – Learn about current options and new therapies:
Ulcerative Colitis Treatment in Dubai – Understanding remission, relapse, and long-term care:
Stress and IBD – The Gut-Brain Connection