Upadacitinib for treating severe rheumatoid arthritis

  • Technology appraisal guidance
  • TA665
  • Published: 

Information for the public

Upadacitinib (Rinvoq) is available on the NHS as a possible treatment for severe rheumatoid arthritis in adults, only if:

  • the disease has not responded to intensive therapy with a combination of conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or
  • the disease has not responded to other DMARDs, including at least 1 biological DMARD, or you cannot have them, and you cannot have rituximab or
  • the disease has not responded to both rituximab and at least 1 biological DMARD.

Upadacitinib can be used alone if you can not have methotrexate.

Treatment should be stopped after 6 months if it is not working well enough.

When assessing how rheumatoid arthritis affects your quality of life, healthcare professionals should take into account any disabilities or difficulties in communicating you might have.

If you are not eligible for upadacitinib but are already having it, you should be able to continue until you and your doctor decide when best to stop.

Is this treatment right for me?

Your healthcare professionals should give you clear information, talk with you about your options and listen carefully to your views and concerns. Your family can be involved too, if you wish. Read more about making decisions about your care.

Questions to think about

  • How well does it work compared with other treatments?
  • What are the risks or side effects? How likely are they?
  • How will the treatment affect my day-to-day life?
  • What happens if the treatment does not work?
  • What happens if I do not want to have treatment? Are there other treatments available?

Information and support

The NHS website may be a good place to find out more.

These organisations can give you advice and support:

You can also get support from your local Healthwatch.

NICE is not responsible for the quality or accuracy of any information or advice provided by these organisations.

ISBN: 978-1-4731-3938-1

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