Rinvoq and Acne: What Users Say

• Sur...
• February 8, 2021

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have tried just about everything under the sun for my RA. Was on Orencia for almost 5 years and loved it, until it quit working. I started taking Rinvoq on Nov 11th. Immediately noticed very oily skin and cystic acne. I usually never break out. In the first 5 weeks of taking it, my immune system weakened so much, I had a sinus infection, bronchitis, 2 UTIs, a yeast infection, and was constantly broke out with fever blisters. I also developed back pain so bad I could barely move in the morning. I'm very active so I wasn't sure that was the Rinvoq. I came off Rinvoq to give my immune system a chance to work again. After a week of being off Rinvoq, my acne cleared up, the infections and fever blisters went away, and my back didn't hurt anymore. Began taking Rinvoq again, within a few days my acne came back and my low back pain is just as painful as before."

• JJs...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 22, 2021

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I've tried nearly every RA medicine under the sun. In the spring of 2020, I was put on Rinvoq. Within a week of taking Rinvoq, the swelling had decreased dramatically and my pain became bearable. I thought I had finally found the perfect drug! Fast forward 6 months later and the drug is keeping me sick about every 6 weeks. I've had multiple sinus infections with 2 of them causing vertigo which makes RA seem like child's play. I have to battle yeast infections, congestion, sinusitis, and horrible acne all over my chin. I am trying to take the drug just a few times a week to keep the swelling down but even that isn't working. I hear a swooshing sound in my ears and I'm always terrified I'm going to get vertigo again and be driving or in a store. What started out as a miracle drug for me has developed into a nightmare. I'm at the point where the benefits are not outweighing the side effects. For me the honeymoon phase is definitely over and I am ready for a divorce."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 25, 2020

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "About a week after I started Rinvoq, I began to get extremely oily skin on my face and shoulders. I am in my 50s and have acne all over my face, hairline (including the nape of my neck), back, and chest! I wash my face 3-4 times a day because it’s so oily! My skin was normal to dry prior to starting this medication."

• Deb...
• October 26, 2020

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I was diagnosed with RA two years ago and have tried almost everything. Finally found Rinvoq, and it works! Like others, I had acne and a few other side effects at first, but it went away. Very happy with this drug, as I can now play tennis again!"

• tbe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 23, 2025

For Ulcerative Colitis "I was diagnosed with UC in the late '90s. I had active disease until getting into remission following the Remicade trials. Remicade worked until I developed an allergy. Was on Humira for years until ins refused to pay. I went off biologics in 2018 and have been getting sicker slowly over the years until recently I have been sicker than I have been in years. I was facing colorectal surgery... and decided to try Rinvoq. The steroids did not stop the bleeding, but after 4 days, the bleeding had slowed and urgency had stopped... for the first time in over a year, I went 12 hours without bowel urgency... I have been taking the 45 mg dose for about 6 weeks. I have regained my life and have kept my bowel. The acne was immediate, but with OTC products, seems to be manageable. The fatigue is brutal. But I don't know if that is because I have been so sick for a long time or the med. I am hoping to resume my very active work life soon, but it has been a challenge. Overall, I am better."

• Sio...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 17, 2021

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I was diagnosed with RA, Sjogren's in 2011. In 1989, I was diagnosed with hypothyroiditis and Hashimoto's disease. I've been given Mobic, Methotrexate, Plaquenil, and now Rinvoq. I'm still on Methotrexate, same dose, and Rinvoq, I still have prednisone as well, one daily 5 mg. I began my Rinvoq the 1st week in July. It is currently 5 weeks. The first week, I thought this is the one. I was starting to regain mobility. I do not feel this way any longer. 1. Severe fatigue, so much so I can fall asleep sitting up. 2. Because of the above, I am in a fog and can't think. 3. Eyes are blurred and dry, also, I have my 1st chalazion in my eye. For those who don't know, it's like a stye. 4. Headaches. 5. At 57, I have acne issues, not a lot, but there are pimples filled with fluid. 6. My left leg swells a lot, and my foot. 7. Today, trouble breathing. We are all different."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 23, 2022

For Atopic Dermatitis "I’ve been taking Rinvoq for roughly 4 months to treat my severe atopic dermatitis. I have finally decided to call my dermatologist tomorrow to stop taking it due to severe acne it is causing me. I tried to stick it out, but I’ve noticed the acne getting worse daily. The skin damage from the acne it’s causing me is much more damaging than the atopic dermatitis. It definitely helped with my original problem but has lowered my self-esteem immensely. The type of acne it has caused for me is not the normal type. I’m not exactly sure what it is, but it will not heal and is creating holes in my skin."

• Sti...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 4, 2023

For Ulcerative Colitis "I have been taking Rinvoq for around 6 months, but I have decided to stop. Although I think it has helped with my ulcerative colitis and stopped the bleeding, it is not a suitable medication for everyone. As a 52-year-old man, I have experienced various side effects that have gotten worse over time, such as fatigue, stomach pain, intestinal blockages, and severe acne on my face, neck, and scalp. Additionally, the insurance process for this medication has been a hassle."

• Mir...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 5, 2023

For Atopic Dermatitis "I have lived with severe atopic dermatitis for my entire life (62). The last decade has been debilitating despite cyclosporine, CellCept, methotrexate, Imuran, buckets of topical steroids, and prednisone. Dupixent helped a lot but still severe. I just started Rinvoq 15 mg 1 month ago, and my severe rash, itch, and pain have 75% cleared. The physical and psychological effects of decades of rash and relentless itch are indescribable. I am jumping for joy and have not felt this good for pretty much my entire life. I am hopeful for the future. Side effects are simply some acne, which I can manage with over-the-counter creams and cleansers."

• Cha...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 23, 2021

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I was in a clinical trial for Rinvoq for five (5) years. Never again. In September 2021, the FDA issued a 'boxed' warning (the most serious kind of warning) to be put on Rinvoq regarding the possibility of heart attack and stroke. The research lab conducting the study never informed me of this, and they had to have known because the FDA does not issue boxed warnings overnight. Thank God the trial ended in October 2021. In addition, the research lab did not tell me about side effects such as horrible acne with large whiteheads on my face and back pain. I would not sign up for a clinical trial again because I would not know if they were telling the whole truth and nothing but the truth. No more Rinvoq for me. The research lab also told me that Rinvoq would be available at the end of the 5-year trial if I wanted to continue taking it (I don't). Yes, available at the retail cost of $5,969.00 per month. Yes, per month. I don't know anyone who can afford that except the very wealthy."

• Mom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 14, 2021

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have tried many meds for RA. Was very successful with Xeljanz but had continual sinusitis. Now Rinvoq is not as successful for pain/RA, but I get less sinusitis. Also developed very oily skin and acne about my neck, face, and shoulders. I am 58 and on HRT as well and MRX 10 mg."

• ess...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 27, 2022

For Atopic Dermatitis "I've only been on Rinvoq for a month to treat atopic dermatitis, but am calling my dermatologist tomorrow. The dermatitis has cleared up, but at the expense of severe nausea, headaches, chills, cold sores, and acne. I'm typically very active with running, biking, and hiking, but in the last month of taking this, I feel so bad all I want to do is sleep. In Rinvoq's defense, my body does not react well to most drugs, so maybe it is just me, but I've never had this bad of a reaction to any drug."

• San...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 16, 2021

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have been taking Rinvoq for 11.5 months now. This drug has changed my life. I noticed a big improvement in my pain symptoms about four weeks in. I am 95% pain-free, and most days I forget I have RA. I do get flares and bad pain every once in a while. The cons of this drug are that it gives me bad fatigue. The fatigue was very disruptive to my life for the first 6-7 months. I have a constant lingering feeling that I am getting sick but never actually get sick. I have also started breaking out around my chin and forehead. I am in my 20s, and during puberty, I did not suffer from any acne. Overall, this is a great drug for managing my RA and has given me a lot of my life back."

• Cha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 27, 2022

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I was diagnosed with RA in 2019. I tried Rinvoq first with side effects of depression, acne, etc. I stopped taking that, then my RA doctor put me on Methotrexate, the shots. Lucky I had very good insurance, very expensive. The side effects are bad, I learned it was a chemo drug when all my hair fell out. Stopped taking that. My doctor said I would have to start infusion, really. I asked about other alternatives, e.g., diet or herbal remedies. The doctor did not want to hear it. I no longer have a job, no insurance, and no doctor. I keep looking for relief and pray every day to God. I pray each of you will find relief. Take care, and God bless you. CB"

• Tad...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 2, 2024

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Rinvoq has been the only medicine that has helped, minus steroids, in my 3-year battle with severe RA. It has come with its fair share of side effects, with the most prominent one being dizziness and vertigo spells lasting long periods of time daily. Mild cases of heart discomfort and acne. It's hard to weigh in if it's worth it, as it's the only medication, minus steroids, as mentioned before, that has worked. I've tried just about all besides one more, so it's alarming that I'm on my last two options, so I'm continuing for now."

• Rub...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 12, 2022

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I had a good start with Rinvoq, but ended up in acute care with double pneumonia six weeks in. Since then, I have had vertigo and constant headaches. It’s now six months into my treatment, my vertigo is getting worse, and I wake up every day with another spot on my face or neck. I had perfect skin before and am way too old for acne."

• cxt...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 30, 2024

For Ankylosing Spondylitis "Few side effects, the acne part bothers me. I can't figure out why this happens, but some say it's really a yeast infection. It works great on AS, IBS issues, and joint pain. Miracle drug, but I have to stop it around surgeries, so it is up and down."

• Sid...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 11, 2022

"Rinvoq works perfectly for my ankylosing spondylitis (AS) problem. I have been taking it for over 4 months. Also, I didn't get any of these side effects, such as acne, oily skin, or feeling sick, etc. It's a great medication."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 7, 2025

For Crohn's Disease "I am in my 8th week of the 45 mg dosage. With 3 days of starting Rinvoq, I could tell it was working. Since then, my condition has continued to improve. I am having regular bowel movements after 2 years of flares and trying several other drugs. I was also using prednisone to get me through. Now, I feel better overall, but somewhat more tired. I am experiencing the acne that others have written about, including on the top of my scalp. However, it is getting less noticeable. I do feel like I want to take showers more often. This is the only drug that has helped my Crohn's (besides prednisone), so I plan to keep taking it. I would rate it a winner."

• Liv...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 16, 2021

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "My skin is breaking out after taking Rinvoq. Never had this problem in my life. It's not just my face, it's all over my body. It's only been 3 weeks. I guess it's time to talk to my doctor."

• RMi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 2, 2024

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Works well but caused acne on face, extreme tiredness, frequent urination, massive eye bags"