Rinvoq vs Stelara

A side-by-side look at two autoimmune medications advertised on TV. Informational only — not medical advice.

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Information reviewed July 24, 2026

US RinvoqUS Stelara
Generic nameupadacitinibustekinumab
Drug classJAK InhibitorIL-12/IL-23 Inhibitor (Biologic)
TreatsRheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, eczemaPsoriasis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis
CategoryAutoimmuneAutoimmune
ManufacturerAbbVieJanssen
Year approved20192009
FDA warningBlack box warningModerate warnings
Est. TV ad spend$175M$130M
Common side effectsSerious infections, Blood clots, Cardiovascular events, Cancer riskSerious infections, Headache, Fatigue, Injection site reactions

Frequently asked questions

Is Rinvoq or Stelara better?

Neither is universally "better." Rinvoq (upadacitinib) and Stelara (ustekinumab) are both used for autoimmune, but the right choice depends on your medical history, insurance and your doctor's guidance. This comparison is informational only.

What's the difference between Rinvoq and Stelara?

Rinvoq is a JAK Inhibitor made by AbbVie, while Stelara is a IL-12/IL-23 Inhibitor (Biologic) made by Janssen. See the table above for a side-by-side breakdown.

Which one spends more on TV ads?

Rinvoq has the larger estimated TV advertising budget of the two.

TVPills

A reference tool to help identify prescription medications and supplements seen in television advertising. This is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional.

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