Health Canada has recently approved Rinvoq (upadacitinib) for adults living with Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). Rinvoq is the first and only once-daily, non-steroidal pill approved to treat this condition. GCA causes inflammation in blood vessels, often leading to headaches, jaw pain, or vision problems, making quick treatment important to prevent serious complications.
Until now, treatment for GCA has relied mostly on long-term steroid (prednisone) therapy. Prednisone works effectively; however, it can cause side effects like elevated blood sugar, increased infection risk, weight gain, high blood pressure, and bone loss. Rinvoq offers a new option for GCA patients to taper off steroids faster—in about 6 months instead of a full year—while still controlling inflammation. In a major clinical trial, nearly half of patients on Rinvoq stayed in remission for a year, compared to less than one-third of those using steroids alone. Many also began to feel better as early as 3 months into treatment.
This approval represents meaningful progress for patients with GCA. It will provide an effective oral therapy that may help maintain remission, protect vision, and reduce the burden of long-term steroid use. Rinvoq is already used in Canada for other immune-mediated diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis, and now offers hope for those managing this serious form of vasculitis.
Joyce Ayad is a pharmacist at Charlton Health, who believes in providing patient-focused care, supported by her previous experience working with specialty drugs, the pharmaceutical industry, and more.