Rinvoq (upadacitinib) is not safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding. Certain factors, such as the form of Rinvoq you’re prescribed, may determine whether you should take the drug during this time.

If you may be or can become pregnant, it’s important to consider whether Rinvoq is a safe option for you.

Doctors prescribe Rinvoq to treat the following conditions:

If you’re pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, it’s important to understand how your health condition and Rinvoq could affect your pregnancy. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis can cause problems in pregnancy if they don’t receive treatment. These problems include a higher risk of premature birth, low birth weight, or even pregnancy loss. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of taking Rinvoq while pregnant versus not treating your condition during pregnancy.

Taking Rinvoq while pregnant may be harmful to a developing fetus. Because of this, do not take Rinvoq if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant soon. Also, avoid becoming pregnant until at least 4 weeks after your last dose of Rinvoq. See the “Rinvoq and birth control” section for more information.

Always talk with your doctor before making any decisions concerning this medication and pregnancy.

Rinvoq and fertility

Fertility means your ability to conceive. According to research performed on animals, Rinvoq didn’t affect the ability of male or female animals to reproduce. But no research is available yet to determine whether Rinvoq affects fertility in humans. Because of this, it isn’t known whether Rinvoq might affect your ability to conceive.

Doctors recommend using birth control while taking Rinvoq and for at least 4 weeks after your last dose. This waiting period gives your body time to clear the medication, lowering any potential risks before trying to conceive. See the “Rinvoq and birth control” section for more information.

If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, it’s important to understand the effects that Rinvoq could have on you or the child who’s breastfed.

Not enough research exists to know whether Rinvoq passes into breast milk or how it might affect a child who’s breastfed. Because of this, doctors recommend that you avoid breastfeeding while taking Rinvoq. If you choose to breastfeed, wait 6 or more days after your last dose of Rinvoq.

If you need treatment for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis while breastfeeding, other medications may be safer. Talk with your doctor about the best option for you and your baby.

If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, it’s important to consider how Rinvoq could affect your birth control options.

If you’re able to become pregnant, use reliable birth control while taking Rinvoq. Also, continue using it for at least 4 weeks after your last dose. This helps prevent pregnancy while the medication is still in your body, as Rinvoq can cause fetal harm.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.