Deucravacitinib
Parapsoriasis
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Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
No
Pharmaceutical Class
Tyrosine Kinase 2 Inhibitor
Controlled Drug Substance
No
Deucravacitinib
Summary
Deucravacitinib is used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults. Plaque psoriasis is a condition where skin cells build up and form scales and itchy, dry patches.
Deucravacitinib works by blocking the action of an abnormal protein that signals cells to multiply. This reduces the symptoms of psoriasis.
The usual daily dose for adults is 6 mg, taken orally once a day. It's important to take it at the same time each day, with or without food.
Common side effects include upper respiratory infections, increase in blood creatine phosphokinase, herpes simplex, mouth ulcers, folliculitis, and acne. Some people may also experience diarrhea and stomach pain.
Deucravacitinib should not be taken if you have active infections or a history of hypersensitivity to the drug. It's also not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Always inform your doctor about all other medications you're taking to avoid potential interactions.
Indications and Purpose
How does Deucravacitinib work?
Deucravacitinib works by inhibiting the tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) enzyme, which is part of the Janus kinase (JAK) family. This inhibition reduces the signaling of cytokines involved in inflammatory and immune responses, thereby decreasing the symptoms of plaque psoriasis.
Is Deucravacitinib effective?
Deucravacitinib has been shown to be effective in treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults. Clinical trials demonstrated significant improvements in skin clearance and symptom relief compared to placebo. The trials assessed the proportion of patients achieving clear or almost clear skin and a 75% improvement in psoriasis severity scores.
What is Deucravacitinib?
Deucravacitinib is used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults. It belongs to a class of medications called kinase inhibitors, which work by blocking the action of an abnormal protein that signals cells to multiply, thereby reducing the symptoms of psoriasis.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take Deucravacitinib?
Deucravacitinib is used as a long-term treatment for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. It is important to continue taking it even if you feel well, as it controls the condition but does not cure it. The duration of use should be determined by your doctor based on your response to the medication.
How do I take Deucravacitinib?
Deucravacitinib should be taken orally once a day, with or without food, at the same time each day. There are no specific food restrictions while taking this medication, but it is important to follow your doctor's instructions and not to crush, cut, or chew the tablets.
How long does it take for Deucravacitinib to start working?
Deucravacitinib may start to show improvements in psoriasis symptoms within a few weeks, but it can take up to 16 weeks to achieve significant results. Patients should continue taking the medication as prescribed and consult their doctor if they have concerns about its effectiveness.
How should I store Deucravacitinib?
Store Deucravacitinib in its original container, tightly closed, at room temperature away from excess heat and moisture. Keep it out of reach of children. Do not store it in the bathroom. For disposal, use a medicine take-back program rather than flushing it down the toilet.
What is the usual dose of Deucravacitinib?
The usual daily dose of Deucravacitinib for adults is 6 mg taken orally once a day. The safety and effectiveness of Deucravacitinib in children have not been established, so there is no recommended dose for children.
Warnings and Precautions
Can Deucravacitinib be taken safely while breastfeeding?
It is unknown whether Deucravacitinib passes into human breast milk. Animal studies have shown its presence in milk. Due to potential risks to the infant, a decision should be made to either discontinue breastfeeding or stop the medication, considering the benefits of breastfeeding and the need for treatment.
Can Deucravacitinib be taken safely while pregnant?
There is limited data on the use of Deucravacitinib during pregnancy. Animal studies have not shown harm to the fetus, but as a precaution, it is preferable to avoid using Deucravacitinib during pregnancy. Women who become pregnant while taking the medication should inform their doctor immediately.
Can I take Deucravacitinib with other prescription drugs?
Deucravacitinib should not be taken with other potent immunosuppressants due to the increased risk of infections. Patients should inform their doctor about all medications they are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products, to avoid potential interactions.
Is Deucravacitinib safe for the elderly?
Elderly patients (65 years and older) may experience a higher rate of serious adverse reactions, including infections, when using Deucravacitinib. No overall differences in effectiveness have been observed between older and younger patients. However, caution is advised, especially for those over 75 years, due to limited clinical experience in this age group.
Who should avoid taking Deucravacitinib?
Important warnings for Deucravacitinib include the risk of serious infections, such as tuberculosis and pneumonia, and the potential for hypersensitivity reactions. It is contraindicated in patients with active infections and those with a history of hypersensitivity to the drug. Patients should be monitored for signs of infection and liver enzyme elevations during treatment.
