Decanib 6 Tablet

Indications

Deucravacitinib is used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are suitable for systemic therapy (tablets that work throughout the body) or phototherapy (light treatment). Plaque psoriasis is a long-term skin condition that causes thick, red, scaly patches.

How It Works

Deucravacitinib blocks an enzyme called TYK2 (tyrosine kinase 2). TYK2 passes on signals from immune messengers such as IL-23, IL-12 and type 1 interferons that drive the inflammation in psoriasis. By calming these signals, the medicine reduces skin inflammation, redness and scaling.

Dosage and Administration

The usual adult dose is 6 mg by mouth once daily, as prescribed by a specialist. It can be taken with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush, cut or chew it. Improvement is usually seen over several weeks. Do not stop or change the dose without talking to your doctor.

Interactions

Avoid live vaccines (such as oral polio, measles or yellow fever vaccines) during treatment. Use with other strong immune-suppressing medicines, such as Ciclosporin, Methotrexate or biologic medicines, is not recommended unless your doctor advises it. Tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins and herbal products you take.

Contraindications

Do not take deucravacitinib if you are allergic to it or any ingredient of the tablet, or if you have a serious active infection, including active tuberculosis.

Side Effects

Common side effects include:

• Colds, sore throat and other upper respiratory infections
• Mouth ulcers and cold sores (herpes simplex)
• Acne and folliculitis (inflamed hair roots)
• Raised creatine phosphokinase (a muscle enzyme) in blood tests

Less common effects include shingles, raised blood fats (triglycerides) and raised liver enzymes.

Get urgent medical help if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction (swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, widespread rash), signs of a serious infection (high fever, persistent cough, chills), or unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, especially with dark urine.

Pregnancy and Lactation

There is limited information on use in pregnancy, so it should be used only if your doctor feels the benefit outweighs the risk. It is not known whether it passes into breast milk. Discuss breastfeeding with your doctor before starting treatment.

Precautions and Warnings

Your doctor will check you for tuberculosis and other infections before starting, and may check blood fats and liver tests during treatment. Tell your doctor if you have frequent infections, hepatitis B or C, liver disease, a history of cancer, or muscle problems. Make sure your vaccinations are up to date before treatment begins. It is not recommended in severe liver impairment.

Overdose

If too many tablets are taken, contact a doctor or go to the nearest hospital. There is no specific antidote; treatment is supportive and the person is watched for side effects.

Therapeutic Class

Immunomodulator; tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor for psoriasis.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.