Ritlecitinib

Other Dermatologicals · Kinase inhibitors

Indications

Severe alopecia areata.

Dosage

Adults and Children =12 yrs: 50 mg once daily. <12 yrs: Not recommended.

Adverse Effects

Headache, diarrhoea, acne, rash, urticaria, folliculitis, pyrexia, atopic dermatitis, dizziness, increased blood CPK, herpes zoster, decreased RBC count, stomatitis. Potentially fatal: Serious bacterial, viral, fungal and opportunistic infections (e.g. TB, appendicitis, COVID-19 infection [incl pneumonia], sepsis; risk of major adverse CV events (e.g. sudden CV death, MI, stroke).

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Contraindications: Pregnancy. Lactation. Severe hepatic impairment. Active TB. Hep B. Hep C. Absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) <500/mm3 or a platelet count <100,000/mm3. Active serious infection. Precautions: Perform ALC and platelet counts prior to initiation of treatment. Latent TB. Negative latent TB test who are at high risk for TB; start preventive therapy for latent TB prior to initiation of Ritlecitinib. Chronic or recurrent infection.

Interactions

Live vaccines, other JAK inhibitors, biologic immunomodulators, cyclosporine or other potent immunosuppressants; avoid. Strong CYP3A inducers (e.g. rifampicin). Strong CYP3A inhibitors (e.g. itraconazole). CYP3A substrates (e.g. midazolam, quinidine, cyclosporine, dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, pimozide, colchicine, everolimus, tacrolimus, sirolimus). CYP1A2 substrates (e.g. caffeine, tizanidine, theophylline, pirfenidone). Organic cation transporter 1 (OCT1) substrates (e.g. sumatriptan).

Advice to Patient

Take with or without meals. Swallow whole capsule. Do not split, crush or open capsule. Females of reproductive potential must use effective contraception during treatment and for 1 month after the last dose. Lactating mothers should avoid nursing their babies during treatment and for 14 hrs after the last dose. Report immediately any signs or symptoms of infection. Periodic skin examinations are recommended during treatment.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset of action: Within 4-8 wks. Bioavailability: Approx. 64%. Metabolism: Hepatic. Half-life elimination: Terminal: 1.3-2.3 hrs. Time to peak, plasma: 1 hr. Excretion: Urine (approx. 66%). Faeces (approx. 20%).

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.