What is Deucravacitinib: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Deucravacitinib is a newer oral medication that helps treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults. It belongs to a class of drugs called TYK2 inhibitors, which work by blocking specific proteins that cause inflammation in your skin.

This medication represents a significant step forward in psoriasis treatment because it targets the root cause of inflammation rather than just managing symptoms. You take it as a pill once daily, making it more convenient than many other psoriasis treatments that require injections or frequent applications.

What is Deucravacitinib Used For?

Deucravacitinib is primarily prescribed for adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. Your doctor might recommend this medication when topical treatments haven't provided enough relief or when your psoriasis covers a significant portion of your body.

The medication is specifically designed for plaque psoriasis, which is the most common form of this autoimmune condition. Plaque psoriasis causes thick, scaly patches on your skin that can be itchy, painful, and emotionally distressing.

Your healthcare provider will typically consider deucravacitinib if you have psoriasis affecting more than 10% of your body surface area, or if the condition significantly impacts your quality of life. It's particularly helpful for people who haven't responded well to other treatments or who prefer an oral medication over injections.

How Does Deucravacitinib Work?

Deucravacitinib works by blocking a specific protein called TYK2 (tyrosine kinase 2) in your immune system. This protein plays a key role in triggering the inflammatory response that causes psoriasis symptoms.

Think of TYK2 as a messenger that tells your immune system to create inflammation. By blocking this messenger, deucravacitinib helps reduce the overactive immune response that leads to the thick, scaly patches characteristic of psoriasis.

This medication is considered moderately strong compared to other psoriasis treatments. It's more targeted than older systemic treatments, which means it may have fewer side effects while still providing effective relief. The drug works gradually, so you might not see full results for several weeks to months.

How Should I Take Deucravacitinib?

Take deucravacitinib exactly as your doctor prescribes, typically once daily with or without food. You can take it at any time of day, but try to take it at the same time each day to help you remember.

Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Don't crush, chew, or break the tablet, as this can affect how the medication works in your body.

You don't need to take this medication with milk or avoid certain foods, but maintaining a consistent routine helps ensure the best results. If you have trouble swallowing pills, talk to your doctor about strategies that might help.

It's important to continue taking deucravacitinib even if you start feeling better. Psoriasis is a chronic condition, and stopping the medication suddenly might cause your symptoms to return.

How Long Should I Take Deucravacitinib For?

The duration of deucravacitinib treatment varies from person to person and depends on how well you respond to the medication. Many people with psoriasis need long-term treatment to maintain clear skin.

Your doctor will typically evaluate your response after 12 to 16 weeks of treatment. If the medication is working well and you're not experiencing significant side effects, you may continue taking it indefinitely.

Some people see improvement within the first few weeks, while others may need up to 3 months to experience the full benefits. Your healthcare provider will monitor your progress through regular check-ups and may adjust your treatment plan based on your response.

Never stop taking deucravacitinib suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this could lead to a flare-up of your psoriasis symptoms.

What Are the Side Effects of Deucravacitinib?

Like all medications, deucravacitinib can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. Most side effects are mild to moderate and often improve as your body adjusts to the medication.

The most common side effects you might experience include upper respiratory tract infections, headaches, and diarrhea. These typically occur in the first few weeks of treatment and often resolve on their own.

Here are the more common side effects that affect some people taking deucravacitinib:

• Upper respiratory infections like colds or sinus infections
• Headaches that are usually mild to moderate
• Diarrhea or loose stools
• Nausea or stomach discomfort
• Mouth ulcers or canker sores
• Hair loss, which is typically mild and reversible
• Folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles)

Most of these side effects are manageable and don't require stopping the medication. Your doctor can help you find ways to minimize any discomfort you might experience.

While less common, some people may experience more serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. These include signs of serious infections, unusual bleeding or bruising, or severe allergic reactions.

Rare but serious side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately include:

• Signs of serious infection such as fever, chills, or persistent cough
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Severe allergic reactions including rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing
• Severe or persistent diarrhea
• Unusual fatigue or weakness

These serious side effects are uncommon, but it's important to be aware of them and contact your healthcare provider if you experience any concerning symptoms.

Who Should Not Take Deucravacitinib?

Deucravacitinib isn't suitable for everyone, and your doctor will carefully evaluate whether it's right for you. You should not take this medication if you're allergic to deucravacitinib or any of its ingredients.

Certain health conditions may make deucravacitinib inappropriate or require special monitoring. Your doctor will review your medical history carefully before prescribing this medication.

You should inform your doctor if you have any of these conditions before starting deucravacitinib:

• Active infections or a history of recurring infections
• Liver disease or abnormal liver function tests
• Kidney disease or reduced kidney function
• History of blood clots or clotting disorders
• Cancer or a history of cancer
• Immune system disorders
• Recent vaccinations or plans to receive vaccines

Pregnancy and breastfeeding require special consideration. The safety of deucravacitinib during pregnancy hasn't been fully established, so your doctor will discuss the potential risks and benefits if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

If you're breastfeeding, your doctor will help you weigh the benefits of treatment against any potential risks to your baby. The medication may pass into breast milk, though the extent isn't fully known.

Deucravacitinib Brand Name

Deucravacitinib is available under the brand name Sotyktu. This is the only brand name currently available for this medication in the United States.

Sotyktu is manufactured by Bristol Myers Squibb and was approved by the FDA in 2022. When you receive your prescription, you'll see "Sotyktu" on the medication bottle, along with the generic name "deucravacitinib."

Currently, there are no generic versions of deucravacitinib available. If cost is a concern, talk to your doctor about patient assistance programs or insurance coverage options that might help make the medication more affordable.

Deucravacitinib Alternatives

If deucravacitinib isn't suitable for you or doesn't provide adequate relief, several alternative treatments are available for moderate to severe psoriasis. Your doctor can help you explore these options based on your specific needs and medical history.

Other oral medications for psoriasis include methotrexate, cyclosporine, and apremilast (Otezla). Each of these works differently and has its own benefits and potential side effects.

Here are some alternative treatment options your doctor might consider:

• Biologic injections like adalimumab (Humira), etanercept (Enbrel), or ustekinumab (Stelara)
• Other oral medications such as apremilast (Otezla) or methotrexate
• Phototherapy or light therapy treatments
• Topical treatments for milder cases or as combination therapy
• Newer biologics like guselkumab (Tremfya) or risankizumab (Skyrizi)

The choice of alternative treatment depends on factors like your overall health, treatment history, lifestyle preferences, and how severe your psoriasis is. Your dermatologist will work with you to find the most appropriate option.

Is Deucravacitinib Better Than Apremilast?

Both deucravacitinib and apremilast (Otezla) are oral medications for psoriasis, but they work through different mechanisms and have shown different levels of effectiveness in clinical trials. The choice between them depends on your individual circumstances and treatment goals.

Clinical studies suggest that deucravacitinib may be more effective than apremilast for achieving clear or almost clear skin. In head-to-head trials, more people taking deucravacitinib achieved significant improvement in their psoriasis compared to those taking apremilast.

However, effectiveness is just one factor to consider. Apremilast has been available longer and has a well-established safety profile. Some people may tolerate one medication better than the other.

Your doctor will consider several factors when choosing between these medications, including your psoriasis severity, other health conditions, potential drug interactions, and your personal preferences regarding side effects and dosing frequency.