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Home > Drug Category > Psoriasis Medication > Sotyktu and Equivalent

Sotyktu Information

Sotyktu (Deucravacitinib) is used to treat moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. It is typically used in adults who may benefit from systemic therapy (pills or injections that work inside the body) or phototherapy (treatment with specialized ultraviolet light). Plaque psoriasis in adults is a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by thick, scaly, and inflamed patches of skin, often requiring systemic treatment to control the underlying inflammation.

Deucravacitinib is a kinase inhibitor, but it's unique in its drug class for its selective mechanism of action. Unlike other medications in its class, deucravacitinib selectively inhibits an enzyme called Tyrosine Kinase 2. This enzyme plays a pivotal role in mediating the signaling of specific inflammatory messenger molecules (also called cytokines), such as IL-23 and IL-12. These inflammatory cytokines are known to be overly active in the development of psoriasis. By specifically blocking Tyrosine Kinase 2, Sotyktu disrupts this inflammatory signaling pathway, which appears to reduce inflammation and slow the excessive growth of skin cells, ultimately leading to clearer skin.

This medication showed superior efficacy compared to both placebo and another standard oral psoriasis treatment, apremilast, in achieving significant skin clearance (a 75% improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index). Its clinical benefits are sustained over several years with continuous treatment, suggesting a durable response in many patients.

Sotyktu Side Effects

Like any systemic therapy, Sotyktu carries potential risks. However, its overall safety profile appears favorable compared to traditional, non-selective JAK inhibitors.

Common mild side effects include acne-like rash, small bumps or pimples, blisters on the skin, and sores on the inside of the lips, gums, tongue, or roof of the mouth. Contact your doctor if these mild side effects persist or worsen.

Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body itching, body rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• Infection with symptoms such as fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, sore throat, cough, and nasal congestion;
• Reactivation of viral infections such as herpes and shingles with symptoms such as pain or itching around the mouth or genital area, small, red blisters, or sores, and a painful rash on a small area of skin on one side of the face or body;
• Urinary tract infection with symptoms like pain when urinating, urinating more often than usual, low back or flank pain

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Sotyktu Precautions

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to deucravacitinib, other ingredients in Sotyktu, or any other medications. Before you start taking this medication, ensure that you inform your doctor about any prior or current medical conditions, including the following:
• Blood clot disorders;
• Cancer;
• Current or past infections, including bacteria, fungal, or viral infections;
• Heart disease;
• High levels of fats/triglycerides;
• Liver disease, including those with hepatitis B and C infection;

This medication can make you more likely to get infections or may make current infections worse. Therefore, avoid contact with anyone who has a disease that may easily spread, such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, flu. Before undergoing a surgical procedure, inform your health care professional that you are using this medication. You will need to be evaluated for latent or active tuberculosis infection before starting Sotyktu. If latent tuberculosis infection is found, treatment should be initiated before beginning deucravacitinib. Live vaccines should be avoided during therapy with Sotyktu. Your doctor may recommend that you are up to date on the appropriate immunizations before starting treatment. Due to potential effects observed in clinical trials, doctors may monitor specific blood tests periodically to ensure there are no adverse effects.

There isn't sufficient data to assess the risk of this medication in breastfeeding or pregnant women. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking this medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This medication is not recommended for use in children younger than 18 years. Some medications, such as corticosteroids, may potentiate the adverse effects of Sotyktu. Therefore, before using this medication, inform your doctor about any other medications you are currently taking, including herbal medicines and supplements, to determine if it is safe to use along with deucravacitinib.

Take Sotyktu tablets orally with or without food, as directed by your doctor. Swallow these tablets whole; do not chew, crush, or cut them. It is typically taken as 6 mg taken by mouth, once daily. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage and duration of treatment for you. Check out the leaflet in the medication pack for more usage details. Use this medication regularly for optimal effectiveness. Do not take more than the prescribed dose to make up for a missed dose. Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children and pets.

Do I need a prescription to order Sotyktu?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Sotyktu.