Abrocitinib is used to treat a certain
moderate-to-severe skin rash (dermatitis) that is not controlled with other
treatments. Abrocitinib belongs to a class of drugs known as Janus kinase
(JAK) inhibitors.
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist
before you start taking abrocitinib and each time you get a refill. If you
have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually once daily. The manufacturer directs not
to crush, split, or chew the tablet before taking it. However, many similar
drugs (immediate-release tablets) can be split, crushed, or chewed. Follow
your doctor's directions on how to take this medication.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, response
to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your
doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including
prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Do not
increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than
prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of
serious side effects will increase.
Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. Remember to take it at the same time each day.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
See also Warning section.
Nausea, headache, dizziness, or tiredness may occur. If
any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
People using this medication may have serious side
effects. However, you have been prescribed this drug because your doctor
has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side
effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your
risk.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- vision changes (such as blurred vision, seeing flashes of
light)
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
See also Warning section.
Before taking abrocitinib, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- blood clots (such as in the lungs, legs)
- blood/bone marrow disorders (such as anemia, low blood cell
count)
- cancer
- eye problems (such as cataracts, retinal detachment)
- heart problems (such as previous heart attack)
- kidney disease
- liver disease (such as hepatitis B or C)
- past/recent/current infections (such as tuberculosis, herpes
zoster, HIV infection)
- current or past smoking
- stroke
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Abrocitinib can make you more likely to get infections
or may make current infections worse. Stay away from anyone who has an
infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles,
flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for
more details.
Tell your health care professional that you are using
abrocitinib before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact
with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine
inhaled through the nose).
This medication may increase your risk of developing
skin cancer. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps.
Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and
benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not
recommended while using this medication and for at least 1 day after the
last dose. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
A product that may interact with this drug
is:
This medication can slow down the removal of other
medications from your body, which may affect how they work. An example of
an affected drug is mavacamten, among others.
During the first three months of treatment, avoid taking
drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding. However, if your doctor has
told you to take low-dose aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke
(usually 81-162 milligrams a day), you should keep taking the aspirin
unless your doctor tells you not to. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more
details.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count,
kidney/liver function, cholesterol levels, skin exams) should be done while
you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab
appointments.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is less than 12 hours before the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take
your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store in the original package at room temperature away
from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications
away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical
emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call
1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).