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Ritlecitinib - Oral

Pronunciation: RIT-le-SYE-ti-nib

Important: How To Use This Information

This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

Warning

Ritlecitinib may lower your ability to fight infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal) infection or make any infection you have worse. People taking ritlecitinib have had very serious (possibly fatal) infections (such as appendicitis, herpes zoster, pneumonia, sepsis, tuberculosis). The risk for infections may be higher if you also take other drugs that suppress the immune system (such as cyclosporine). Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection (such as a sore throat or cough that doesn't go away, fever, chills, unusual sweating, painful skin rash/blisters).

You should have a tuberculosis (TB) skin test before and during treatment with this medication. Tell your doctor if you have been near someone with tuberculosis or have lived or traveled in areas where certain fungal infections (such as coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis) are common. These areas include the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys and the southwestern United States.

Though it is very unlikely to occur, there may be a risk of developing cancer (such as lymphoma, skin cancer, lung cancer) with this medication. Your risk may be higher if you are a current or past smoker. Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms such as cough that doesn't go away, wheezing, unusual lumps/growths, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, change in appearance or size of moles, or unusual skin changes.

Ritlecitinib may cause serious (sometimes fatal) problems from blood clots (such as deep vein thrombosis, heart attack, pulmonary embolism, stroke). You may be at an increased risk for blood clots if you are a current or past smoker, or are 50 years of age or older and have at least one risk factor for heart disease. Discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor. Get medical help right away if you have symptoms of blood clots, such as shortness of breath/rapid breathing, chest/jaw/left arm pain, unusual sweating, confusion, sudden dizziness/fainting, pain/swelling/warmth in the groin/calf, sudden/severe headaches, trouble speaking, weakness on one side of the body, or sudden vision changes.

Uses

This medication is used to treat a certain immune system problem that causes hair loss (alopecia areata). Ritlecitinib belongs to a class of drugs known as kinase inhibitors.

How To Use

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking ritlecitinib 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. Swallow the capsules whole. Do not crush, split, or chew the capsules.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.

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 side effects will increase.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.

Side Effects

See also Warning section.

Diarrhea or dizziness may occur. If either of these effects lasts or gets 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.

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.

Precautions

See also Warning section.

Before taking ritlecitinib, 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 problems (such as low platelets or low white blood cell counts)
  • cancer
  • heart problems (such as previous heart attack)
  • liver disease (such as hepatitis B or C)
  • past/recent/current infections (such as herpes zoster, HIV infection, tuberculosis)
  • 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).

Ritlecitinib 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 ritlecitinib 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).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. 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 14 hours after the last dose. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

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:

  • rifampin

Overdose

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 their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count, liver function, CPK level, skin exam) should be done before you start taking this medication and while you are taking it. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose and it is 8 hours or more until the next dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is less than 8 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.

If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Storage

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.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

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