Deuruxolitinib phosphate at a glance
Medicine class
Janus-associated kinase inhibitor
Licensed use
Severe alopecia areata in adults
Administration
Film-coated tablet swallowed with water, with or without food
Before treatment
CYP2C9 genotype assessment, infection screening, blood counts and hepatitis checks
Safety status
Subject to additional monitoring
What is Deuruxolitinib phosphate used for?
Its UK-licensed indication is:
Treatment of severe alopecia areata in adults.
How does Deuruxolitinib phosphate work?
It inhibits Janus-associated kinases involved in cytokine signalling, reducing immune pathways that contribute to inflammation around hair follicles.
Deuruxolitinib phosphate preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 8 mg
How to take Deuruxolitinib phosphate
Follow the prescriber's instructions and do not stop treatment without discussing it with them.
Swallow the tablet with water.
It may be taken with or without food.
Do not swallow the desiccant inside the bottle.
Keep tablets in their original package to protect them from moisture.
Deuruxolitinib phosphate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache
- Acne
- Nose or throat inflammation
- Skin and soft-tissue infections
- Herpes infections
- Raised cholesterol or triglycerides
- Tiredness
- Weight increase
- Raised creatine phosphokinase on blood testing
Get urgent medical advice
- Serious or opportunistic infection, including tuberculosis or shingles
- Blood clot in a leg, lung or cerebral vein
- Heart attack or stroke symptoms
- Severe new abdominal symptoms that could indicate gastrointestinal perforation
- Important changes in red cells, neutrophils or lymphocytes
Deuruxolitinib phosphate in pregnancy
Deuruxolitinib is contraindicated during pregnancy because human information is limited and animal studies indicate potential fetal harm. Effective contraception is required during treatment. Contact the prescriber promptly if pregnancy occurs or is suspected.
Deuruxolitinib phosphate while breastfeeding
Deuruxolitinib is contraindicated while breastfeeding. Animal data show passage into milk, and a risk to a breastfed infant cannot be excluded.
Deuruxolitinib phosphate interactions
A full review of prescription, non-prescription and herbal products is required before treatment.
Moderate or strong CYP2C9 inhibitors, including amiodarone, fluconazole and miconazole
Concomitant use is contraindicated because it can increase deuruxolitinib exposure and the risk of serious reactions such as thrombosis.
Strong CYP3A or moderate-to-strong CYP2C9 inducers, including carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampicin, enzalutamide and St John's wort
Avoid concomitant use because reduced exposure may reduce effectiveness.
Other JAK inhibitors, biologic immunomodulators, ciclosporin or other potent immunosuppressants
Combination is not recommended.
Common questions about Deuruxolitinib phosphate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is Deuruxolitinib phosphate a steroid?
No. It is a Janus-associated kinase inhibitor that modifies immune signalling involved in alopecia areata.
Can children take Deuruxolitinib phosphate?
Its safety and effectiveness have not been established in people under 18, and it is licensed only for adults.
Why is CYP2C9 testing needed?
CYP2C9 poor metabolisers may have substantially higher exposure and greater risk of serious adverse reactions. Use is contraindicated in these patients.
Can I have vaccines during treatment?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.