Abrocitinib is used to treat moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (also known as eczema, a skin condition characterised by patches of red and itchy skin).
Take Abrocitinib exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. If you feel nauseous when taking this medicine, you may take it with food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not divide, crush, or chew the tablet.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the severity of your condition and response to the medication.
Abrocitinib must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
If you miss a dose and it is 12 hours or more before the next dose is due, take the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
If it is less than 12 hours before the next dose is due, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- active serious infection e.g. tuberculosis or TB (lung infection)
- severe liver disease
as Abrocitinib may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while on Abrocitinib therapy, alert your doctor immediately.
It is important that you do not get pregnant while taking this medicine. You must use proven birth control methods during Abrocitinib therapy and for 1 month after stopping the treatment.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine.
Do not take Abrocitinib with oral blood-thinning medicines, such as aspirin (at a dose of more than 81 mg daily) and clopidogrel, during the first 3 months of treatment. You may take low-dose aspirin up to a dose of 81 mg daily.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- long-term or recurrent infection or a condition that may make you prone to developing infections
- history of serious infection
- history of blood clots in the leg veins or lung artery or at risk of developing blood clots e.g. smoking, problems with mobility, undergoing major surgery
- heart problems
- cancer
- kidney disease
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Abrocitinib to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Inform your doctor if you have been in close contact with someone with TB, or have travelled or resided in areas where there is an increased chance of getting TB or fungal infections.
Inform your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated. Do not receive any vaccinations without first asking your doctor.
Individuals who are poor metabolisers of CYP2C19 may have higher exposure to Abrocitinib. Although not routinely done, your doctor may advise you to undergo genetic testing to check if this medicine is best suited for you. If you know you have this gene type, inform your doctor.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Screening tests for TB or hepatitis may be done before and during treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to take.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver function, complete blood count) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs of infection or blood clots may also be needed.
Abrocitinib may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort or pain, tiredness, pimples, and mouth and throat pain.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- fever, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, mouth sores, excessive phlegm or change in colour of phlegm
- skin lump or growth
- signs and symptoms of heart attack e.g. chest pain, tightness or pressure, pain that may spread to the arms, jaw, neck, shoulder or back, shortness of breath, lightheadedness
- weakness or numbness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, vision problems, changes in balance or coordination
- signs and symptoms of blood clots in the lung artery e.g. shortness of breath, chest pain, cough which may contain blood
- pain, swelling and tenderness in your leg accompanied by redness and warmth
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Abrocitinib with oral blood-thinning medicines, such as aspirin (at a dose of more than 81 mg daily) and clopidogrel, during the first 3 months of treatment.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- fluvoxamine (medicine to treat depression)
- fluconazole (medicine to treat fungal infection)
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB [an infection known as tuberculosis])
- dabigatran (blood-thinning medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Abrocitinib.
Avoid vaccinations with live vaccines immediately before, during, or immediately after treatment with this medicine.
It is recommended to be up to date with all vaccinations before starting treatment with this medicine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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