Precautions for Ritlecitinib

During treatment with Ritlecitinib (Ritlecitinib), patients should pay attention to the occurrence of serious infections, malignant tumors and lymphoproliferative diseases, adverse cardiovascular events, thromboembolic events, allergies and other adverse events. During treatment, patients should also pay attention to the use of vaccines. Patients with hepatitis B or hepatitis C are not recommended to use Ritlecitinib.

1. Serious infection: The most common serious infections are appendicitis, COVID-19 infection (including pneumonia) and sepsis. Among opportunistic infections, multiple cutaneous herpes zoster has been reported with ritexitinib. Monitor patients closely for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with ritixitinib. Interrupt ritixitinib if the patient develops a serious or opportunistic infection.

2. Mortality: In a large randomized post-marketing safety study, a higher rate of all-cause mortality (including sudden cardiovascular death) was observed in patients treated with JAK inhibitors than in patients treated with TNF blockers. Consider the individual patient benefits and risks before initiating or continuing treatment with ritixitinib.

3. Malignant tumors and lymphoproliferative diseases: including non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), the incidence of malignant tumors (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC)) is higher. The risks and benefits of ritixitinib treatment should be considered before initiating or continuing treatment in patients with known malignancies other than successfully treated NMSC or cervical cancer. For patients at increased risk of skin cancer, regular skin examinations are recommended.

4. Adverse cardiovascular events (MACE): The incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (defined as cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) and non-fatal stroke) was higher than in patients treated with TNF blockers. Before initiating or continuing treatment with ritixitinib, especially in patients who are current or past smokers and in patients with other cardiovascular risk factors. Patients should be informed of the symptoms of serious cardiovascular events and what to do if they occur. Ritexitinib should be discontinued in patients who have had a myocardial infarction or stroke.

5. Thromboembolic events: One patient receiving ritixitinib treatment reported a pulmonary embolism (PE) event, and in the ritixitinib high-dose group, 1 patient reported a retinal artery occlusion event. Rituxitinib should be avoided in patients with an increased risk of thrombosis. If symptoms of thrombosis or embolism occur, patients should discontinue ritixitinib.

6. Allergy: Serious reactions including allergic reactions, urticaria, and rash have been observed in patients treated with ritexitinib. If a clinically significant allergic reaction occurs, discontinue ritixitinib and initiate appropriate therapy.

7. Vaccination: The use of live attenuated vaccines should be avoided during or before starting treatment. Before initiating rituxitinib, it is recommended that patients be kept up to date on all immunizations, including prophylactic herpes zoster vaccination, according to current immunization guidelines.

Ritexitinib is a new drug for the treatment of alopecia areata. It has not yet been launched in the country and has not been included in the medical insurance. Its price has not yet been learned. For specific prices and drug details, please consult a medical consultant.