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Overview: Sotyktu is an oral tablet used to treat plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. It helps to reduce inflammation. Common Sotyktu side effects include infections of the nose or throat, cold sores or mouth ulcers, and acne. Sotyktu can increase the risk of infections, including serious ones. Call your health care provider right away if you have muscle pain or any symptoms of an infection, such as pain when you pee, fever, chills, cough, or congestion.

Uses

What is Sotyktu used for?

Sotyktu (deucravacitinib) is commonly used for the following conditions.

Learn more about Sotyktu for Plaque Psoriasis.

Learn more about Treating Psoriatic Arthritis With Sotyktu.

Sotyktu may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Sotyktu work (mechanism of action)?

Sotyktu blocks a substance in the body called tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) from working. TYK2 plays an important role in the process that leads to swelling (inflammation). By blocking TYK2, Sotyktu can reduce the inflammation that occurs in certain conditions, such as plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

How is Sotyktu supplied (dosage forms)?

Sotyktu is available as 6 mg oral tablets that are taken by mouth.

How should I store Sotyktu?

Sotyktu should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Sotyktu?

The most common side effects of Sotyktu are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Acne
  • An infection caused by a virus called herpes simplex
  • Cold sores in or around the mouth 
  • Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms 
  • Sores or swelling on the gums, lips, tongue, cheeks, or roof of the mouth
  • Swollen or infected hair follicles (folliculitis), which look like small, red bumps on your skin

There may be other side effects of Sotyktu that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Sotyktu?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Sotyktu are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Sotyktu may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Sotyktu and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Cancer. A small number of people who took Sotyktu have reported having cancer, including a type of cancer called lymphoma. It is not clear if Sotyktu increases the risk for cancer. Let your health care provider know if you or your family has a history of cancer.

Infection. Sotyktu can increase the risk of infections, including serious infections. It can also make current infections worse. Call your health care provider if you have an infection or any of the following symptoms.

  • Burning or stinging when you pee 
  • Cough or coughing up blood
  • Feeling very tired
  • Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
  • Shortness of breath
  • Diarrhea or stomach pain
  • Weight loss

Reactivated Infections. Some types of microbes that cause infections (such as bacteria or viruses) can remain in the body after you recover from that infection. When a microbe stays in the body but does not cause an infection, it is called a “latent” microbe. Sotyktu may increase your risk of reactivating a latent microbe, causing an infection. Before you start treatment with Sotyktu, let your health care provider know if you have ever had tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or any other serious infections.

High Triglyceride Levels. Sotyktu can increase triglyceride levels in the blood. High triglyceride levels may cause heart problems. Keep all appointments with your health care provider to check your triglyceride levels before and after you start using Sotyktu.

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when using Sotyktu. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Muscle Problems. Sotyktu can cause muscle problems, including muscle pain, weakness, and tenderness called myopathy. In some people, the muscle may break down (rhabdomyolysis), which can be serious and rarely lead to kidney damage and death. Stop taking Sotyktu and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis.

  • Unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness
  • Low energy levels or feeling easily tired, especially with activity
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Fever
  • Muscle cramps
  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea or vomiting

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Sotyktu?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Sotyktu.

  • Deucravacitinib 
  • Sotyktu
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Sotyktu.

What should I know about Sotyktu before using it?

Do not take Sotyktu unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Sotyktu with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Sotyktu out of the reach of children.

Do not chew, cut, or crush Sotyktu.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Sotyktu?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Sotyktu is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

  • Cancer
  • Currently smoke or have smoked in the past
  • Heart problems, including a past heart attack
  • High triglyceride levels
  • History of a blood clot or stroke
  • History of hepatitis
  • Kidney problems
  • Liver problems

Risk for Infection. Before starting Sotyktu, it is important to talk to your health care provider about any serious infections you have had in the past as well as any infections you have currently. You should also let your health care provider know if you have any of the following issues that might increase your chance of having an infection.

  • A current infection or any symptoms of an infection
  • Have a weak immune system or a history of infections coming back often
  • History of tuberculosis (TB)
  • Been in close contact with someone who has TB
  • Living in, have lived in, or traveled to countries where there is a risk for TB

Vaccines. Let your health care provider know if you have recently received or are scheduled to receive any vaccinations. There are certain vaccines (live vaccines) that you should not receive either right before receiving Sotyktu or once you have started using Sotyktu. Your health care provider will confirm whether any upcoming vaccinations are safe.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Sotyktu may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Sotyktu, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Sotyktu could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Sotyktu while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Sotyktu, let your health care provider know. You can also report your pregnancy to the maker of Sotyktu by calling 800-721-5072. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Sotyktu passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take Sotyktu while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Sotyktu?

For more information about Sotyktu, you can visit the drugmaker's website at www.sotyktu.com or call them at 888-768-9588.

Interactions

Does Sotyktu interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Sotyktu and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Sotyktu.

Does Sotyktu interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. 

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are taking any medicines that suppress your immune system (immunosuppressants).

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Sotyktu. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally take too much Sotyktu?

If you or someone else has taken too much Sotyktu, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Sotyktu?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.