Litfulo Disease Interactions

In a major safety study of a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, tofacitinib, in rheumatoid arthritis patients 50 years and older with at least 1 cardiovascular risk factor, higher rates of all-cause mortality (including sudden cardiovascular death) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (defined as cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke) were observed with the JAK inhibitor when compared with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers; patients who are current or past smokers are at additional increased risk. Based on a shared mechanism of action, this risk should be considered for other JAK inhibitors, including baricitinib, upadacitinib, ruxolitinib, fedratinib, ritlecitinib, and pacritinib. Before starting or continuing therapy, the benefits and risks for the individual patient should be considered, especially in patients with other cardiovascular risk factors and patients who are current or past smokers. Patients should be informed about the symptoms of serious cardiovascular events and what to do if they occur. Tofacitinib, baricitinib, and upadacitinib are indicated for patients with inadequate response or intolerance to 1 or more TNF blockers, but should be discontinued in patients who have experienced a myocardial infarction or stroke. The dosage recommended for tofacitinib should not be exceeded; for the treatment of ulcerative colitis, tofacitinib should be used at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest duration needed to achieve and/or maintain therapeutic response.

Avoid the use of ritlecitinib in patients with an active, serious infection. Consider the risks and benefits of treatment in patients with chronic or recurrent infection, exposed to tuberculosis (TB), with a history of serious infection or an opportunistic infection, who have resided or traveled in areas of endemic TB or mycoses, or with underlying conditions that may predispose them to infection. Patients should be screened for TB before treatment initiation. This drug should not be given to patients with active TB or untreated latent TB; anti-TB therapy should be started prior to initiating treatment. Screening for viral hepatitis should be performed in accordance with clinical guidelines before starting therapy. Treatment interruption should be considered in patients with viral reactivation (e.g., herpes zoster).

Ritlecitinib is not recommended in patients with severe (Child Pugh C) hepatic impairment.