Overview
Litfulo is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of severe alopecia areata in adults and adolescents 12 years and older. It is not recommended for use in combination with other Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, biologic immunomodulators, cyclosporine, or other potent immunosuppressants. Litfulo is also known by its drug name, ritlecitinib.

Litfulo is a kinase inhibitor. Scientists believe it works by blocking specific kinases (enzymes) involved in the immune system’s signaling pathways. This action is thought to help reduce immune system activity that leads to hair loss in alopecia areata.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Litfulo is taken by mouth as a capsule, once daily. The medication should be taken exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Litfulo include headache, diarrhea, acne, rash, urticaria (hives), folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles), pyrexia (fever), atopic dermatitis (a type of eczema), dizziness, increased levels of creatine phosphokinase (a muscle enzyme), shingles (herpes zoster), decreased red blood cell count, and stomatitis (mouth sores).

Rare but serious side effects may include serious infections (such as tuberculosis and other bacterial, viral, or fungal infections), increased risk of cancers (malignancies), major adverse cardiovascular events (such as heart attack or stroke), blood clots (thrombosis, including pulmonary embolism and arterial or venous thrombosis), and severe allergic reactions. Litfulo can also cause specific laboratory abnormalities, including decreases in lymphocyte (a type of white blood cell) and platelet counts, as well as elevations in liver enzymes. Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for approximately 14 hours after the last dose.

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Label: Litfulo — Ritlecitinib Capsule — DailyMed