What is Cibinqo?
The tablets (abrocitinib) are used for the treatment of moderate-to-severe eczema in patients who have either not been able to find relief from topical medications or who are unable to use them. Cibinqo, a once-daily tablet, can be taken by both adults and children older than 12 years. Eczema can be caused by an immune system that is overactive, causing inflammation. This causes itchy, dry skin. The enzyme Janus Kinase (JAK), which is thought to be involved in skin inflammation, works by blocking JAK1 activity. Cibinqo blocks JAK1 activity and reduces inflammation, which in turn helps to reduce itching. Cibinqo is a member of a group of drugs called JAK (Janus kinase) inhibitors. Cibinqo was FDA-approved on January 14, 2020.
Side effects of Cibinqo
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat, call 911 immediately.
If you experience:
- Eye problems that worsen—eye pain or changes in vision;
- Signs and symptoms of infection: fever, chills, muscle pains, sores or painful skin, diarrhoea, stomach pains, burning or frequent urination, fatigue;
- Heart attack symptoms: pain in the chest or pressure on your chest, pain that spreads to your shoulder or jaw, nausea, and sweating.
- Signs of a Blood Clot: sudden numbness, weakness, or pain on one side; chest pain; difficulty with speech or vision; or pain in one leg.
- Signs of a Stroke: sudden numbness, weakness, headache, slurred words, vision or balance problems;
- Low blood cell counts: fever, chills, and tiredness; mouth sores or skin sores; easy bruising or bleeding; pale skin with cold hands and toes.
Side effects of Cibinqo include:
- Flu-like symptoms include tingling or painful blistering on one side of the body.
- Abnormal lab results;
- Pain and burning when you urinate
- Nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain;
- Pain in the throat and mouth
- Skin infection;
- Cold sores
- High blood pressure
- Pimples;
- Headache;
- Dizziness;
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; alternatively, the FDA can be reached at 1-800-FDA-1088 if any are experienced and reported immediately.
Warnings
Cibinqo can increase your risk for certain cancers, such as lymphoma, lung, and skin cancer. Consult your doctor to determine your risk. Tell your doctor about any recent travel or exposure to tuberculosis. You may have come into contact with certain infections while travelling. Cibinqo should not be used in conjunction with other JAK-inhibitors, biologic immunomodulators, or other immunosuppressants.
Cibinqo can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Signs and symptoms of a blood clot: sudden numbness, weakness, or pain on one side; chest pain; problems with speech or vision; or pain in one leg.
- Heart attack symptoms: chest pain, pressure or pain that spreads to your shoulder or jaw, nausea, and sweating.
- Signs and symptoms of stroke include sudden numbness, weakness, a severe headache, or slurred or shaky speech.
- Signs of an infection: fever; sweating or chills; cough; and shortness of breath. Loss of weight.
Before you take this drug
Cibinqo should not be taken with any other blood clot prevention medicines during the first three months of treatment. If your doctor prescribes it, you can take aspirin up to 81mg per day.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Cibinqo will be safe for you:
- Have an infection
- Are You or Have Been Smokers Before? (PDF, 2.47MB)?
- Have had a heart attack or stroke;
- Have kidney or liver disease
- Low platelet or white blood cell counts
- Have eye problems such as a cataract or retinal detachment?
- Have recently received or will be receiving a vaccination.
Tell your doctor about any recent travel or exposure to tuberculosis. You may have contracted an infection while travelling to certain regions of the world.
Pregnancy
Cibinqo is not known to harm unborn babies. Inform your physician immediately if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant. Your name may appear on a registry if you are pregnant to track abrocitinib's effects on your baby. Cibinqo can make it harder to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding
Ask your doctor if you can safely breastfeed while taking this medication.
How to take Cibinqo?
Cibinqo should be taken exactly as prescribed by your physician. Read all the instructions and directions included on the prescription label. If you have an infection, you should not take this medication unless your doctor has prescribed it.
Cibinqo directions:
- Cibinqo, a tablet taken at the same time every day, is to be taken once a day.
- Cibinqo can be taken with or without food.
- Do not chew or crush the tablet.
Before you begin taking Cibinqo and throughout treatment with the drug, your doctor will perform blood tests. Cibinqo can increase your risk of certain cancers, such as skin cancer, lung cancer, and lymphoma. Consult your doctor to determine your risk.
Details on dosage
Usual Cibinqo Dose for Atopic Dermatitis: Dose: Orally, 100 mg once daily. Maximum dose: 200 mg/day. Duration If 100 mg/day is not sufficient after 12 weeks, then the dose may be increased to 200 mg/day. If the response to this dose increase is inadequate, discontinue. Comments This medication should not be taken in conjunction with other Janus kinase inhibitors (JAK), biologic immunomodulators, or immunosuppressants. This drug may be used in conjunction with or without topical corticosteroids. Use: moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in patients aged 12 and older whose condition is not adequately controlled by other systemic drugs. Cibinqo tablets are available in 100mg and 200mg. For more information on doses, click the link below.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Cibinqo should be taken as soon as possible, but you may skip a missed dose if the next dose is less than 12 hours away. Do not take two doses in one go.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 immediately if you suspect poisoning. Otherwise seek immediate medical care.
What should be avoided?
Do not receive a live vaccine when you are receiving Cibinqo. Cibinqo can make you burn more quickly. Avoid tanning beds or sunlight. When you're outdoors, wear protective clothing and use sunblock (SPF 30 or higher).
Interaction with other drug
Sometimes taking multiple medications at the same time is not recommended for safety purposes. Some drugs may affect the blood levels of drugs that you are taking, which can increase side effects and make them less effective. Cibinqo should not be used in conjunction with other JAK-inhibitors, biologic immunomodulators, or other immunosuppressants.
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including:
- Digoxin;
- Aspirin
- Medicines that prevent blood clots
This list is incomplete. Abrocitinib may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.