An oral tablet that blocks TYK2 for psoriasis
Deucravacitinib
A daily tablet used to treat moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis by blocking an inflammation signal.
What is Deucravacitinib?
Deucravacitinib is a specialist tablet used to treat moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults. It works by blocking an enzyme called TYK2, which is involved in passing on the inflammation signals that drive psoriasis. It is taken by mouth, which some people prefer to injections. Because it dampens part of the immune system, it can raise the risk of infections, and people are screened for tuberculosis first. Although it is distinct from older JAK inhibitors, the team still considers cautions around serious infections, blood clots, heart problems and certain cancers, and live vaccines are avoided.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Deucravacitinib — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Deucravacitinib is a medicine used to treat moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, a long-term skin condition causing red, scaly, often itchy patches, in adults who need a treatment that works throughout the body. Unlike the biologic injections, it is taken by mouth as a tablet, which some people find more convenient. It works by blocking an enzyme called TYK2 that helps relay inflammation signals. Although TYK2 is related to the JAK family of enzymes, deucravacitinib works in a more selective way and is considered distinct from the classic JAK inhibitors. It is prescribed and supervised by a specialist skin service.
How it works
Psoriasis is driven by inflammation signals that tell skin cells to grow too fast and become inflamed. These signals are passed on inside cells partly through an enzyme called TYK2. Deucravacitinib blocks TYK2 in a targeted way, dampening down several of these inflammation signals so the plaques can clear. Because it acts in a more selective spot than the older JAK inhibitors, it is regarded as a distinct type of treatment, although, as with anything that dampens immune signalling, it can make some infections more likely.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Specialist manufacturer.
A specialist oral medicine used in the UK to treat moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults who need systemic treatment.
Practical use
How to take Deucravacitinib
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Take the tablet by mouth once a day, at about the same time, swallowing it whole.
- Have your tuberculosis screening before starting, and report any signs of infection promptly.
- Avoid live vaccines while taking it unless your specialist advises otherwise.
- Tell your prescriber about any history of blood clots, heart problems or cancer so the risks can be weighed up.
- Attend your reviews and blood tests, and tell other healthcare staff you are taking this medicine.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Deucravacitinib
Advantages
- An effective oral option for moderate-to-severe psoriasis, avoiding injections.
- Taken as a convenient once-daily tablet.
- Works in a more selective way than the older JAK inhibitors.
Disadvantages
- Can raise the risk of infections and requires tuberculosis screening before starting.
- The team must weigh broader cautions around serious infections, clots, heart problems and certain cancers.
- Live vaccines are generally avoided, and ongoing specialist monitoring is needed.
Practical use
Good to know
The main points with deucravacitinib are that it is a once-daily tablet for moderate-to-severe psoriasis and that, because it calms part of the immune system, it can make infections more likely, so signs of infection should be reported and people are screened for tuberculosis (TB) before starting in case of a hidden infection. Although it works in a more selective way than the older JAK inhibitors and is considered distinct from them, the specialist team still takes into account broader cautions seen with this kind of medicine, including serious infections and considerations around blood clots, heart problems (major cardiac events) and certain cancers, weighing these against the benefit for the individual. Live vaccines are generally avoided while taking it. The advantage is that it offers an effective oral option, avoiding injections, with the team reviewing blood tests and overall health over time.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to deucravacitinib should not take it.
- It is avoided in people with an active serious infection until it is treated.
- It is used with caution, weighing risks and benefits, in people with a history of blood clots, heart problems or certain cancers.
- It should only be used under specialist supervision.
Monitoring
- Tuberculosis screening before treatment and watching for signs of infection during it.
- Blood tests and general health reviews over time.
- Considering the person's risk of blood clots, heart problems and certain cancers.
Side effects
- A higher chance of infections, such as colds, throat infections or cold sores.
- Headache, mouth ulcers or acne in some people.
- Changes in some blood tests, which monitoring is designed to pick up.
- Rarely, more serious problems, which is why broader cautions are considered and reviews are kept up.
Key interactions
- Live vaccines are generally avoided while on it, as the immune response is dampened.
- Combining it with other medicines that suppress the immune system can add to infection risk.
- Tell your team about all your medicines and any planned vaccinations.
Available as: Tablets taken by mouth.
Answers
Deucravacitinib: frequently asked questions
What is deucravacitinib used for?
It is used to treat moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults, by blocking an enzyme called TYK2 that helps pass on the inflammation signals behind psoriasis.
Is it a JAK inhibitor?
It blocks TYK2, an enzyme related to the JAK family, but it works in a more selective way and is considered distinct from the classic JAK inhibitors, though some broader cautions are still considered.
Does it increase infections?
Yes, because it dampens part of the immune system it can make infections more likely, and you are screened for tuberculosis before starting.
Can I have vaccines while taking it?
Live vaccines are generally avoided while on deucravacitinib; check with your specialist before any vaccination.
Why does my team ask about clots, heart and cancer history?
The specialist weighs broader cautions seen with this kind of medicine, including serious infections, blood clots, heart problems and certain cancers, against the benefit for you.
Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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