Litfulo (Ritlecitinib)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Litfulo Used For?
Litfulo is a medication that helps treat severe alopecia areata, a condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles, leading to hair loss.
Primary Uses
It is primarily used for the treatment of severe alopecia areata in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older.
How It Works
Litfulo works by inhibiting the activity of certain enzymes involved in inflammation at the hair follicle, which helps reduce inflammation and promotes hair regrowth.
Good to know: Litfulo is not known to be addictive.
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How to Take Litfulo
Follow your doctor's instructions for taking Litfulo to ensure its effectiveness.
Dosage Instructions
The recommended dosage is one 50 mg capsule taken once daily. Swallow the capsule whole; do not crush, split, or chew it.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- infections of the nose, throat, or windpipe
- inflammation of hair follicles (itchy or painful)
- dizziness
- diarrhoea
- acne
- rash (not including hives or shingles)
- increased creatine phosphokinase levels (identified by blood test)
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- shingles (herpes zoster), a painful skin rash with blisters
- hives (urticaria), an itching skin rash
Important Warnings
There are several important warnings to consider before using Litfulo.
Who Should Not Take Litfulo
Do not use Litfulo if you are allergic to ritlecitinib or any of its ingredients, have a serious ongoing infection, severe liver problems, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Discuss any history of infections, diabetes, tuberculosis, herpes infections, hepatitis B or C, cancer, blood clots, or any other medical conditions with your doctor.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Litfulo should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding as it may harm the developing baby or affect breastfed infants.
Drug Interactions
Litfulo may interact with other medications, increasing their levels in the blood.
- midazolam (for anxiety or sleep disorders)
- quinidine (for heart rhythm problems)
- colchicine (for gout)
- ciclosporin, everolimus, tacrolimus, sirolimus (for organ transplant rejection)
- dihydroergotamine, ergotamine (for migraines)
- pimozide (for schizophrenia and chronic psychosis)
- theophylline (for asthma)
- tizanidine (for muscle spasms)
- pirfenidone (for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis)
Alcohol & Driving
Litfulo has no significant effect on your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Alcohol
There are no specific warnings regarding alcohol consumption while taking Litfulo.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Litfulo has no or limited effect on the ability to drive or use machines.
Storage
Store Litfulo in its original container below 30°C, protected from light and moisture. Keep it out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Contact the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26 or go to the nearest hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
The time it takes for Litfulo to show effects can vary by individual, and your doctor can provide more specific information based on your treatment.
Yes, Litfulo can be taken with or without food.
No, Litfulo is not known to be addictive.
Do not stop taking Litfulo suddenly without consulting your doctor, as it may affect your treatment.
There are no specific warnings against alcohol consumption while taking Litfulo.
Weight gain is not listed as a common side effect of Litfulo.
Elderly patients should discuss their health conditions with their doctor to ensure Litfulo is safe for them.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it's almost time for your next dose. Do not take a double dose.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.