Please Note: Dr. Rebecca Robert is closing her practice on April 11, 2024

Women's Health

Ritlecitinib Oral Capsule (RITLECITINIB - ORAL)

For hair loss.

Brand Name(s): Litfulo

Generic Name: Ritlecitinib

Instructions

Swallow the medicine without crushing or chewing it.

This medicine may be taken with or without food.

Swallow with a full glass (8 oz) of water unless your doctor gives you different instructions.

This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

Avoid prolonged or excessive sunlight exposure. Use sunscreen lotion with SPF 15 or higher.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is less than 8 hours to the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses of this medicine at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Your doctor should check you for tuberculosis (TB) before you start this medicine and while you are using it. Tell your doctor if you are being treated for TB or any other infection.

This medicine may increase the risk of cancer. Ask your doctor about the benefits and risks.

This medicine is associated with an increased risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience leg pain or swelling, difficulty breathing, chest or jaw pain, severe headache, one-sided weakness or slurred speech.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

This medicine may cause dizziness or fainting. Do not stand or sit up quickly.

If possible, avoid using with alcohol, marijuana, or other medicines that can cause dizziness or drowsiness. These include allergy/cold products, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and pain relievers.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Avoid smoking while on this medicine. Smoking may increase your risk for serious side effects.

This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.

Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.

Do not breastfeed while on this medicine. You may safely start breastfeeding 14 hours after stopping treatment.

During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • diarrhea
  • dizziness

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • wheezing or difficulty breathing
  • chest or jaw pain
  • cough that does not go away
  • fainting
  • fever or chills
  • severe or persistent headache
  • sudden leg pain, swelling, warmth or redness
  • rapid breathing
  • shortness of breath
  • skin changes - a darker area with uneven edges or coloring
  • change in the size or color of a skin mole
  • sore throat
  • difficulty speaking
  • symptoms of stroke (such as one-sided weakness, slurred speech, confusion)
  • excessive or unusual sweating
  • sweating at night
  • blurring or changes of vision
  • unexpected or extreme weight loss

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.