Cibinqo (abrocitinib) is a prescription medication used to treat mild to severe eczema (atopic dermatitis) in patients aged 12 years and above. It has been developed by Pfizer, a global pharmaceutical company, and received FDA approval in January 2021.
Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects around 5-20% of the population worldwide. It causes skin inflammation, redness, itching, and recurring flares, which can adversely impact a patient’s quality of life. Abrocitinib acts as an oral kinase inhibitor that works by blocking the action of certain cytokines, which are proteins involved in inflammation processes.
Several clinical trials have supported the efficacy of abrocitinib in treating eczema. In a phase III trial, researchers found that patients who received abrocitinib had significantly improved skin clearance and reduction in itching compared to the placebo. The medication is effective in reducing inflammation and pruritus (skin itching), leading to an improvement in the patient’s quality of life.
Abrocitinib is administered orally in the form of a tablet once daily. It is recommended to be taken with food or water to enhance its absorption. The dosing of abrocitinib is dependent on the patient’s weight and response to therapy.
The medication has been found to be generally well-tolerated, with the most common side effects being diarrhea, headache, and nausea. Other adverse reactions that can occur are skin infections, serious hypersensitivity reactions, and abnormal liver function tests. It is essential for patients to report any unusual symptoms immediately to their healthcare provider.
As with any medication, there are safety precautions and contraindications to keep in mind when using abrocitinib. Individuals with a history of asthma or allergies should be monitored closely while taking the medication, as it can cause anaphylaxis and other severe hypersensitivity reactions. The use of abrocitinib in patients with active infection or a history of viral hepatitis should also be done with caution.
Additionally, abrocitinib is known to interact with other medications, such as strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, which can increase the levels of abrocitinib in the bloodstream, leading to adverse effects. Hence, patients should discuss their entire medication list with their healthcare provider before commencing treatment.
In conclusion, Cibinqo (abrocitinib) is an effective medication for treating eczema, providing improved skin clearance and reduction in itching. The medication is administered orally, and the dosing is dependent on the patient’s weight and their response to therapy. The medication is generally well-tolerated, with the most common side effects being diarrhea, headache, and nausea, and other adverse reactions that require constant monitoring. As with any medication, patients should follow healthcare provider’s recommendations and report any adverse reactions immediately.
Savannah Everett –
Cibinqo has been a game-changer for me. I was hesitant at first because of the cost and potential side effects, but it’s been 100% worth it. The flare-ups are now rare and mild, and my skin feels better than it has in over a decade. I’ve had no serious side effects, and my labs have stayed normal. It’s easy to take, and I started seeing improvement within the first week. I only wish this had been available years ago.
W. Tanksley –
The itching used to be unbearable, especially at night. I’d wake up multiple times scratching until I bled. After starting Cibinqo, the change was dramatic. The itchiness decreased significantly after the first few doses, and I’m finally sleeping through the night. My skin is less red, less dry, and my quality of life has improved so much. I also love that it’s a pill instead of injections. Thank you to the makers of this drug—this has given me real relief.
Katey Dangel –
I’ve struggled with severe atopic dermatitis since I was a teenager. After trying countless creams, steroids, and even other biologics with little relief, my dermatologist recommended Cibinqo. Within just two weeks, the itchiness and inflammation started to calm down. Now, three months in, my skin is almost completely clear for the first time in years. I finally feel comfortable in my own skin. No major side effects either—just some mild nausea in the first week that quickly passed. Highly recommend giving it a try if nothing else has worked.