Medical Information

Ritlecitinib can be used for a long time in the treatment of alopecia areata, but its efficacy and safety need to be evaluated regularly. Its contraindications include severe infections, abnormal liver function, and specific populations, and the taboo foods are mainly grapefruit. The following provides a detailed explanation from three aspects: long-term medication, contraindications, and dietary taboos.

1. Long term medication evaluation

(1) Clinical trials have shown that the longest continuous use of medication can last up to 48 weeks, and long-term use requires monitoring of liver function, blood routine, and infection indicators every 3 months.

(2) Patients with alopecia areata are recommended to take medication continuously for at least 6 months to evaluate the efficacy. If effective, the treatment can be extended, and if ineffective, the plan needs to be adjusted.

2. Contraindications

(1) Active tuberculosis, reactivation of hepatitis B and other severely infected patients should not be used, and hepatitis virus and tuberculosis infection should be screened before use.

(2) For patients with moderate to severe liver dysfunction, medication should be discontinued when ALT/AST is greater than 3 times the upper limit of normal values.

(3) Prohibited during pregnancy, women of childbearing age should take effective contraceptive measures until one month after discontinuing the medication.

3. Forbidden foods

(1) Grapefruits and their products (such as grapefruit juice) may inhibit CYP3A4 enzyme, leading to drug accumulation poisoning, which should be strictly avoided.

(2) A high-fat diet may delay drug absorption, and it is recommended to take it on an empty stomach at a fixed time or with a low-fat meal.