Oral allosteric TYK2 inhibitor Pregnancy: Available data from case reports in pregnancy are insufficient to evaluate a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes; no effects on embryo-fetal development in rats and rabbits at doses at least 72 times the maximum recommended human dose of 6 mg once daily.

Deucravacitinib

Brand names: Sotyktu

Deucravacitinib is an oral selective tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor used for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy.

Auto-extracted from the source labelling — not yet independently clinician-verified. These values were distilled from the UK SPC (or the US label where noted) but have not had a clinician sign-off. Confirm against the current SmPC before prescribing.

Adult dose

Dose: 6 mg

Route: Oral (tablets; do not crush, cut or chew)

Frequency: Once daily, with or without food

US prescribing information (SOTYKTU) — no UK SPC posology was retrieved, so verify against the UK SPC before use. Indications in the label: moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and active psoriatic arthritis in adults. Before initiation, evaluate patients for active and latent tuberculosis — do not administer in active TB and start treatment for latent TB first; complete all immunisations according to current guidelines. HEPATIC IMPAIRMENT: not recommended in severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C); no dosage adjustment for mild (Child-Pugh A) or moderate (Child-Pugh B) impairment. Safety and effectiveness in paediatric patients have not been established. In subjects aged 65 and over with plaque psoriasis there was a higher incidence of overall serious adverse reactions, including serious infections, and of discontinuations due to adverse reactions, than in younger adults.

Dose auto-extracted from US FDA prescribing information (openFDA / DailyMed) — cross-check; US labelling may differ from UK — not yet clinician-verified. Always confirm against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Contraindications

History of hypersensitivity reaction to deucravacitinib or to any of the excipients

Side effects

Upper respiratory infections (≥1%)
Blood creatine phosphokinase increased (≥1%)
Herpes simplex (≥1%)
Mouth ulcers (≥1%)
Folliculitis and acne (≥1%)
Serious: hypersensitivity reactions including angioedema, infections including tuberculosis, malignancies including lymphomas, rhabdomyolysis with markedly elevated CPK

Clinical monograph

How it works

It selectively inhibits TYK2 by binding its regulatory domain, dampening signalling of interleukin-23, interleukin-12 and type I interferons that drive psoriatic inflammation.

Prescribing in practice

Screen for and exclude active serious infection including tuberculosis before starting, as immunomodulation increases infection risk.
Avoid live vaccines during treatment and ensure vaccinations are up to date beforehand.
Assess for response within the expected timeframe and review continuation against agreed treatment targets.

Monitoring

Monitor for signs of infection and review for other class-relevant effects in line with the SPC during treatment.

Counselling the patient

This is a tablet taken once daily for psoriasis; take it as prescribed.
Report fevers or other signs of infection promptly.
Tell your clinician you are on this medicine before having any vaccinations.

Evidence & guidelines

Deucravacitinib is recommended by NICE as an option for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, supported by the POETYK PSO phase 3 trials.

Reference: NICE TA907; BAD psoriasis; SmPC; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. The structured dose values shown have been reviewed by a clinician. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Pathways