Medication Review: What Is the Safety Profile of Deucravacitinib in PsO and PsA?

Join Iris Zink, a rheumatology nurse practitioner with over 25 years of experience, as she explores the safety profile of TYK2 inhibitors, with a focus on deucravacitinib—an oral, first-in-class selective TYK2 inhibitor. In this video, Iris reviews key findings from a February 2025 expert consensus published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, where 10 leading dermatologists across the U.S. assessed the safety of deucravacitinib for the treatment of psoriasis (PsO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The panel concluded that deucravacitinib has a strong safety profile, demonstrating greater efficacy than apremilast at 16 weeks, with continued improvement through 24 weeks and sustained benefits over four years in long-term trials. Unlike traditional JAK inhibitors, deucravacitinib targets the regulatory domain of TYK2, reducing off-target effects and avoiding increased rates of serious infections, venous thromboembolism (VTE), major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), or malignancy.Iris also discusses common side effects, such as upper respiratory infections, CPK elevations, mouth ulcers, and acne, as well as rare cases of rhabdomyolysis—both of which were manageable and non-recurring. She emphasizes that current data does not support a need for regular lab monitoring, though screening for TB and hepatitis remains recommended. This video offers a practical, clear overview of the latest safety data on deucravacitinib and is a must-watch for clinicians, students, and anyone interested in innovative, targeted treatments for autoimmune diseases. For more information, visit RhAPP.org and subscribe for additional expert-led rheumatology education.