Source: FDA, National Drug Code (US) Revision Year: 2025
LEQSELVI is contraindicated in patients who:
Serious infections have been reported in subjects with alopecia areata receiving LEQSELVI [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
Avoid use of LEQSELVI in patients with an active, serious infection including localized infections.
Prior to LEQSELVI treatment, consider the risks and benefits in patients:
Closely monitor patients for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with LEQSELVI. If the patient develops a serious infection, interrupt treatment with LEQSELVI until the infection resolves or is adequately treated. If a patient develops a new infection during treatment with LEQSELVI, initiate complete diagnostic testing appropriate for an immunocompromised patient and appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
Evaluate patients for latent and active tuberculosis (TB) infection prior to LEQSELVI treatment. LEQSELVI is not recommended for use in patients with active TB.
Treat patients with latent TB before LEQSELVI treatment. Consider anti-TB therapy prior to LEQSELVI treatment in patients with previously untreated latent TB or active TB in whom an adequate course of treatment cannot be confirmed, and for patients with a negative test for latent TB but who have risk factors for TB infection. Consultation with a physician with expertise in the treatment of TB is recommended to aid in the decision about whether initiating anti-TB therapy is appropriate for an individual patient.
Monitor patients receiving LEQSELVI for signs and symptoms of active TB during treatment, including patients who tested negative for latent TB infection prior to treatment.
Viral reactivation, including cases of herpes virus reactivation (e.g., herpes zoster) were reported in clinical trials with LEQSELVI [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. If a patient develops herpes zoster, consider interrupting LEQSELVI treatment until the episode resolves.
The impact of LEQSELVI on chronic viral hepatitis reactivation is unknown. Subjects with positive results for hepatitis B surface antigens (HBsAg), antibodies to hepatitis B core antigens (anti-HBc), or hepatitis C virus (HCV) with detectable HCV RNA at screening were excluded from LEQSELVI clinical trials. Perform screening for viral hepatitis before treatment with LEQSELVI. LEQSELVI is not recommended for use in patients with active hepatitis B or hepatitis C (HCV RNA detected).
If non-active hepatitis B infection is discovered, monitoring for reactivation or prophylactic treatment is recommended. Follow hepatitis B clinical guidelines or refer to a liver specialist. Hepatitis B viral load (HBV-DNA titer) increase, with or without associated elevations in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, has been reported in subjects with chronic HBV infections receiving JAK inhibitors used to treat inflammatory conditions. The effect of LEQSELVI on viral replication in patients with chronic HBV infection is unknown.
In a large, randomized, postmarketing safety trial of another JAK inhibitor in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) subjects 50 years and older with at least one cardiovascular risk factor, a higher rate of all-cause mortality, including sudden cardiovascular death, was observed in subjects treated with the JAK inhibitor compared with TNF blockers.
Consider the benefits and risks for the individual patient prior to and during treatment with LEQSELVI.
Malignancies were observed in clinical trials of LEQSELVI [see Adverse Reactions 6.1)].
In a large, randomized, postmarketing safety trial of another JAK inhibitor in subjects with RA, a higher rate of malignancies (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC)) was observed in subjects treated with the JAK inhibitor compared to those treated with TNF blockers. A higher rate of lymphomas was observed in subjects treated with the JAK inhibitor compared to those treated with TNF blockers. A higher rate of lung cancers was observed in current or past smokers treated with the JAK inhibitor compared to those treated with TNF blockers. In this trial, current or past smokers had an additional increased risk of overall malignancies.
Consider the benefits and risks for the individual patient prior to and during treatment with LEQSELVI, particularly in patients with a known malignancy (other than successfully treated NMSC), patients who develop a malignancy, and patients who are current or past smokers.
Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) have been reported in patients treated with LEQSELVI. Periodic skin examination is recommended for patients who are at increased risk for skin cancer.
In a large, randomized, postmarketing safety trial of another JAK inhibitor in subjects with RA 50 years of age and older with at least one cardiovascular risk factor, a higher rate of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) defined as cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), and non-fatal stroke was observed with the JAK inhibitor compared to those treated with TNF blockers. Patients who are current or past smokers are at additional increased risk.
Consider the benefits and risks for the individual patient prior to and during treatment with LEQSELVI, particularly in patients who are current or past smokers and patients with other cardiovascular risk factors. Inform patients about the symptoms of serious cardiovascular events and the steps to take if they occur. Discontinue LEQSELVI in patients that have experienced a myocardial infarction or stroke.
Thrombosis, including pulmonary embolism (PE), deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVT) have been reported in clinical trials of deuruxolitinib [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. There was no clear relationship between platelet count elevations and thrombotic events.
Thrombosis, including DVT, PE, and arterial thrombosis have been reported in subjects receiving JAK inhibitors used to treat inflammatory conditions. Many of these adverse reactions were serious and some resulted in death.
In a large, randomized, postmarketing safety trial of another JAK inhibitor in subjects with RA 50 years of age and older with at least one cardiovascular risk factor, higher rates of overall thrombosis, DVT, and PE were observed compared to those treated with TNF blockers.
Avoid LEQSELVI in patients who may be at increased risk of thrombosis. If symptoms of thrombosis occur, discontinue LEQSELVI and evaluate and treat patients appropriately.
Higher plasma concentrations of deuruxolitinib, which may increase the risk of LEQSELVI-associated serious adverse reactions such as thrombosis, may occur when LEQSELVI is used in patients who:
Prior to LEQSELVI treatment, test patients for CYP2C9 variants to determine if they are poor metabolizers [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)]. An FDA-cleared or -approved test for the detection of CYP2C9 variants to direct the use of LEQSELVI is not currently available.
LEQSELVI is contraindicated in patients who are CYP2C9 poor metabolizers or patients who are on concomitant moderate or strong CYP2C9 inhibitors [see Contraindications (4)].
Gastrointestinal perforations have been reported in clinical trials with LEQSELVI.
Monitor patients treated with LEQSELVI who may be at increased risk for gastrointestinal perforation (e.g., patients with a history of diverticulitis). Evaluate promptly patients presenting with new onset abdominal symptoms for early identification of gastrointestinal perforation.
Perform a CBC prior to and periodically during treatment with LEQSELVI [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].
Treatment with LEQSELVI was associated with increases in triglycerides and total cholesterol, including HDL-C and LDL-C [see Adverse Reactions 6.1)]. The effect of these lipid parameter elevations on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has not been determined. Perform assessment of lipid parameters at baseline and periodically during treatment with LEQSELVI. Manage patients according to clinical guidelines for hyperlipidemia.
Treatment with LEQSELVI was associated with an increased incidence of anemia (hemoglobin less than 8 g/dL) compared to placebo [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Avoid or interrupt LEQSELVI treatment in patients with hemoglobin less than 8 g/dL [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].
Treatment with LEQSELVI was associated with an increased incidence of neutropenia (ANC less than 1000 cells/mm³) compared to placebo [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Avoid or interrupt LEQSELVI treatment in patients with an ANC less than 1,000 cells/mm³ [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].
Treatment with LEQSELVI was associated with an increased incidence of lymphopenia (ALC less than 500 cells/mm³ ) compared to placebo [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Avoid or interrupt LEQSELVI treatment in patients with an ALC less than 500 cells/mm³ [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].
Prior to LEQSELVI treatment, complete all necessary immunizations, including varicella zoster or prophylactic herpes zoster vaccinations, in accordance with current immunization guidelines. Avoid use of live vaccines during or immediately prior to LEQSELVI treatment.
The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling:
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
The safety of LEQSELVI was evaluated in three randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials (including a dose-ranging trial), two open-label trials, and two long-term extension trials in adult subjects with severe alopecia areata. These subjects had at least 50% scalp hair loss as measured by the Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) for more than six months. A total of 1,730 subjects with alopecia areata were treated across all trials, representing 1,962.9 patient-years of exposure. There were 974 subjects who were exposed to either LEQSELVI 8 mg or deuruxolitinib 12 mg for at least 1 year and 104 subjects who were exposed for at least 3 years.
Deuruxolitinib 12 mg is not approved.
Among 1,020 subjects enrolled in the placebo-controlled clinical trials, 640 subjects received LEQSELVI 8 mg twice daily, 380 subjects received deuruxolitinib 12 mg twice daily and 299 subjects received placebo twice daily for up to 24 weeks [see Clinical Studies (14)].
Adverse Reactions occurring at ≥1% in the LEQSELVI 8 mg or deuruxolitinib 12 mg twice daily group and at a higher rate than in the placebo group are presented in Table 2. A total of 20 (3.1%) of subjects treated with LEQSELVI 8 mg were discontinued from the trials due to adverse reactions.
Table 2. Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥1% of Subjects with Alopecia Areata Treated with LEQSELVI 8 mg Twice Daily or Deuruxolitinib 12 mg Twice Daily (and More Frequently than Placebo) in Placebo-Controlled Trials Over 24-Weeks:
| Placebo N=299 n (%)a | LEQSELVI 8 mg twice daily N=640 n (%)a | Deuruxolitinib 12 mg twice daily N=380 n (%)a | |
| Acneb | 13 (4.3) | 66 (10.0) | 52 (12.6) |
| Headache | 30 (9.4) | 83 (12.4) | 44 (10.5) |
| Nasopharyngitis | 21 (6.7) | 54 (8.1) | 33 (7.7) |
| Blood creatine phosphokinase increased | 7 (2.2) | 35 (5.3) | 27 (7.4) |
| Hyperlipidemiac | 10 (3.1) | 30 (4.4) | 19 (5.2) |
| Fatigued | 12 (3.9) | 26 (3.9) | 20 (4.9) |
| Skin and soft tissue infectionse | 2 (0.8) | 11 (1.6) | 15 (4.0) |
| Anemiaf | 3 (1.0) | 18 (2.6) | 16 (3.4) |
| Weight increased | 4 (1.4) | 19 (2.9) | 10 (2.5) |
| Neutropeniag | 3 (0.7) | 10 (1.4) | 10 (2.8) |
| Lymphopenia | 2 (0.6) | 2 (0.3) | 7 (2.0) |
| Thrombocytosish | 0 | 18 (2.7) | 6 (1.6) |
| Herpesi | 2 (0.6) | 8 (1.2) | 6 (1.6) |
a %-study size adjusted percentages.
b Acne includes: acne, dermatitis acneiform, and acne pustular.
c Hyperlipidemia includes: blood cholesterol increased, low density lipoprotein increased, blood triglycerides increased, hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and dyslipidaemia.
d Fatigue includes: fatigue, asthenia, hypersomnia, somnolence, and lethargy.
e Skin and soft issue infections includes: folliculitis, impetigo, skin infection, subcutaneous abscess, furuncle, paronychia, and pustule.
f Anemia includes: anemia, hematocrit decreased, hemoglobin decreased, iron deficiency anemia, and red blood cell count decreased.
g Neutropenia includes: neutropenia and neutrophil count decreased.
h Thrombocytosis includes: thrombocytosis and platelet count increased.
i Herpes includes: oral herpes, herpes simplex, genital herpes simplex, and nasal herpes.
Additional adverse drug reactions occurring in fewer than 1% of subjects: herpes zoster, lipase increased, and candidiasis.
A total of 868 subjects in the long-term extension trials received treatment with LEQSELVI 8 mg twice daily and 991 subjects received treatment with deuruxolitinib 12 mg twice daily for 52 weeks. In two open-label extension trials up to 3 years, 829 subjects received treatment with LEQSELVI 8 mg twice daily, and 1066 subjects received treatment with deuruxolitinib 12 mg twice daily.
During the 24-week treatment period, infections were reported in 97 subjects (88.0 per 100 patient-years) treated with placebo, 222 subjects (101.5 per 100 patient-years) treated with LEQSELVI 8 mg twice daily and 153 subjects (117.0 per 100 patient years) treated with deuruxolitinib 12 mg twice daily. During the 0-52 week period, infections were reported in 435 subjects (95.5 per 100 patient-years) treated with LEQSELVI 8 mg twice daily and 408 subjects (74.1 per 100 patient-years) treated with deuruxolitinib 12 mg twice daily.
During the 24-week treatment period, serious infections were reported in 1 subject (0.8 per 100 patient-years) treated with placebo, 5 subjects (1.8 per 100 patient-years) treated with LEQSELVI 8 mg twice daily and 2 subjects (1.2 per 100 patient-years) treated with deuruxolitinib 12 mg twice daily. During the 0-52 week period, serious infections were reported in 5 subjects (0.7 per 100 patient-years) treated with LEQSELVI 8 mg twice daily and 4 subjects (0.5 per 100 patient-years) treated with deuruxolitinib 12 mg twice daily.
During the 24-week treatment period, opportunistic infections (herpes zoster) were reported in 0 subjects treated with placebo, 3 subjects (1.1 per 100 patient-years) treated with LEQSELVI 8 mg twice daily and 3 subjects (1.8 per 100 patient-years) treated with deuruxolitinib 12 mg twice daily. During the 0-52 week period, herpes zoster was reported in 10 subjects (1.5 per 100 patient-years) treated with LEQSELVI 8 mg twice daily and 15 subjects (1.9 per 100 patient-years) treated with deuruxolitinib 12 mg twice daily.
During the 0-52 week period, malignancy excluding NMSC was reported in 3 subjects (0.4 per 100 patient-years) treated with LEQSELVI 8 mg twice daily and 4 subjects (0.5 per 100 patient-years) treated with deuruxolitinib 12 mg twice daily.
During the 0-52 week period, thrombosis was reported in 0 subjects treated with LEQSELVI 8 mg twice daily and 1 subject (0.1 per 100 patient-years) treated with deuruxolitinib 12 mg twice daily who developed bilateral pulmonary embolism.
Anemia:
During the 24-week treatment period, anemia was reported in 3 subjects (2.3 per 100 patient-years) treated with placebo, 19 subjects (6.9 per 100 patient-years) treated with LEQSELVI 8 mg twice daily and 16 subjects (9.6 per 100 patient-years) treated with deuruxolitinib 12 mg twice daily. During the 0-52 week period, anemia was reported in 17 subjects (2.6 per 100 patient-years) treated with LEQSELVI 8 mg twice daily and 38 subjects (5.0 per 100 patient-years) treated with deuruxolitinib 12 mg twice daily.
Neutropenia:
During the 24-week treatment period, neutropenia was reported in 3 subjects (2.3 per 100 patient-years) treated with placebo, 10 subjects (3.6 per 100 patient-years) treated with LEQSELVI 8 mg twice daily and 10 subjects (6.0 per 100 patient-years) treated with deuruxolitinib 12 mg twice daily. During the 0-52 week period, neutropenia was reported in 11 subjects (1.6 per 100 patient-years) treated with LEQSELVI 8 mg twice daily and 15 subjects (1.9 per 100 patient-years) treated with deuruxolitinib 12 mg twice daily.
Lymphopenia:
During the 24-week treatment period, lymphopenia was reported in 2 subjects (1.5 per 100 patient-years) treated with placebo, 2 subjects (0.7 per 100 patient-years) treated with LEQSELVI 8 mg twice daily and 7 subjects (4.2 per 100 patient-years) treated with deuruxolitinib 12 mg twice daily. During the 0-52 week period, lymphopenia was reported in 4 subjects (0.6 per 100 patient-years) treated with LEQSELVI 8 mg twice daily and 10 subjects (1.3 per 100 patient-years) treated with deuruxolitinib 12 mg twice daily.
Lipid Elevations:
During the 24-week treatment period, lipid elevations were reported in 10 subjects (7.7 per 100 patient-years) treated with placebo, 30 subjects (11.0 per 100 patient-years) treated with LEQSELVI 8 mg twice daily and 18 subjects (10.9 per 100 patient-years) treated with deuruxolitinib 12 mg twice daily. During the 0-52 week period, lipid elevations were reported in 47 subjects (7.2 per 100 patient-years) treated with LEQSELVI 8 mg twice daily and 66 subjects (8.7 per 100 patient-years) treated with deuruxolitinib 12 mg twice daily.
Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK) Elevations:
During the 24-week treatment period, CPK elevations were reported in 7 subjects (5.4 per 100 patient-years) treated with placebo, 35 subjects (12.9 per 100 patient-years) treated with LEQSELVI 8 mg twice daily and 27 subjects (16.6 per 100 patient-years) treated with deuruxolitinib 12 mg twice daily. During the 0-52 week period, CPK elevations were reported in 49 subjects (7.6 per 100 patient-years) treated with LEQSELVI 8 mg twice daily and 46 subjects (6.1 per 100 patient-years) treated with deuruxolitinib 12 mg twice daily.
Thrombocytosis:
During the 24-week treatment period, an increase in platelet count was reported in 0 subjects treated with placebo, 18 subjects (6.6 per 100 patient-years) treated with LEQSELVI 8 mg twice daily and 6 subjects (3.6 per 100 patient-years) treated with deuruxolitinib 12 mg twice daily.
During the 0-52 week period, an increase in platelet count was reported in 20 subjects (3.0 per 100 patient-years) treated with LEQSELVI 8 mg twice daily and 26 subjects (3.4 per 100 patient-years) treated with deuruxolitinib 12 mg twice daily.
Venous thromboembolic events were reported in 4 subjects treated with deuruxolitinib 12 mg twice daily between Week 52 and Week 98. These 4 subjects experienced 7 thrombotic events (0.2 per 100 patient-years), including deep vein thrombosis (DVT), bilateral pulmonary embolism (PE), pulmonary embolism, and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVT).
Avoid concomitant use of LEQSELVI with strong CYP3A and moderate or strong CYP2C9 inducers.
Deuruxolitinib is a CYP2C9 and CYP3A substrate. Concomitant use with a strong CYP3A and moderate or strong CYP2C9 inducer decreases deuruxolitinib exposure (Cmax and AUC), which may reduce LEQSELVI efficacy [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
LEQSELVI is contraindicated in patients taking moderate or strong CYP2C9 inhibitors [see Contraindications (4)].
Deuruxolitinib is a CYP2C9 substrate. Concomitant use with a moderate or strong CYP2C9 inhibitor is estimated to increase deuruxolitinib exposure (Cmax and AUC), which may increase the risk of LEQSELVI serious adverse reactions such as thrombosis [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Based on the findings from animal reproduction studies, deuruxolitinib may cause fetal harm during pregnancy. Available data from pregnancies reported in clinical trials with LEQSELVI are not sufficient to evaluate for a drug-associated risk for major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal reproduction studies, oral administration of deuruxolitinib to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis at a dose 4.8 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) resulted in reduced fetal weight and increased skeletal malformation. Oral administration of deuruxolitinib to pregnant rabbits during the period of organogenesis at a dose 0.3 times the MRHD resulted in maternal toxicity, reduced fetal weight, and increased post-implantation loss. Oral administration of deuruxolitinib to pregnant rats during pregnancy and lactation periods at a dose 5 times the MRHD resulted in maternal toxicity, decreased pup survival, and adverse effects on postnatal development (see Data). Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus.
The background risks of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population are unknown. All pregnancies carry some risk of birth defects, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects is 2 to 4% of the general population and miscarriage occurs in 15 to 20% of clinically recognized pregnancies.
In an embryo-fetal development study, deuruxolitinib was administered to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis at oral doses of 15, 30, and 60 mg/kg/day. Reduced fetal weight and increased fetal skeletal malformation were noted at 60 mg/kg/day (4.8 times the MRHD based on AUC comparison) with no maternal toxicity. No embryo-fetal toxicity was observed at doses up to 30 mg/kg/day (equivalent to MRHD based on AUC comparison). In another embryo-fetal development study, deuruxolitinib was administered to pregnant rabbits during the period of organogenesis at oral doses of 6, 30, and 60 mg/kg/day. Reduced fetal weight and increased post-implantation loss were noted at 60 mg/kg/day (0.3 times the MRHD based on AUC comparison), at which maternal toxicity was observed. No embryo-fetal toxicity was noted at doses up to 30 mg/kg/day (0.05 times the MRHD based on AUC comparison).
In a pre- and postnatal development study in rats, deuruxolitinib was administered to pregnant rats during pregnancy and lactation periods at oral doses of 15, 30, and 75 mg/kg/day. Decreases in liveborn pups and pup survival, decreased pup activity and lower pup body weights, and adverse effects on reproductive outcome in the second generation females (decreased corpora lutea, implantation, and number of live embryos, and increased resorption and post-implantation loss) were noted at 75 mg/kg/day (5 times the MRHD based on AUC comparison), at which maternal toxicity was also observed. No adverse effects on pre- and postnatal development were noted at doses up to 30 mg/kg/day (0.8 times the MRHD based on AUC comparison).
There are no data on the presence of deuruxolitinib in human milk, the effects on the breast-fed infant, or the effects on milk production. Deuruxolitinib was present in the milk of lactating rats (see Data). When a drug is present in animal milk, it is likely that the drug will be present in human milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with LEQSELVI and for one day after the last dose (approximately 5 to 6 elimination half-lives).
Following a single oral dose of 10 mg/kg administered to lactating rats on lactation day 14, deuruxolitinib concentrations were up to 20 times higher in milk than in plasma.
Based on animal studies, deuruxolitinib may cause fetal harm when administered during pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. Consider pregnancy planning and prevention for females of reproductive potential.
The safety and effectiveness of LEQSELVI have not been established in pediatric patients.
Of the 600 subjects treated with LEQSELVI 8 mg in phase 3 clinical trials, 2 (0.3%) were 65 years of age or older. Clinical trials of LEQSELVI did not include sufficient numbers of subjects 65 years of age and older to determine whether they respond differently from younger adult subjects.
LEQSELVI is not recommended for use in patients with severe renal impairment or end-stage renal disease (eGFR <30 ml/min). No adjustment of dosage is required in patients with mild or moderate renal impairment.
The effect of severe renal impairment on deuruxolitinib pharmacokinetics is unknown [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
LEQSELVI is not recommended for use in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child Pugh C). No adjustment of dosage is required in patients with mild (Child Pugh A) or moderate (Child Pugh B) hepatic impairment.
The effect of severe hepatic impairment on deuruxolitinib pharmacokinetics is unknown [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Based on modeling, higher exposure of deuruxolitinib in patients who are CYP2C9 poor metabolizers is expected with concomitant use of LEQSELVI, which may increase the risk of LEQSELVI-associated serious adverse reactions. Before initiation of treatment with LEQSELVI, test patients to determine CYP2C9 genotype. An FDA-cleared or -approved test for the detection of CYP2C9 variants to direct the use of LEQSELVI is not currently available [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.5)].
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