Deuterated colexitinib (decavatinib) is most effective when taken before or after meals

Deucravacitinib is an oral TYK2 inhibitor used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. According to the existing instructions and clinical use experience, this drug does not emphasize that it must be taken "before meals" or "after meals". It is generally believed that it is enough to take the drug once a day at a fixed time. Its absorption is not significantly affected by food. Therefore, in actual use, it can be freely chosen according to the patient's living habits. However, from the perspective of gastrointestinal tolerance and blood concentration stability, taking it after or with meals is usually easier for patients to adhere to for a long time and can also reduce the occurrence of gastric discomfort.

From the perspective of pharmacokinetic data, the oral absorption of decavatinib is stable, and food does not significantly change its maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and overall drug exposure (AUC), indicating that its bioavailability is not strongly dependent on food. Because of this, most patients adopt a "fixed time taking" strategy in actual clinical practice, such as taking the medicine once every morning or evening, which not only facilitates memory, but also maintains the continuous effect of the medicine in the body. Doctors also usually recommend flexibly adjusting the medication time according to the patient's daily routine, rather than strictly limiting fasting or fullness.

However, some patients with sensitive gastrointestinal tracts may experience mild nausea, bloating, or abdominal discomfort when taking the drug on an empty stomach. Such patients can choose to take it 10–30 minutes after a meal to buffer the stimulation of the gastric mucosa with food, thereby improving tolerance. For patients with normal gastrointestinal function, there is not much difference before or after meals. As long as they insist on taking it on time, they can maintain steady-state blood drug concentration and ensure stable efficacy.

In general, the best way to take decavatinib is to take it at a fixed time every day, without stressing before or after meals. If the patient is prone to stomach discomfort, he can take it after meals; if the patient is accustomed to taking the medicine on an empty stomach, the efficacy will not be affected. The most important thing is to maintain a once-daily regimen to ensure continued inhibition of the TYK2 signaling pathway, thereby maintaining stable control of the inflammatory response to psoriasis. If the patient has severe digestive tract diseases, uses multiple drugs, or has persistent gastrointestinal discomfort, he should consult a doctor in time to adjust the medication.

Reference:https://reference.medscape.com/