Information for the public

Deucravacitinib (SOTYKTU) is available on the NHS as a possible treatment for plaque psoriasis in adults, if the psoriasis:

  • is moderate to severe and affects quality of life, and
  • has not improved with other treatments, including ciclosporin, methotrexate and phototherapy, or these cannot be used.

If the psoriasis does not improve enough, deucravacitinib may be stopped after 16 weeks or 24 weeks.

When assessing how psoriasis affects your quality of life, healthcare professionals should take into account how the psoriasis may look on your skin colour, and any disabilities or difficulties in communicating you might have.

If you are not eligible for deucravacitinib but are already having it, you should be able to continue until you and your doctor decide when best to stop.

Is this treatment right for me?

Your healthcare professionals should give you clear information, talk with you about your options and listen carefully to your views and concerns. Your family can be involved too, if you wish. See our webpage on making decisions about your care.

Questions to think about

  • How well does it work compared with other treatments?
  • What are the risks or side effects? How likely are they?
  • How will the treatment affect my day-to-day life?
  • What happens if the treatment does not work?
  • What happens if I do not want to have treatment? Are there other treatments available?

Information and support

The NHS webpage on psoriasis may be a good place to find out more.

These organisations can give you advice and support:

You can also get support from your local Healthwatch.

NICE is not responsible for the quality or accuracy of any information or advice provided by these organisations.

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