Living with dermatomyositis

How dermatomyositis works

Dermatomyositis (DM) is an autoimmune disease. DM causes your body’s immune system, which normally defends against foreign bacteria and viruses, to start attacking healthy tissue instead.

Toggle the button below to see an immune system with DM versus an immune system with LISRAYA

Immune System
with Dermatomyositis
Immune System
with LISRAYA

Immune System with Dermatomyositis

In DM, certain parts of your body’s immune system get stuck in the “on” position. They become overactive, leading to unwanted inflammation that targets your skin and muscle cells, causing common DM symptoms.

Immune System with LISRAYA

Unlike other DM treatments, which suppress the immune system generally, LISRAYA works by turning off specific inflammatory switches that are stuck in the “on” position.

Man and woman walking their dog on a trail beside a lake

A targeted treatment for dermatomyositis

Instead of suppressing the immune system generally, LISRAYA works by specifically targeting key drivers of DM.
Learn About LISRAYA

Dermatomyositis affects the body outside and inside

DM can affect multiple parts of the body, including skin and muscles. DM impacts different people in different ways, but some DM symptoms and manifestations are more common than others.

Skin Symptoms

Characteristic skin symptoms of DM include rash and a persistent, bothersome itch that can be triggered by sun exposure.

Skin Symptoms

Characteristic skin symptoms of 
DM include rash and a persistent, bothersome itch that can be 
triggered by sun exposure.
Heliotrope Rash

A violet or reddish-purple rash on the eyelids, sometimes with swelling. This is a classic, telltale sign of DM.

A widespread, flat and reddened rash on the upper back, shoulders, and neck (the “shawl” area) and on the front of the chest (in a “V” shape).

Red or purplish bumps on the joints, most commonly over the knuckles but also on elbows and knees.

A reddish-purple rash on the outer hips and thighs that is a specific, common sign of DM.

A constant, severe itch that can disrupt sleep and impair overall quality of life.

Proximal Muscle Weakness

A profound weakness in the muscles closest to the center of the body, including the neck, shoulders, and hips, which can make it difficult to perform even basic activities like climbing stairs or lifting objects overhead.

A deep, persistent feeling of exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest, making everyday movements feel like a major effort.

Aching, tenderness, or soreness in the muscles that can cause discomfort during daily physical activities.

Muscle Symptoms

Characteristic muscle symptoms of DM include weakness and difficulty doing everyday activities.

Muscle Symptoms

Characteristic muscle symptoms of DM include weakness and difficulty doing everyday activities.

Real-life insights on dermatomyositis

Everyone experiences DM differently. See real stories of people who are navigating life with this challenging condition.

Individual results may vary

Tamara, a real patient taking LISRAYA for dermatomyositis, sitting outdoors with her dog

I went from somebody who could barely get off a couch to going back to work and being social, being able to do things again.

Tamara
Diagnosed with dermatomyositis in 2022
See Story
Mary, a real patient taking LISRAYA for dermatomyositis, smiling outdoors

I feel like I’m getting back to my normal self.

Mary
Diagnosed with dermatomyositis in 2022
See Story
Veronica, a real patient taking LISRAYA for dermatomyositis, smiling while seated outdoors

You don’t realize how important the little things are until you cannot do them. And when you get them back, you appreciate them more.

Veronica
Diagnosed with dermatomyositis in 2021
See Story
Glennis, a real patient taking LISRAYA for dermatomyositis, standing outdoors by a barn

With LISRAYA, I could get dressed by myself, play with the grandkids, and get in and out of vehicles.

Glennis
Diagnosed with dermatomyositis in 2021
See Story
Candice, a real patient taking LISRAYA for dermatomyositis, smiling indoors with her arms folded

I was able to regain my sense of independence and reintegrate into my typical lifestyle and activities of daily living.

Candice
Diagnosed with dermatomyositis in 2017
See Story
Kristen, a real patient taking LISRAYA for dermatomyositis, smiling with her arms folded

I knew LISRAYA was working when the rash on my face, chest, and hands completely went away.

Kristin
Diagnosed with dermatomyositis in 2002
See Story

Find a Dermatomyositis Specialist

Dermatomyositis is typically managed by a physician, such as a dermatologist or rheumatologist, with expertise in DM.
Find a Specialist

Learn more about LISRAYA

Man and woman travelling by car on a mountain road

Explore LISRAYA

See what makes LISRAYA, the first and only targeted treatment for dermatomyositis, so unique.
Learn more
Woman living with dermatomyositis relaxing on her sofa with a book

See Patient Stories

Hear people with dermatomyositis talk about their experiences with LISRAYA.
Learn more
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Indication

LISRAYA (brepocitinib) is used for the treatment of adults with dermatomyositis (DM).

Limitations of Use
LISRAYA should not be used in combination with other JAK inhibitors, other TYK2 inhibitors, or biologic DMARDs.

Important Safety Information

WARNING: SERIOUS INFECTIONS, MORTALITY, MALIGNANCY, MAJOR ADVERSE CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS (MACE), and THROMBOSIS

USE
LISRAYA (brepocitinib) is used for the treatment of adults with dermatomyositis (DM).

Limitations of Use
LISRAYA should not be used in combination with other JAK inhibitors, other TYK2 inhibitors, or biologic DMARDs.

LISRAYA can cause serious side effects, including:
Serious infections. LISRAYA can lower your ability to fight infections. Serious infections have happened while taking LISRAYA, including active tuberculosis (TB), and infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that can spread throughout the body. Some people have died from these infections. Your healthcare provider (HCP) should test you for TB before starting LISRAYA and check you closely for signs and symptoms of TB during treatment with LISRAYA. You should not start taking LISRAYA if you have any kind of infection unless your HCP tells you it is okay. If you get a serious infection, your HCP may stop your treatment until your infection is controlled. You may be at higher risk of developing shingles (herpes zoster).

Increased risk of death in people 50 years of age and older who have at least 1 heart disease risk factor and are taking a medicine in the class of medicines called Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. LISRAYA is a JAK inhibitor medicine.

Cancer and immune system problems. LISRAYA may increase your risk of certain cancers. Lymphoma and other cancers, including skin cancers, can happen. Current or past smokers are at higher risk of certain cancers, including lymphoma and lung cancer. Follow your HCP’s advice about having your skin checked for skin cancer during treatment with LISRAYA. Limit the amount of time you spend in sunlight. Wear protective clothing when you are in the sun and use sunscreen.

Increased risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, or death in people 50 years of age and older who have at least 1 heart disease (cardiovascular) risk factor and are taking a JAK inhibitor, especially if you are a current or past smoker.

Blood clots. Blood clots in the veins of your legs or lungs and arteries can happen in some people taking LISRAYA. This may be life-threatening and cause death. Blood clots in the veins of the legs and lungs have happened more often in people who are 50 years of age and older with at least 1 heart disease (cardiovascular) risk factor taking a JAK inhibitor.

Allergic Reactions. Symptoms such as rash (hives), trouble breathing, feeling faint or dizzy, or swelling of your lips, tongue, or throat that may mean you are having an allergic reaction have been seen in people taking LISRAYA. Some of these reactions were serious. If any of these symptoms occur during treatment with LISRAYA, stop taking LISRAYA and get emergency medical help right away.

Tears in the stomach or intestines. Some people taking LISRAYA can get tears in their stomach or intestines. This happens most often in people who take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids. Get medical help right away if you get stomach-area pain, fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting.

Low blood sugar in people with diabetes. If you have diabetes, your healthcare provider may tell you to check your blood sugar (glucose) more often during treatment with LISRAYA. Call your healthcare provider if you have any problems with low blood sugar.

Changes in certain laboratory tests. Your HCP should do blood tests before you start taking LISRAYA and while you take it. Your HCP may stop your LISRAYA treatment for a period of time if needed because of changes in these blood test results.

Before taking LISRAYA, tell your HCP if you:

  • have an infection.
  • are a current or past smoker.
  • have had any type of cancer.
  • have had a heart attack or other heart problems, or stroke.
  • have liver or kidney problems.
  • have unexplained stomach (abdominal) pain, have a history of diverticulitis or ulcers in your stomach or intestines, or are taking NSAIDs.
  • have diabetes.
  • have low red or white blood cell counts.
  • have recently received or are scheduled to receive an immunization (vaccine). People taking LISRAYA should not receive live vaccines.
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. LISRAYA may harm your unborn baby.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. LISRAYA may pass into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with LISRAYA and for 3 days after your last dose of LISRAYA. 

Females who are able to become pregnant:

  • Your healthcare provider will check whether or not you are pregnant before you start treatment with LISRAYA.
  • You should use effective birth control (contraception) to avoid becoming pregnant during treatment with LISRAYA and for 3 days after your last dose of LISRAYA.
  • Tell your healthcare provider if you think you are pregnant or become pregnant during treatment with LISRAYA.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. LISRAYA and other medicines may affect each other, causing side effects.

Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take medicines that affect your immune system as these medicines may increase your risk of infection. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are not sure if you are taking any of these medicines.

The most common side effects of LISRAYA include:

  • common cold, sinus infections, or sore throat (upper respiratory tract infections)
  • headache
  • tired or lack of energy (fatigue)
  • urinary tract infection
  • nausea
  • acne
  • diarrhea
  • falls
  • bronchitis
  • flu (influenza)
  • joint pain (arthralgia)
  • back pain

Please see the Full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING, and Medication Guide.