8 Cibinqo Side Effects You Should Know About

Cibinqo (abrocitinib) is an oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor. It’s FDA approved to treat moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (commonly called eczema). Healthcare providers usually don’t prescribe Cibinqo unless other eczema treatments haven’t worked well.

Like other JAK inhibitors, Cibinqo has many possible side effects. Several are mild, but serious complications are also possible. If you or a loved one has been prescribed Cibinqo, it’s helpful to know what side effects to watch for.

Cibinqo side effects at a glance

Most of Cibinqo’s common side effects can be handled at home. Serious side effects are rare, but they require medical attention.

Promotion disclosure

Cibinqo

Avg retail price

$5321.82(Save Free%)

GoodRx discount

$5321.82

See all discounts

How it works

Use GoodRx to find medications, pharmacies, and discounts.

GoodRx discounts can help you pay less for your prescription.

Bring your free coupon or savings card to the pharmacy.

The most common Cibinqo side effects include:

• Upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Headache

• Acne

• Dizziness

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

• Fatigue

Rare but serious Cibinqo side effects include:

• Changes in blood cell counts

• Serious infections

• Blood clots

• Heart attack

• Stroke

• Higher risk of cancer

Here, we’ll review more information about eight notable Cibinqo side effects and how to manage them.

1. Upper respiratory tract infections

One of the most common side effects of Cibinqo is upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). The common cold is a well-known example. Symptoms of URTIs can include a stuffy or runny nose and a sore throat. Other symptoms, such as body aches and fever, are also possible, depending on the infection.

Viruses cause many URTIs, and these infections should go away on their own. They don’t need treatment with an antibiotic. But if your healthcare provider determines that bacteria are causing your URTI, they might prescribe an antibiotic.

Mild URTIs can usually be managed at home by addressing the symptoms while your body fights off the infection. Getting enough sleep and staying hydrated can help your body recover. If it’s OK with your provider, you can also take an over-the-counter (OTC) cold medication.

If your symptoms become severe or you have URTI symptoms that last more than a week, contact your provider.

2. Acne

Acne is a possible side effect of many JAK inhibitors, including Cibinqo. It’s so common among JAK inhibitors that some providers have nicknamed this side effect “JAK-ne.” Experts say that acne may be caused by Cibinqo’s effects on the skin.

Mild acne may resolve on its own. But if it gets worse or isn’t going away, you might need treatment. Check with your healthcare provider. They might adjust your medication regimen or prescribe topical or oral acne treatments, depending on how severe your symptoms are.

3. Headache

Headaches are another common Cibinqo side effect. These can typically be managed at home. Lifestyle changes like drinking enough water and exercising may help relieve and prevent headaches. Moderating caffeine consumption and getting enough sleep can also help.

If your headaches are bothersome or won’t go away, you may need an OTC pain reliever like acetaminophen (Tylenol). These medications can be helpful for occasional relief. But taking them too often can cause more headaches. So be cautious about how often you take OTC headache medications.

If you have severe or frequent headaches, tell your healthcare provider. Cibinqo may not be causing this symptom.

Good to know: Be cautious about taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), for headaches. Cibinqo interacts with these medications and can raise your risk of bleeding. This risk is greatest during the first 3 months after starting Cibinqo. But it’s a good idea to ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking an NSAID at any time during treatment, just to be sure.

4. Serious infections

JAK inhibitors, including Cibinqo, can increase your risk of serious infections, such as shingles or pneumonia (a lung infection). This serious side effect is included in Cibinqo’s boxed warning (the FDA’s strictest warning for medications).

Cibinqo treats eczema by lowering your immune system’s activity in a specific way. But this can cause you to have trouble fighting off infections. In most cases, infections are mild (as discussed earlier). They can be serious, but only rarely.

If you have an active, serious infection, you shouldn’t take Cibinqo. You may also need to avoid Cibinqo if you have a long-term infection, a history of serious infections, or a health condition that raises your risk of infection.

Keep an eye out for symptoms of infection while you’re taking Cibinqo. If you develop symptoms like a high fever, chills, or a new or worse cough, tell your healthcare provider. You may require treatment, and you might need to stop Cibinqo until you’re feeling better.

5. Blood cell count changes

Cibinqo can also affect how your body makes blood cells. This can lead to changes in certain blood cell counts. Examples of these changes can include low red blood cells (anemia) and low white blood cells (cells that fight infections).

Your healthcare provider will likely check your blood cell counts at certain points while you’re taking Cibinqo. The medication’s manufacturer recommends checking these blood tests before starting treatment, 4 weeks after starting, and 4 weeks after any dose increases.

If your blood counts are dangerously out of range, your provider may ask you to stop taking Cibinqo.

6. Blood clots

Some people taking Cibinqo in clinical trials developed blood clots. This rare but serious side effect is also included in the medication’s boxed warning.

Life-threatening blood clots can occur in the brain (stroke) or lungs (pulmonary embolism). But harmful blood clots can also happen in the legs, arms, and other areas of the body.

Symptoms of a blood clot in your arm or leg include warmth, redness, and pain in that area. If you notice any of these symptoms, check with your healthcare provider immediately.

Sudden chest pain, trouble breathing, and weakness on one side of the body are symptoms of a blood clot in the brain or lungs. If you experience any of these, call 911 or go to the nearest ER.

Your provider can help determine your personal risk of blood clots. You may need to avoid taking Cibinqo if you have a higher risk.

7. Heart attack or stroke

Heart attack or stroke is a rare but serious Cibinqo side effect included in its boxed warning. In clinical studies, a small number of people taking Cibinqo had heart-related complications, including heart attacks.

The overall risk of heart attack or stroke with JAK inhibitors is based on a large study of Xeljanz (tofacitinib). In the study, people taking Xeljanz for rheumatoid arthritis had higher rates of heart attack and stroke compared with those taking other medications. Because the medications work similarly, the FDA requires all JAK inhibitors approved for eczema or autoimmune disorders to include this boxed warning.

Before starting Cibinqo, your healthcare provider should consider your risk for heart problems like heart attack or stroke. Depending on your individual risk, they may recommend a different eczema medication.

8. Higher risk of cancer

An increased risk of cancer is another rare side effect of Cibinqo. It’s also included in the boxed warning for JAK inhibitors. In clinical studies of Cibinqo, some people developed certain types of cancer, such as lymphoma (a type of blood cancer) and skin cancer.

To lower your risk of skin cancer, experts recommend using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing when you’re in the sun. If you’re already at risk for skin cancer, your healthcare provider may also suggest regular skin inspections to look for signs of skin cancer.

Your provider can help determine your overall cancer risk and whether you should avoid taking Cibinqo.

When should I contact my healthcare provider about Cibinqo side effects?

The possibility of having side effects from medications can be stressful. Sometimes talking over your concerns or symptoms with your healthcare provider or pharmacist can help calm your worries. They may also have suggestions for how to relieve your symptoms.

Keep in mind that the most common side effects of Cibinqo tend to be mild and can usually be handled at home. But there are some side effects you shouldn’t try to manage by yourself. If you have severe or life-threatening symptoms, get help right away. These include:

• Shortness of breath or chest pain

• Sudden warmth, redness, or pain in your leg or arm

• Weakness or numbness on one side of your body

• High fever and other signs of infection, like fatigue or chills

• Severe headaches or dizziness

• Sudden confusion or slurred speech

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. In his early career, he provided direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospital and community pharmacies, and in a primary care clinic as a clinical pharmacist.

Edited by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

Reviewed by:

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS, is a licensed pharmacist in Arizona, Colorado, and Rhode Island. He has worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 10 years and currently serves as a pharmacy editor for GoodRx.

Our editorial standards

Meet our experts