Opzelura (Ruxolitinib) for Eczema

Overview
Opzelura is a topical cream approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the short-term and noncontinuous chronic treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (the most common form of eczema) in non-immunocompromised adults and children 12 and up. This approval is specific for people whose disease isn’t adequately controlled with topical prescription therapies or when those therapies aren’t advisable. Opzelura is also known by its drug name, ruxolitinib.

Ruxolitinib belongs to a class of medications known as Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. It is thought to work by interfering with the signaling pathway that leads to inflammation, which is a key component in the development of eczema. By doing so, it helps to reduce the inflammation, itchiness, and other symptoms associated with the condition.

How do I take it?
Opzelura is intended for topical use only and should be applied as a thin layer twice daily to the affected areas, according to the drug’s prescribing information. The cream can be applied to up to 20 percent of the body surface area for people with atopic dermatitis. It should not be used in the eyes, orally, or intravaginally. The medication should be taken exactly as prescribed by a health care provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Opzelura include nasopharyngitis (the common cold), diarrhea, bronchitis, ear infection, increased eosinophil count, urticaria (hives), folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles), tonsillitis (infection of the tonsils), and rhinorrhea (runny nose).

Rare but serious side effects may include serious infections leading to hospitalization or death, including tuberculosis and bacterial, invasive fungal, viral, and other opportunistic infections; a higher rate of all-cause mortality, including sudden cardiovascular death; lymphoma and other cancers; higher rates of major adverse cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction and stroke; and thrombosis, including deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and arterial thrombosis.

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Label: Opzelura — Ruxolitinib Cream — DailyMed