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 2 years of age and older. It is intended for people whose disease is not adequately controlled with topical prescription therapies or when those therapies are not 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 blocking signals involved in the body’s inflammatory response, helping reduce itching, redness, and swelling in eczema.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Opzelura is applied as a thin layer to the affected skin twice daily. For atopic dermatitis, it may be applied to up to 20 percent of the body surface area. Opzelura should not be used with occlusive dressings and must be used exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Opzelura include nasopharyngitis (the common cold), diarrhea, bronchitis, ear infection, increased eosinophil count (a type of white blood cell), urticaria (hives), folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles), tonsillitis (infection of the tonsils), rhinorrhea (runny nose), upper respiratory tract infection, COVID-19, application site reactions, fever, and decreased white blood cell count. 

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 risk of death from all causes, including sudden cardiovascular death; lymphoma and other cancers; major adverse cardiovascular events (including heart attack and stroke); and blood clots (including deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and arterial thrombosis). Cytopenias — including low levels of platelets, red blood cells, and various white blood cells — have also been reported. Cases of non-melanoma skin cancers (such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) have occurred.

For more information about this treatment, visit:

Opzelura (Ruxolitinib) Cream, for Topical Use — Incyte