Opzelura (Ruxolitinib) for Vitiligo

Overview
Opzelura is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of nonsegmental vitiligo in adults and children ages 12 years and older. Opzelura is also known by its drug name, ruxolitinib.

Ruxolitinib is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor. It works by interfering with the activity of specific enzymes (JAK1 and JAK2) that are involved in the inflammatory process, which can help repigment skin affected by vitiligo.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Opzelura should be applied as a thin layer to the affected areas of the skin twice daily. It is for topical use only and should not be used on more than 10 percent of the body surface area. It should not be used in the eyes, orally, or intravaginally. The cream should be used exactly as prescribed by a health care provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Opzelura include application-site acne, application-site pruritus (itchiness), nasopharyngitis (cold symptoms), headache, urinary tract infection, application-site erythema (redness), and pyrexia (fever).

Rare but serious side effects may include serious infections leading to hospitalization or death, increased risk of mortality including sudden cardiovascular death, lymphomas and other cancers, major adverse cardiovascular events (such as heart attack and stroke), and thrombosis (blood clots), including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

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Label: Opzelura — Ruxolitinib Cream — DailyMed

Ruxolitinib Topical — MedlinePlus