opzelura
Opzelura (Ruxolitinib Phosphate) is a janus kinase inhibitor used to treat Polycythemia Vera, Primary Myelofibrosis.
Ruxolitinib Phosphate · by Incyte Corp
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Ruxolitinib Phosphate
- Drug class
- Janus Kinase Inhibitor
- Form
- Topical
- Strength
- Ruxolitinib Phosphate EQ 1.5% Base
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- May treat
- polycythemia vera, primary myelofibrosis
- Manufacturer
- Incyte Corp
- FDA application
- NDA215309
- FDA boxed warning
- Yes — see the boxed warning
What is Opzelura?
From the FDA label:Ruxolitinib phosphate is a Janus kinase inhibitor with the chemical name ( R )-3-(4-(7 H -pyrrolo[2,3- d ]pyrimidin-4-yl)-1 H -pyrazol-1-yl)-3-cyclopentylpropanenitrile phosphate and a molecular weight of 404.36 g/mol. Ruxolitinib phosphate has the following structural formula: Ruxolitinib phosphate is a white to off-white to light yellow to light pink powder. OPZELURA (ruxolitinib) cream is a white to off-white oil-in-water, solubilized emulsion cream for topical use. Each gram of OPZELURA contains 15 mg of ruxolitinib (equivalent to 19.8 mg of ruxolitinib phosphate) in a cream containing cetyl alcohol, dimethicone 350, edetate disodium, glyceryl stearate SE, light mineral oil, medium chain triglycerides, methylparaben, phenoxyethanol, phosphoric acid, polyethylene glycol 200, polysorbate 20, propylene glycol, propylparaben, stearyl alcohol, purified water, white petrolatum, and xanthan gum. structural formula
How to use
Atopic Dermatitis Apply a thin layer of OPZELURA topically twice daily to affected areas of up to 20% body surface area. ( 2.1 ) Do not use OPZELURA with occlusive dressings. ( 2.1 ) Adult and Pediatric Patients 12 Years of Age and Older Do not use more than one 60 gram tube of OPZELURA per week or one 100 gram tube per 2 weeks. ( 2.1 ) Pediatric Patients 2 to 11 Years of Age Do not use more than one 60 gram tube of OPZELURA per 2 weeks. ( 2.1 ) Nonsegmental Vitiligo Apply a thin layer of OPZELURA topically twice daily to affected areas of up to 10% body surface area. ( 2.2 ) Do not use more than one 60 gram tube of OPZELURA per week or one 100 gram tube per 2 weeks. ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosage and Administration for Atopic Dermatitis OPZELURA is for topical use only. OPZELURA is not for ophthalmic, oral, or intravaginal use. Instruct patients to apply a thin layer of OPZELURA twice daily to affected areas of up to 20% body surface area. Do not use OPZELURA with occlusive dressings. Stop using when signs and symptoms (e.g., itch, rash, and redness) of atopic dermatitis resolve. If signs and symptoms do not improve within 8 weeks, patients should be re-examined by their healthcare provider [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )] . Adult and Pediatric Patients 12 Years of Age and Older Do not use more than one 60 gram tube of OPZELURA per week or one 100 gram tube per 2 weeks.…
Side effects
In atopic dermatitis, the most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 1%) are nasopharyngitis, diarrhea, bronchitis, ear infection, eosinophil count increased, urticaria, folliculitis, tonsillitis, rhinorrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, COVID-19, application site reactions, pyrexia, and white blood cell decreased. ( 6 ) In nonsegmental vitiligo, the most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 1%) are application site acne, application site pruritus, nasopharyngitis, headache, urinary tract infection, application site erythema, and pyrexia. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Incyte Corporation at 1-855-463-3463 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adverse Reactions in Adult and Pediatric Subjects 2 Years of Age and Older with Atopic Dermatitis Adult and Pediatric Subjects 12 Years of Age and Older In two double-blind, vehicle-controlled clinical trials (TRuE-AD1 and TRuE-AD2), 499 adult and pediatric subjects 12 years of age and older with atopic dermatitis were treated topically with OPZELURA twice daily for 8 weeks [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )] .…
FDA Boxed Warning (the FDA’s most serious warning)
Boxed (black-box) warning — from the FDA label
Patients treated with oral Janus kinase inhibitors for inflammatory conditions are at risk for developing serious infections that may lead to hospitalization or death [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) and Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Reported infections include: Active tuberculosis, which may present with pulmonary or extrapulmonary disease. Invasive fungal infections, including cryptococcosis, and pneumocystosis. Bacterial, viral, including herpes zoster, and other infections due to opportunistic pathogens. Avoid use of OPZELURA in patients with an active, serious infection, including localized infections. If a serious infection develops, interrupt OPZELURA until the infection is controlled. The risks and benefits of treatment with OPZELURA should be carefully considered prior to initiating therapy in patients with chronic or recurrent infection. Patients should be closely monitored for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with OPZELURA [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . MORTALITY In a large, randomized, postmarketing safety study in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients 50 years of age and older with at least one cardiovascular risk factor comparing an oral JAK inhibitor to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker treatment, a h igher rate of all-cause mortality, including sudden cardiovascular death, was observed with the JAK inhibitor [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . MALIGNANCIES Malignancies were reported in patients treated with OPZELURA. Lymphoma and other malignancies have been observed in patients receiving JAK inhibitors used to treat inflammatory conditions. In RA patients treated with an oral JAK inhibitor, a higher rate of malignancies (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC)) was observed when compared with TNF blockers. Patients who are current or past smokers are at additional increased risk [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . MAJOR ADVERSE CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS (MACE) In RA patients 50 years of age and older with at least one cardiovascular risk factor treated with an oral JAK inhibitor, a higher rate of major adverse cardiovascular events ( MACE) ( defined as cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke) , was observed when compared with TNF blockers. Patients who are current or past smokers are at additional increased risk. Discontinue OPZELURA in patients who have experienced a myocardial infarction or stroke [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] . THROMBOSIS Thromboembolic events were observed in trials with OPZELURA. Thrombosis, including pulmonary embolism (PE), deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and arterial thrombosis have been reported in patients receiving JAK inhibitors used to treat inflammatory conditions. Many of these adverse reactions were serious and some resulted in death. In RA patients 50 years of age and older with at least one cardiovascular risk factor treated with an oral JAK inhibitor, a higher rate of thrombosis was observed when compared with TNF blockers. Avoid OPZELURA in patients at risk. If symptoms of thrombosis occur, discontinue OPZELURA and treat appropriately [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] . WARNING: SERIOUS INFECTIONS, MORTALITY, MALIGNANCY, MAJOR ADVERSE CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS (MACE), AND THROMBOSIS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Serious infections leading to hospitalization or death, including tuberculosis and bacterial, invasive fungal, viral, and other opportunistic infections, have occurred in patients receiving Janus kinase inhibitors for inflammatory conditions. ( 5.1 ) Higher rate of all-cause mortality, including sudden cardiovascular death have been observed in patients treated with Janus kinase inhibitors for inflammatory conditions. ( 5.2 ) Lymphoma and other malignancies have been observed in patients treated with Janus kinase inhibitors for inflammatory conditions. ( 5.3 ) Higher rate of MACE (including cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke) has been observed in patients treated with Janus kinase inhibitors for inflammatory conditions. ( 5.4 ) Thrombosis, including deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and arterial thrombosis, some fatal, have occurred in patients treated with Janus kinase inhibitors for inflammatory conditions. ( 5.5 )
Warnings
Important safety information
Serious Infections: Serious bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal and viral infections have occurred. Regularly monitor patients for infection and manage it promptly. ( 5.1 ) Non-melanoma Skin Cancers . Basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma have occurred. Perform periodic skin examinations during treatment and following treatment as appropriate. ( 5.3 ) Thrombosis. Thromboembolic events have occurred. ( 5.5 ) Cytopenias: Thrombocytopenia, anemia, neutropenia, lymphopenia, and leukopenia have occurred. Perform CBC monitoring as clinically indicated. ( 5.6 ) Potential Risks Related to JAK Inhibition: Treatment with oral JAK inhibitors has been associated with increases in lipid parameters including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides. Treatment with oral JAK inhibitors has been associated with hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes. ( 5.7 ) 5.1 Serious Infections Serious and sometimes fatal infections due to bacterial, mycobacterial, invasive fungal, viral, or other opportunistic pathogens have been reported in patients receiving oral JAK inhibitors. Serious lower respiratory tract infections were reported in the clinical development program with topical ruxolitinib. Avoid use of OPZELURA in patients with an active, serious infection, including localized infections. Consider the risks and benefits of treatment prior to initiating OPZELURA in patients: with chronic or recurrent infection with a history of a serious or an opportunistic infection who have been exposed to tuberculosis who have resided or traveled in areas of endemic tuberculosis or endemic mycoses; or with underlying conditions that may predispose them to infection. Closely monitor patients for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with OPZELURA. Interrupt OPZELURA if a patient develops a serious infection, an opportunistic infection, or sepsis. Do not resume OPZELURA until the infection is controlled. Tuberculosis No cases of active tuberculosis (TB) were reported in clinical trials with OPZELURA. Cases of active TB were reported in clinical trials of oral JAK inhibitors used to treat inflammatory conditions. Consider evaluating patients for latent and active TB infection prior to administration of OPZELURA. During OPZELURA use, monitor patients for the development of signs and symptoms of TB. Viral Reactivation Viral reactivation, including cases of herpes virus reactivation (e.g., herpes zoster), were reported in clinical trials with JAK inhibitors used to treat inflammatory conditions including OPZELURA. If a patient develops herpes zoster, consider interrupting OPZELURA treatment until the episode resolves. Hepatitis B and C The impact of JAK inhibitors used to treat inflammatory conditions including OPZELURA on chronic viral hepatitis reactivation is unknown. Patients with a history of hepatitis B or C infection were excluded from clinical trials. Hepatitis B viral load (HBV-DNA titer) increases, with or without associated elevations in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, have been reported in patients with chronic HBV infections taking oral ruxolitinib. OPZELURA initiation is not recommended in patients with active hepatitis B or hepatitis C. 5.2 Mortality In a large, randomized, postmarketing safety study of an oral JAK inhibitor in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients 50 years of age and older with at least one cardiovascular risk factor, a higher rate of all-cause mortality, including sudden cardiovascular death, was observed in patients treated with the JAK inhibitor compared with TNF blockers. Consider the benefits and risks for the individual patient prior to initiating or continuing therapy with OPZELURA. 5.3 Malignancy and Lymphoproliferative Disorders Malignancies, including lymphomas, were observed in clinical trials of oral JAK inhibitors used to treat inflammatory conditions. Patients who are current or past smokers are at additional increased risk. Malignancies, including lymphomas, have occurred in patients receiving JAK inhibitors used to treat inflammatory conditions. In a large, randomized, postmarketing safety study of an oral JAK inhibitor in RA patients, a higher rate of malignancies (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) was observed in patients treated with the JAK inhibitor compared to those treated with TNF blockers. A higher rate of lymphomas was observed in patients treated with the JAK inhibitor compared to those treated with TNF blockers. A higher rate of lung cancers was observed in current or past smokers treated with the JAK inhibitor compared to those treated with TNF blockers. In this study, current or past smokers had an additional increased risk of overall malignancies. Consider the benefits and risks for the individual patient prior to initiating or continuing therapy with OPZELURA, particularly in patients with a known malignancy (other than successfully treated non-melanoma skin cancers), patients who develop a malignancy when on treatment, and patients who are current or past smokers. Non-melanoma Skin Cancers Non-melanoma skin cancers including basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma have occurred in patients treated with OPZELURA. Perform periodic skin examinations during OPZELURA treatment and following treatment as appropriate. Exposure to sunlight and UV light should be limited by wearing protective clothing and using broad-spectrum sunscreen. 5.4 Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE) In a large, randomized, postmarketing safety study of an oral JAK inhibitor in RA patients 50 years of age and older with at least one cardiovascular risk factor, a higher rate of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) defined as cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), and non-fatal stroke was observed with the JAK inhibitor compared to those treated with TNF blockers. Patients who are current or past smokers are at additional increased risk. Consider the benefits and risks for the individual patient prior to initiating or continuing therapy with OPZELURA, particularly in patients who are current or past smokers and patients with other cardiovascular risk factors. Patients should be informed about the symptoms of serious cardiovascular events and the steps to take if they occur. Discontinue OPZELURA in patients that have experienced a myocardial infarction or stroke. 5.5 Thrombosis Thromboembolic events were observed in clinical trials with OPZELURA. Thrombosis, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and arterial thrombosis have been reported in patients receiving JAK inhibitors used to treat inflammatory conditions. Many of these adverse reactions were serious and some resulted in death. In a large, randomized, postmarketing safety study of an oral JAK inhibitor in RA patients 50 years of age and older with at least one cardiovascular risk factor, higher rates of overall thrombosis, DVT, and PE were observed compared to those treated with TNF blockers. Avoid OPZELURA in patients who may be at increased risk of thrombosis. If symptoms of thrombosis occur, discontinue OPZELURA and evaluate and treat patients appropriately. 5.6 Cytopenias Thrombocytopenia, anemia, neutropenia, lymphopenia, and leukopenia were reported in the clinical trials with OPZELURA. Consider the benefits and risks for individual patients who have a known history of these events prior to initiating therapy with OPZELURA. Perform CBC monitoring as clinically indicated. Discontinue OPZELURA if signs and/or symptoms associated with clinically significant decreases in laboratory values occur. 5.7 Potential Risks Related to JAK Inhibition Treatment with oral JAK inhibitors has been associated with increases in lipid parameters including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides. Treatment with oral JAK inhibitors has been associated with hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes.
Who should not take Opzelura
None. None. ( 4 )
Interactions
Drug interaction studies with OPZELURA have not been conducted. Ruxolitinib is known to be a substrate for cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Inhibitors of CYP3A4 may increase ruxolitinib systemic concentrations whereas inducers of CYP3A4 may decrease ruxolitinib systemic concentrations [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Strong Inhibitors of CYP3A4 Avoid concomitant use of OPZELURA with strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 as there is a potential to increase the systemic exposure of ruxolitinib and could increase the risk of OPZELURA adverse reactions [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] .
Drug class
How this class works, per Janus kinase-targeting therapies in rheumatology: a mechanisms-based approach - PMC, NCBI.
May treat (source: NIH RxClass)
See how Opzelura ranks — best-rated janus kinase inhibitor for:
Dosage forms
Topical
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
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Frequently asked questions
- What does Opzelura treat?
- Opzelura (Ruxolitinib Phosphate) may be used to treat polycythemia vera, primary myelofibrosis, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
- How does Opzelura work?
- Opzelura is a janus kinase inhibitor. JAK inhibitors block Janus kinase enzymes inside immune cells. These enzymes normally pass along messages from inflammatory signals (cytokines) to relay proteins that switch on genes, so blocking them turns down the overactive immune signaling that drives diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Opzelura?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Opzelura. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Opzelura?
- Opzelura is marketed by Incyte Corp. You can see Incyte Corp's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Opzelura a brand-name or generic drug?
- Opzelura is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Ruxolitinib Phosphate.
- Is Opzelura available over the counter?
- No. Opzelura is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Opzelura come in?
- Opzelura is currently marketed as topical, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- What class of drug is Opzelura?
- Opzelura is classified as janus kinase inhibitor, kinase inhibitor, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
- Is Opzelura FDA-registered?
- Opzelura is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA215309. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Is Opzelura safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Opzelura. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Opzelura?
- Opzelura's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: In atopic dermatitis, the most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 1%) are nasopharyngitis, diarrhea, bronchitis, ear infection, eosinophil count increased, urticaria, folliculitis, tonsillitis, rhinorrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, COVID-19, application site reactions, pyrexia,… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
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