What is Ruxolitinib topical?
Ruxolitinib (for the skin) is used to treat mild-to-moderate eczema and atopic dermatitis in adults aged 12 years or older. Topical ruxolitinib should only be used if other medications are not prescribed or have failed to work. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Ruxolitinib Topical.
Side effects of Ruxolitinib topical
If you experience symptoms indicative of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing and swelling of lips, face, tongue or throat - seek medical help immediately!
Ruxolitinib can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Changes in the size or shape of a skin lesion or mole;
- Signs of a Stroke: sudden numbness, weakness, severe headache, slurred or shaky speech, or problems with vision and balance.
- Signs of a blood clot in the lungs: chest pain, sudden cough, or shortness of breath; dizziness and coughing blood
- Signs of a deep blood clot—pain, swelling, or warmth in a leg;
- Signs of infection: fever; sore throat; body aches; unusual fatigue; loss of appetite; and bruising.
- Low blood cell counts can be accompanied by fever, chills, and tiredness. They may also include mouth sores or skin sores.
- Signs of tuberculosis include fever, night sweats, and loss of appetite.
Some of the common side effects associated with ruxolitinib topically include:
- You may experience swelling or pain in your throat or nose.
- Diarrhea;
- Bronchitis;
- High eosinophil count (a type of white blood cell);
- Hives;
- Inflamed hair pores
- The swelling of the tonsils
- Runny nose
- Ear infection symptoms include fever, ear pain, or a full sensation; difficulty hearing; ear drainage; and fussiness.
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; alternatively, reach out to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report them.
Similar/related drugs
prednisone, Dupixent, Opzelura, Temovate, Lidex, methoxsalen topical, Clobex
Warnings
Do not use it other than as directed.Inform your physician of any additional medications you are taking or of allergies or medical conditions you are currently living with.
Before you take this drug
Tell your doctor whether you or anyone else in your family has ever been diagnosed with tuberculosis. Tell your doctor about any recent travels. In certain regions of the world, fungi and tuberculosis are more prevalent. You may have been exposed to these diseases while traveling.
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- An infection
- Shingles;
- Hepatitis B, or C?
- Skin Cancer
- Low white or red cell counts
- High cholesterol (or triglycerides) (types or fats in the blood);
- If you have ever smoked,
The use of ruxolitinib can increase the risk of skin cancer. Speak to your doctor to learn more about the risk of skin cancer and how to recognize it. You may find your name on a registry for pregnant women to monitor the effects of topical ruxolitinib on the baby. Unknown is whether ruxolitinib can harm an unborn child. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. While taking ruxolitinib and for 4 weeks following your last dose, you should not breastfeed.
How to take Ruxolitinib?
Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all directions. Follow the directions on the label. Take it only by mouth. Topical medicines are only to be used on the skin. You should wash your hands both before and after using ruxolitinib, unless it is to treat an infection of the hand. Only use a small amount. Apply a thin coating twice daily to the affected area and rub it in gently. Store at room temperature away from heat and moisture.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip any missed ones and wait.Never apply two doses at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Should any medication accidentally be swallowed by accident, seek emergency medical assistance immediately or contact Poison Help immediately at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Do not get ruxolitinib in your mouth, eyes, or vagina.
Interaction with other drug
It is sometimes not safe to take certain medications at the same time. Some drugs may affect the blood levels of drugs that you are taking, which can increase side effects and make them less effective.
Tell your doctor all of your other medications, including:
- Treatment of atopic dermatitis with "biologic" drugs
- Other JAK inhibitors, such as Baricitinib, Tofacitinib, or Upadacitinib,
- Strong immunosuppressive drugs such as Azathioprine and Cyclosporine
This list is incomplete. Ruxolitinib topical may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all drug interactions.
