ruxolitinib topical

What is the most important information I should know about ruxolitinib topical?

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

What is ruxolitinib topical?

Ruxolitinib topical (for the skin) is used as a short-term treatment of mild to moderate eczema (atopic dermatitis) in people 12 years and older.

This medicine should only be used when other drugs are not recommended or have not worked.

Ruxolitinib topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using ruxolitinib topical?

Tell your doctor if you have ever had tuberculosis or if anyone in your household has tuberculosis. Also tell your doctor if you have recently traveled. Tuberculosis and some fungal infections are more common in certain parts of the world, and you may have been exposed during travel.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• an infection;
• shingles;
• hepatitis B or C;
• skin cancer;
• low white or red blood cell counts;
• high cholesterol or triglycerides (types of fat in the blood); or
• if you've ever smoked.

Using ruxolitinib may increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Talk to your doctor about this risk and what skin symptoms to watch for.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of ruxolitinib topical on the baby.

How should I use ruxolitinib topical?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Use only a small amount of medicine. Apply a thin layer twice a day to the affected areas and rub in gently.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while using ruxolitinib topical?

Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes, mouth, or vagina.

What are the possible side effects of ruxolitinib topical?

• changes in the size, shape, or color of a mole or skin lesion;
• signs of a stroke --sudden numbness or weakness, severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;
• signs of a blood clot in the lung --chest pain, sudden cough or shortness of breath, dizziness, coughing up blood;
• signs of a blood clot deep in the body --pain, swelling, or warmth in one leg;
• signs of infection --fever, chills, sore throat, body aches, unusual tiredness, loss of appetite, bruising or bleeding;
• low blood cell counts --fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath; or
• signs of tuberculosis: fever, cough, night sweats, loss of appetite, weight loss, and feeling very tired.

Common side effects may include:

• pain or swelling in your nose or throat;
• diarrhea;
• bronchitis;
• high eosinophil (a type of white blood cell) count;
• hives;
• inflamed hair pores;
• swelling of the tonsils;
• runny nose; or
• ear infection --fever, ear pain or full feeling, trouble hearing, drainage from the ear, fussiness in a child.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect ruxolitinib topical?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines less effective.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• "biologic" medications to treat atopic dermatitis;
• other JAK inhibitors such as baricitinib, tofacitinib, or upadacitinib; or
• strong immunosuppressants such as azathioprine or cyclosporine.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect ruxolitinib topical, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about ruxolitinib topical.