Ruxolitinib Topical

Topical ruxolitinib is used to treat the symptoms of eczema (atopic dermatitis; a skin disease that causes the skin to be dry and itchy and to sometimes develop red, scaly rashes) in patients who cannot use other medications for their condition or whose eczema has not responded to another medication. Ruxolitinib is in a class of medications called Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. It works by decreasing the activity of the immune system.

Topical ruxolitinib comes as a cream to apply to the skin. It is usually applied twice a day to the affected area. To help you remember to apply topical ruxolitinib, apply it at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use topical ruxolitinib exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Topical ruxolitinib is for use on the skin only. Be careful not to get ruxolitinib in your eyes, mouth, or genital area.

Apply a thin layer of topical ruxolitinib to all affected areas of your skin. Wash your hands with soap and water to remove any leftover ruxolitinib. Do not wash your hands if you are treating them with topical ruxolitinib.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before using topical ruxolitinib,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ruxolitinib, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in topical ruxolitinib. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.

• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention the medications listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section and any of the following: dupilumab (Dupixent). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.

• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had high cholesterol or triglycerides (fatty substances in the blood), anemia, a low number of red or low white blood cells, or heart problems.

• tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while using topical ruxolitinib, call your doctor.

• tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You should not breastfeed during your treatment with topical ruxolitinib and for 4 weeks after your final dose.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply extra topical ruxolitinib to make up for a missed one.

• Topical ruxolitinib may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • nose or throat pain

  • stuffy or runny nose

  • ear pain, discharge, and other signs of infection

  • diarrhea

  • hives

  • red skin or pimple

• Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, stop using topical ruxolitinib and call your doctor immediately:

  • unusual bleeding or bruising

• Topical ruxolitinib may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

• If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.