Are you suffering from a skin condition called eczema that just won't go away? Maybe your doctor has prescribed a new cream for it. Is it called Ruxolitinib? Or did you get it under the brand name Opzelura? If so, this article will be very important for you. Let's talk about this medicine, how to use it, what to watch out for, and everything in simple terms.
What exactly is Ruxolitinib?
Simply put, Ruxolitinib is a drug that targets certain proteins in skin cells and controls their activity. This drug helps control inflammation and overactivity of the immune system, especially in conditions like eczema. It comes as a cream that is applied to the skin.
Doctors may also prescribe this medication for other conditions, so if you have any questions, it's best to ask your doctor about it.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before prescribing this cream to you, it is extremely important to inform your doctor about your complete health history. Be sure to mention any of the conditions listed below if you have any.
| Health conditions and habits you should report |
|---|
| If you currently have cancer or have had it in the past. |
| If you have a high risk of heart disease or heart attack. |
| Liver diseases, especially conditions like hepatitis. |
| If the blood cholesterol level is high. |
| An existing infectious condition (e.g. tuberculosis (TB), other bacterial, fungal or viral infections). |
| Decreased number of blood cells (white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets). |
| If you smoke tobacco or cigarettes. |
| If you have had a stroke before. |
| If you have an allergic reaction to ruxolitinib or other medicines, foods, or dyes. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. |
| If you are a mother who is breastfeeding your baby. |
How exactly do you use this cream?
This medicine is for topical application only . Do not take it by mouth for any reason.
- Cleanliness: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after applying the medicine. However, if you are applying the medicine to both hands, wash your hands only before applying the medicine.
- Take care of your eyes: Do not let this cream get into your eyes under any circumstances. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, immediately rinse them thoroughly with clean water.
- Use correctly: Use it daily, at the right time, as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use more than the recommended amount or use it more often. Continue using it until your doctor tells you to stop.
- How to apply: Apply a thin layer to the affected skin area. Just like rubbing a little coconut oil into the skin, you don't need to apply it too thickly.
Use for children
This medication may be prescribed for some conditions in children over the age of 12. However, special precautions are required, so be sure to talk to your doctor about using this on a child.
Warning: This medicine has been prescribed for you only . Never share it with anyone else.
What if the dose increases (overdose)?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
Other medications you are taking may affect the effectiveness of this cream. Therefore, it is important to give your doctor a complete list of all medications you are taking (prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, vitamins).
Problems can occur, in particular, with the following types of drugs:
- Immune-suppressing drugs - e.g. Azathioprine, Cyclosporine, Baricitinib, Tofacitinib
- Biologic medications - e.g. Adalimumab, Infliximab
- Some antibiotics - e.g. Clarithromycin, Erythromycin
- Antifungal medications - e.g. Ketoconazole, Fluconazole
- Medicines for epilepsy - e.g. Carbamazepine, Phenytoin
- Herbal products such as St. John's wort
This list is not complete, so it's safest to tell your doctor about everything you take.
Things to be careful about when using the medicine
- Medical check-ups: Visit your doctor on scheduled days to check your condition. Let him know if your symptoms don't improve or if they get worse. You may also need to have some blood tests.
- Risk of infection: This medicine may slightly reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Therefore, if you develop symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, or cough , do not self-medicate and call your doctor immediately. Try to avoid places where sick people are.
- Painkillers: Do not take painkillers like aspirin or ibuprofen without your doctor's advice. These can suppress the fever and delay the diagnosis of an infection.
- Dental health: Be careful when brushing your teeth and cleaning between your teeth. There may be a slight increase in the risk of bleeding gums or infection. If you are undergoing any dental treatment, tell your dentist that you are taking this medicine.
- Cancer risk: There is some evidence that this medication may slightly increase the risk of some types of cancer. Talk to your doctor about this.
Side effects that may occur due to this medicine
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people. Be aware of the following.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Blood clot | Chest pain, shortness of breath, leg pain, swelling, or warmth. |
| Heart attack | Difficulty breathing, tightness or pain in the chest, neck, back, or arms. |
| Stroke | Vision changes, confusion, difficulty speaking, sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat. |
| Anemia | Difficulty breathing, fainting, feeling unusually weak or tired. |
| Unusual bleeding or bruising | Excessive bleeding from even a minor injury or unexplained bruising of the skin. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Diarrhea | Flatulence. |
| Runny nose | Cold-like symptoms. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, tell your doctor about them as well.
How do you store and dispose of the medicine?
- Storage: Keep out of reach of children and pets. Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius).
- After expiration: Do not use after the expiration date.
- Disposal: The best way to dispose of unused or expired medication is to donate it to a program. You can ask your hospital pharmacy about this. If that's not possible, ask your doctor if it's okay to throw it in the trash. If it is okay, remove the cream from the tube, mix it with something like used coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, and put it in a tightly sealed bag and throw it in the trash.
Take-Home Message
- This cream should only be applied to the skin surface. Use only the prescribed amount, as directed by the doctor.
- Before you start taking the medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all the medications you are taking.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as signs of infection (fever, cough), chest pain, or difficulty breathing, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never give it to anyone else.
- If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't guess, ask your doctor directly.
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