Opzelura (ruxolitinib) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for certain skin conditions in adults and some children. Opzelura comes as a topical cream that’s typically applied to the skin twice per day. The dosage may vary.

Opzelura is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat the following in adults and children ages 12 years and older:

  • Mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (eczema) when your immune system is working as it should. Opzelura is approved when other topical treatments haven’t worked or can’t be used.
  • Nonsegmental vitiligo (patchy loss of skin pigment due to a problem with your immune system).

Opzelura belongs to a drug class called Janus kinase inhibitors. Opzelura is not available in a generic version.

Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Opzelura, including its strength and how to use the medication. For a comprehensive look at Opzelura, see this article.

Note: This article describes typical dosages for Opzelura provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When using Opzelura, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

Read below for recommended dosages of Opzelura and other details about the drug.

Opzelura form

Opzelura comes as a topical cream that you apply to your skin.

Opzelura strength

Opzelura comes in one strength of 1.5%.

Typical dosages

The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended. However, be sure to use the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for atopic dermatitis

Doctors may prescribe Opzelura to treat atopic dermatitis.

If your doctor prescribes Opzelura for atopic dermatitis, you’ll apply a thin layer of the cream to the affected areas of your skin twice per day. You can use Opzelura on up to 20% of your body surface area. One handprint is equal to about 1% of your body surface area. The maximum amount of Opzelura that may be applied is one 60-gram (g) tube per week or one 100-g tube every 2 weeks.

For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.

Dosage for vitiligo

Opzelura is also approved to treat vitiligo. You’ll apply a thin layer of the cream to the affected areas of your skin twice per day. In this case, you can use Opzelura on up to 10% of your body surface area. One handprint is equal to about 1% of your body surface area. The maximum amount of Opzelura that may be applied is one 60-g tube per week or one 100-g tube every 2 weeks.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your dosage.

Children’s dosage

Opzelura is approved to treat atopic dermatitis and vitiligo in children ages 12 years and older.

The dosage is the same as the dosage for adults. See “Typical dosages” above for details.

Talk with your child’s doctor if you have questions about their dosage.

How to use Opzelura

Opzelura comes as a cream that you apply to your skin. Do not apply Opzelura to your eyes or inside your mouth or vagina. Apply a thin layer of Opzelura cream to the affected areas of skin twice per day. Wash your hands after applying Opzelura, unless you are treating your hands.

If you have questions about how to use Opzelura, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. There are also step-by-step instructions on the manufacturer’s website.

Try to apply Opzelura at the same time each day. This helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body so Opzelura can work effectively. You can set a reminder on your phone to help you.

Long-term treatment

How long you will use Opzelura depends on your condition and how your body responds to the medication.

For atopic dermatitis, you’ll stop using Opzelura when the itching, rash, and skin discoloration go away. If your symptoms haven’t improved after 8 weeks of treatment, contact your doctor.

For vitiligo, follow your doctor’s recommendation for how long to apply Opzelura. If you’ve used it for 24 weeks and your symptoms have not improved, contact your doctor.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about how long you can expect to take Opzelura.

ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS

Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.

It’s important that you do not use more Opzelura than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, using more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

If you use more than the recommended amount of Opzelura

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve used too much Opzelura. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.