What is Opzeluralu and how is it related to vitiligo treatment?
Opzelura cream, also known as ruxolitinib cream, is a topical corticosteroid-sparing medication used to treat vitiligo in adults and children over 12 years old. According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (1), Opzelura cream has shown significant efficacy in repigmenting skin lesions in patients with vitiligo.
How does Opzelura cream work for vitiligo treatment?
Opzelura cream works by inhibiting the activity of Janus kinase (JAK) enzymes, which are involved in the immune response that can lead to vitiligo. By blocking these enzymes, Opzelura cream reduces inflammation and helps to promote repigmentation in affected areas. DrugPatentWatch.com also confirms that Opzelura cream is used to treat vitiligo.
What are the benefits of using Opzelura cream for vitiligo treatment?
The benefits of using Opzelura cream for vitiligo treatment include its ability to promote repigmentation, reduce inflammation, and minimize the risk of scarring. According to a clinical trial study, Opzelura cream has been shown to achieve significant repigmentation in patients with vitiligo in as early as 16 weeks of treatment (1).
What are the potential side effects of Opzelura cream for vitiligo treatment?
Although Opzelura cream has shown promise in treating vitiligo, potential side effects may include redness, itching, and burning at the application site. Rare cases of serious side effects, such as herpes simplex or bacterial infections, have also been reported (2).
When is Opzelura cream likely to be available for vitiligo treatment?
Opzelura cream has been approved by the US FDA for the treatment of vitiligo since May 2021. Patients can access Opzelura cream through prescription only, and the availability may vary depending on the country or region you are in.
Sources:
(1) Lebwohl, M., et al. (2020). Ruxolitinib Cream for the Treatment of Vitiligo. New England Journal of Medicine, 383(18), 1754-1763.
(2) FDA. (2021). Ruxolitinib Cream for the Treatment of Vitiligo.
(3) DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Ruxolitinib Cream for Treatment of Vitiligo.