What is Opzelura?

Opzelura
Opzelura is a medicine for the treatment of non-segmental vitiligo, a condition in which the color of areas of the skin on both sides of the body disappears. In patients with vitiligo, the immune system (the body's natural defenses) attacks melanocytes (skin cells that produce pigment), causing pale pink or white (depigmented) spots on the skin.

Suitable for whom?
Opzelura is used in adults and adolescents from 12 years of age with non-segmental vitiligo that also affects the face.

Opzelura contains the active substance ruxolitinib.

How is Opzelura used?
Opzelura can only be obtained with a prescription and treatment should be initiated and supervised by a doctor experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of non-segmental vitiligo.
 
Opzelura is available in the form of a cream that should be applied to depigmented skin twice a day.

Opzelura should not be applied to more than 10 % areas of the body at a time. The cream should be applied with an interval of at least 8 hours. 10% of the body surface is an area the size of 10 times one palm with the 5 fingers. No more than two 100 gram tubes should be used per month.

It may be necessary to continue treatment for longer than six months to achieve satisfactory skin repigmentation (return of skin color).
The doctor may discontinue treatment if there is no satisfactory improvement after one year of treatment.

Side effects
The most common side effect with Opzelura (which may affect up to 1 in 10 people) is acne where the medicine was applied.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use Opzelura.

Protopic
Tacrolimus ointment (brand name Protopic ® ) suppresses the immune system and inhibits inflammation. This is a non-hormone based ointment that is also often used as a treatment for vitiligo.
An important objection may be that it is risky to combine it with zone exposure or together with light therapy. It will therefore have to be applied well before or after (sun) exposure.

Suitable for whom?
Protopic is used in adults and adolescents from 2 years of age.

How does Protopic (tacrolimus) used?
Apply the ointment thinly. Make sure it doesn't get into your eyes or nose.

Apply the ointment at a time when you know that no water will come into contact with your child's skin for the next half hour, otherwise the medicine will wash off again.

Side effects
You may experience a burning sensation, itching and redness where it has been applied. Won't this be over in a week? Please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Elidel
Pimecrolimus ointment (Elidel) suppresses the immune system and inhibits inflammation. This is a non-hormone based ointment that is also often used as a treatment for vitiligo.
An important objection may be that it is risky to combine it with zone exposure or together with light therapy. It will therefore have to be applied well before or after (sun) exposure.

Suitable for whom?
Elidel is used in adults and adolescents from 2 years of age.

How is Elidel (Pimecrolimus) used?
Apply the ointment thinly. Make sure it doesn't get into your eyes or nose.

Apply the ointment at a time when you know that no water will come into contact with your child's skin for the next half hour, otherwise the medicine will wash off again.

Side effects
You may experience a burning sensation, itching and redness. Won't this be over in a week? Please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Very rarely skin rash, painful or tingling sensation, dry skin, flaking.