### What is Opzelura? Opzelura (ruxolitinib) is a new cream approved by the U.S. FDA for treating mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (eczema) in patients aged 12 and older who haven't found relief from other treatments. ### How Does It Work? Opzelura is a JAK inhibitor, which means it blocks certain pathways in cells that lead to inflammation. This can help reduce symptoms like itching, redness, and rashes. ### Effectiveness Clinical trials showed that over half of the patients using Opzelura had clear or nearly clear skin after eight weeks, compared to a much smaller percentage using a placebo. ### Side Effects Common side effects include diarrhea, bronchitis, ear infections, tonsillitis, and common colds. These occurred in more than 1% of trial participants. ### Comparison with Other Treatments Unlike topical corticosteroids, which can cause skin thinning and other issues, Opzelura may be a better option for sensitive areas like the face and underarms. ### Black Box Warning The FDA has issued a black box warning for Opzelura due to risks seen in oral JAK inhibitors, such as serious infections and cancer. However, these risks were not observed in the trials for Opzelura. ### Future of JAK Inhibitors More JAK inhibitors for eczema are being developed, offering hope for those who haven't found relief with current treatments.