Charlton Health specializes in supporting the management of many autoimmune and immune-mediated conditions. Recently, a treatment has become available for vitiligo, an autoimmune condition with a great unmet need.
Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system targets and destroys the skin cells that make pigment (colour). As a result, individuals with vitiligo may develop white patches of skin that can appear anywhere on the body (e.g. face, hands, feet). The hair may also turn white in the affected areas. This condition can greatly impact an individual’s confidence and mental health due to this change in appearance.
Recently, a new topical treatment, Opzelura (ruxolitinib), has been made available to manage a specific type of vitiligo. Opzelura is part of a class of medications that are referred to as JAK inhibitors. JAK inhibitors are treatments that disrupt the signaling for excessive inflammation and help control autoimmune and immune-mediated conditions. Opzelura is a cream-based treatment designed to be applied to the affected areas. This is different from the other JAK inhibitors which are only available in tablet form to be swallowed. Opzelura is meant to be applied as a thin layer twice daily to the affected areas and patients may see the benefit within 24 weeks.
Interestingly, Opzelura may also be used for an immune-mediated condition, known as Atopic Dermatitis (eczema), adding to the growing list of advanced therapies for this condition. For atopic dermatitis, patients are likely to see benefits within 8 weeks.
Charlton Health is excited to be offering this new treatment to eligible patients. Please speak with your specialist to check if this treatment is appropriate for you.
Kunal Bhatt, RPh, PharmD, HBSc is a staff pharmacist for Charlton Health. As a 2020 PharmD graduate from the University of Toronto, Kunal possesses a diverse range of experiences from working in hospital and community pharmacy settings. Kunal was heavily invested in contributing to the efforts against COVID-19 by administering upwards of 5000 COVID-19 vaccines at William Osler Health System’s vaccination clinics.