Anzupgo
Pronunciation: an zup goe
Generic name: delgocitinib
Dosage form: cream
What is Anzupgo?
Anzupgo cream is a prescription medicine used to treat moderate to severe chronic hand eczema in adults. Anzupgo is a steroid-free cream applied twice daily in a thin layer to the hands and wrists. Anzupgo can be used when eczema has not responded to topical corticosteroid, or when patients are unable to use them.
Anzupgo (delgocitinib) works by blocking enzymes called Janus kinases (JAKs), which play an important role in the inflammatory processes that cause chronic hand eczema. By inhibiting JAK activity, Anzupgo helps reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms such as redness, itching, and skin thickening. Anzupgo drug class is a JAK inhibitor.
Chronic hand eczema is a long-lasting inflammatory skin condition that affects the hands. It causes symptoms such as redness, itching, pain, dryness, cracking, and thickened skin. The condition is considered chronic when it lasts for three months or longer, or when it recurs at least twice within a year.
Side effects
The most common Anzupgo side effects include pain, tingling, itching, and redness at the application site; bacterial skin infections such as finger cellulitis and nail infections; and a decrease in white blood cell count.
Serious side effects
Increased Risk of Infections.This medicine may weaken your immune system and raise the risk of serious infections. These can include tuberculosis (TB), bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, some of which may be life-threatening. Conditions such as shingles (herpes zoster) or eczema herpeticum may also occur during treatment. Anzupgo should not be used if you have an active or serious infection, and treatment may need to be paused if a serious infection develops.
Before starting Anzupgo, tell your healthcare provider if you:
- are being treated for an infection
- have an infection that does not go away or that keeps coming back
- have TB or have been in close contact with someone with TB
- have had shingles (herpes zoster) have had hepatitis B or C
- think you have an infection or have symptoms of an infection such as:
- fever, sweating, or chills
- muscle aches
- cough or shortness of breath
- blood in your phlegm
- weight loss
- warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body
- diarrhea or stomach pain
- burning when you urinate or
- urinating more often
After starting this medicine, tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of an infection.
Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer. Use of Anzupgo may increase your risk of certain types of non-melanoma skin cancers. Regular skin checks are recommended. Patients should avoid sunlamps and minimize sun exposure by using sunscreen and protective clothing.
Risks Related to JAK Inhibition. Anzupgo is a JAK inhibitor, and other JAK inhibitors used for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been linked to increased risk of death (especially in individuals aged 5o years and older with cardiovascular risk factors) and elevated cholesterol. It is unclear if Anzupgo carries similar risks. This medicine is not used for RA.
Related/similar drugs
Before using this medicine
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you:
- Have an infection. Using Anzupgo while you have an active infection may worsen your condition or interfere with healing.
- Have recently received or are planning to receive a vaccine. Avoid live vaccines just before, during, or immediately after treatment with Anzupgo, as the medication may affect how well the vaccine works.
- Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known whether Anzupgo can harm an unborn baby. Talk to your doctor before starting treatment.
- Are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed. It is unclear if Anzupgo passes into breast milk. Discuss with your healthcare provider the best way to feed your baby during treatment. If you are breastfeeding while using Anzupgo, avoid direct contact between the treated area (hands and wrists) and the nipple or surrounding skin immediately after application.
How should I apply this medicine?
Apply Anzupgo twice daily in a thin layer to the affected areas of the hands and wrists.
Do not use the cream in or on your eyes, mouth, vagina or other mucous membranes. If contact with mucous membranes happens, rinse well with water.
Clean and dry the area before applying the cream.
Do not use more than 30 grams in 2 weeks or 60 grams in a month.
If you are applying Anzupgo to someone else, wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
Interactions
Tell your healthcare provider about all medications you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
Using this cream in combination with other JAK inhibitors or potent immunosuppressants is not recommended.
Storage
Store cream at room temperature between 68ºF to 77ºF (20ºC to 25ºC)
Ingredients
Active ingredient: delgocitinib
Inactive ingredients: benzyl alcohol, butylated hydroxyanisole, cetostearyl alcohol, citric acid monohydrate, edetate disodium, hydrochloric acid, mineral oil, polyoxyl 20 cetostearyl ether, and purified water.
Company
Anzupgo: LEO Laboratories Ltd., 285 Cashel Road, Dublin 12, Ireland
References
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.