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Ruxolitinib

Pronunciation: RUX-oh-LI-ti-nib
Generic name: ruxolitinib
Brand names: Jakafi, Opzelura (cream)
Dosage form: oral tablet (5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg), topical cream (1.5%)
Drug class: Multikinase inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on May 25, 2025.

What is ruxolitinib?

Ruxolitinib (oral) is used to treat certain types of myelofibrosis (MF), polycythemia vera (PV), and graft-versus-host disease. The brand name is Jakafi, and it is an oral tablet that is taken twice a day. 

Topical ruxolitinib is used for atopic dermatitis (eczema) and nonsegmental vitiligo. The brand name is Opzelura, and it is a cream that is applied thinly twice a day. This medication guide covers oral ruxolitinib only.

Ruxolitinib works by blocking specific proteins called JAK1 and JAK2 that send "grow and multiply" signals to blood cells and immune cells. By stopping these signals, ruxolitinib reduces abnormal cell growth in blood cancers like myelofibrosis/polycythemia vera and decreases harmful inflammation in graft-versus-host disease and skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and nonsegmental vitiligo by suppressing inflammatory cytokines. It belongs to the drug class called kinase inhibitors.

Ruxolitinib first gained FDA approval on November 16, 2011, under the brand name Jakafi. The topical formulation of ruxolitinib, Opzelura cream, was FDA approved on September 21, 2021. There is no generic form of the tablets or cream available.

FDA approvals and uses

Oral ruxolitinib is FDA-approved to treat:

It is not known if ruxolitinib is safe or effective in children with MF or PV, or children under 12 with GVHD.

Side effects

The most common side effects of ruxolitinib in adults with MF and PV are:

The most common side effects of ruxolitinib in people with aGVHD are:

The most common side effects of ruxolitinib in people with cGVHD are:

Serious side effects and warnings

Ruxolitinib (either oral or topical) can cause the following serious side effects:

These are not all the possible side effects of ruxolitinib. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to Incyte Corporation at 1-855-463-3463.

Before taking

Before taking oral ruxolitinib, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

How should I use ruxolitinib?

Take ruxolitinib exactly as your healthcare provider tells you. Do not change your dose or stop taking this medicine without first talking to your healthcare provider.

Tell your healthcare provider if you cannot take ruxolitinib by mouth. Your healthcare provider will decide if you can take it through a nasogastric tube.

You will have regular blood tests during your treatment with ruxolitinib. Based on the results of your blood tests, your healthcare provider may change your dose of this medicine or stop your treatment.

Dosing information

Oral ruxolitinib dose for myelofibrosis

Dosage is based on the patient’s baseline platelet count

Monitor complete blood counts every 2 to 4 weeks until doses are stabilized, and then as clinically indicated. Modify or interrupt dosing for thrombocytopenia.

Oral ruxolitinib dose for polycythemia vera

Oral ruxolitinib dose for acute graft-versus-host-disease (aGVHD)

Oral ruxolitinib dose for chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD)

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of ruxolitinib, take your next dose at your regular time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.

What happens if I take too much?

If you take too much ruxolitinib, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.

What other drugs will affect ruxolitinib?

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Taking ruxolitinib with certain other medicines may affect how ruxolitinib works. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

Does ruxolitinib interact with my other drugs?

Enter medications to view a detailed interaction report using our Drug Interaction Checker.

Storage

Store ruxolitinib tablets at room temperature, 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).

Keep out of the reach of children.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: ruxolitinib phosphate

Inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, colloidal silicon dioxide, sodium starch glycolate, povidone, and hydroxypropyl cellulose.

Ruxolitinib is available as 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, and 25 mg tablets.

Who makes ruxolitinib?

Oral ruxolitinib is made by Incyte Corporation under the brand Jakafi. Incyte is located in Wilmington, DE 19803.

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.