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Home > Drug Category > Janus Kinase Inhibitor > Anzupgo and Equivalent

Anzupgo Information

Anzupgo (Delgocitinib) is a prescription, steroid-free topical Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor used in treating moderate-to-severe chronic hand eczema in adults, particularly when standard topical corticosteroids have failed to provide relief or are not suitable for long-term use. This condition is a type of eczema characterized by persistent inflammation, painful cracking, redness, and intense itching on the hands and wrists that lasts for more than 3 months or recurs multiple times throughout the year.

Anzupgo works by blocking the pathways that drive skin inflammation. In chronic hand eczema, immune cells release chemical messengers that bind to skin cells and signal them to produce inflammation, swelling, and itching. This internal signaling relies on a group of proteins called Janus kinase enzymes to pass the message to the cell's command center. The active ingredient, delgocitinib, penetrates the skin cells and directly deactivates these Janus kinase enzymes. By interrupting the inflammatory process, this medication prevents inflammatory signals from reaching the cell's nucleus, ultimately halting the production of inflammatory proteins and calming the immune response, thereby allowing the skin on the hands to heal.

Anzupgo Side Effects

Because it is applied topically, systemic absorption remains relatively low compared to oral JAK inhibitors. However, it still carries some risk of side effects. Some of these include application-site reactions such as pain, tingling, itching, and redness, as well as bacterial skin infections such as finger cellulitis and nail infections (paronychia). A common side effect is also low white blood cell levels (leukopenia or neutropenia). Contact your doctor if these mild side effects persist or worsen.

Stop using this medication and seek immediate medical attention if you notice signs of an allergic reaction, such as breathing difficulties, a rash, itching, hives, blistering of the skin, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Anzupgo Precautions

Do not apply Anzupgo inside or on your eyes, mouth, nose, or vagina. If contact with these areas occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.

Do not use this medication if you have:
• An allergic reaction to delgocitinib or any other ingredients in Anzupgo;
• An active, serious infection;

Before starting this medication, ensure that you inform your doctor about any prior or current medical conditions, including the following:
• A chronic or recurrent infection;
• A history of any type of cancer, or risk factors for heart disease;
• Have an active infection such as shingles, hepatitis B or C;
• Tuberculosis or have come in contact with someone with tuberculosis

Cases of non-melanoma skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma, have been reported at application sites in a few individuals treated with Anzupgo. Because of this risk, it is important to schedule periodic skin examinations with your doctor, especially if you have pre-existing risk factors for skin cancer. It is recommended to minimize exposure to direct sunlight, wear sun-protective clothing, use broad-spectrum sunscreen, and completely avoid sunlamps while using this medication. You must avoid receiving live vaccines immediately before, during, and immediately after treatment with Anzupgo. However, it is recommended that you complete all age-appropriate vaccinations, including the herpes zoster vaccine, before starting the medication.

Concurrent use of Anzupgo with other JAK inhibitors (oral or topical) or potent systemic immunosuppressants is not recommended. Therefore, before using this medication, inform your doctor about any other medications you are currently taking, including other topical medications, to determine if it is safe to use along with delgocitinib. To ensure the greatest effect, avoid applying other topical products—including moisturizers—to the same area of skin for at least 2 hours before and after applying Anzupgo.

Due to limited human data, Anzupgo should generally be avoided during pregnancy as a precaution, given the risks reported in animal studies for its oral formulation. It remains unknown if the medication passes into breast milk, but systemic absorption through the skin is quite low. Anzupgo can be used during breastfeeding, but to protect a breastfed infant, the cream must never be applied to the breast or nipple area. Additionally, breastfeeding mothers must ensure their treated hands or wrists do not come into direct skin contact with the infant's skin immediately after applying the cream. Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from moisture, and keep it out of reach of children. Do not use more than 30 grams of this cream in any 2-week period or 60 grams per month.

Do I need a prescription to order Anzupgo?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Anzupgo.