What Is Another Name for Ruxolitinib? Exploring the Different Brand Names and Uses

October 12, 2025 •

2 min read

As the first FDA-approved JAK inhibitor for myelofibrosis in 2011, ruxolitinib has since expanded its treatment applications for other conditions. Knowing what is another name for ruxolitinib is essential, as this single generic medication is marketed under different brand names for various uses and regions, including Jakafi, Jakavi, and Opzelura.

Quick Summary

Ruxolitinib is a generic drug sold under different brand names, such as Jakafi (oral) and Opzelura (topical). Jakafi treats specific blood cancers and graft-versus-host disease, while Opzelura is used for skin conditions. Brand names can also vary by region, such as Jakavi in Europe.

Key Points

Generic Name: Ruxolitinib is the generic name for a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor medication.
Oral Brand Name (U.S.): The brand name for oral ruxolitinib tablets in the United States is Jakafi.
Topical Brand Name: The brand name for topical ruxolitinib cream is Opzelura, used for skin conditions like atopic dermatitis and vitiligo.
International Brand Name: Outside the U.S., the oral formulation of ruxolitinib is often marketed as Jakavi.
Mechanism of Action: Ruxolitinib inhibits JAK1 and JAK2 proteins to control inflammatory signals and blood cell production.
Primary Oral Uses: The oral form (Jakafi/Jakavi) is used for blood cancers (myelofibrosis and polycythemia vera) and graft-versus-host disease.
Important Safety Note: Abruptly stopping oral ruxolitinib can cause a serious rebound effect known as discontinuation syndrome, so doses should be tapered as directed by a physician.

Ruxolitinib: A Versatile JAK Inhibitor

Ruxolitinib is the generic name for a prescription medication classified as a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor. JAKs are proteins involved in cell signaling pathways that are crucial for immune and inflammatory responses. In certain diseases, overactive JAK signaling can lead to uncontrolled cell growth or inflammation. Ruxolitinib works by blocking JAK proteins (specifically JAK1 and JAK2), helping to regulate blood cell production and reduce inflammation.

Ruxolitinib is available under different brand names due to its various formulations and regional approvals.

The Oral Form: Jakafi and Jakavi

In the United States, the oral tablet form of ruxolitinib is primarily known as Jakafi. This targeted therapy treats specific blood cancers and immune-related issues. Jakafi is a kinase inhibitor that targets disease-driving signaling pathways.

Internationally, the oral form is marketed as Jakavi. Jakavi treats the same blood cancers as Jakafi and is marketed by Novartis outside the U.S.. Approved uses for oral ruxolitinib include myelofibrosis, polycythemia vera, and graft-versus-host disease.

The Topical Form: Opzelura

Opzelura is the brand name for the topical cream formulation of ruxolitinib used for certain skin conditions. It is applied directly to the skin to treat localized inflammation. Approved uses for topical ruxolitinib include atopic dermatitis and nonsegmental vitiligo.

Comparison of Ruxolitinib Brand Names

This table summarizes the different ruxolitinib brand names, formulations, and uses:


Brand Name	Formulation	Primary Uses	Region(s)
Jakafi	Oral tablets	Myelofibrosis (MF), Polycythemia Vera (PV), Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD)	United States
Jakavi	Oral tablets	Myelofibrosis (MF), Polycythemia Vera (PV), Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD)	Europe and other international markets
Opzelura	Topical cream	Atopic Dermatitis (eczema), nonsegmental Vitiligo	United States and other regions

Important Safety Considerations

Patients and healthcare providers should be aware of potential side effects and safety precautions. Oral ruxolitinib commonly causes low blood counts (thrombocytopenia, anemia, and neutropenia), requiring regular monitoring. There is also an increased risk of serious infections. Suddenly stopping oral ruxolitinib can lead to 'ruxolitinib discontinuation syndrome,' a serious rebound effect with worsening symptoms.

Topical ruxolitinib's common side effects include mild skin reactions. However, as a JAK inhibitor, there are warnings about potential serious side effects, such as a slight risk of infection and certain cancers.

Conclusion

Ruxolitinib is the generic name for a potent JAK inhibitor used for various conditions. The oral form is known as Jakafi in the U.S. and Jakavi internationally, treating myelofibrosis, polycythemia vera, and graft-versus-host disease. Opzelura is the topical cream for atopic dermatitis and vitiligo. These names reflect the drug's applications and regional marketing. Patients should follow their doctor's instructions for safe and effective treatment. For more detailed, peer-reviewed information on ruxolitinib, consult sources like {Link: National Institutes of Health https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK570600/}.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Jakafi is the brand name for the oral tablet version of the generic drug ruxolitinib in the United States.

The topical form of ruxolitinib, which is a cream, is marketed under the brand name Opzelura.

The different names correspond to regional differences and distinct formulations of the drug. For example, Jakafi is the U.S. brand for the oral form, while Jakavi is used in Europe.

Oral ruxolitinib treats specific types of myelofibrosis, polycythemia vera, and graft-versus-host disease. The topical cream treats atopic dermatitis and vitiligo.

As of now, Jakafi is only available as a brand-name medication and does not have a generic equivalent for its oral tablet form.

Ruxolitinib is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, which means it works by blocking signaling pathways controlled by JAK1 and JAK2 proteins. This helps regulate the production of blood cells and reduces inflammation.

Common side effects for the oral form include low platelet, red blood cell, and white blood cell counts, as well as dizziness, headache, and diarrhea. For the topical form, skin-related reactions are most common.