JAK Inhibitors for Eczema

Welcome to the latest episode of the Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations podcast. In this episode, we focus on a type of advanced eczema treatment called a JAK inhibitor. It comes as both a medicated cream and an oral pill.

Our co-hosts, Kortney and Payel Gupta, MD, are joined by allergist Nicole Chase, MD. Together, they review what a JAK inhibitor is, how it works, how the cream and the pill are different, and how to use it effectively.

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We thank Incyte for sponsoring this podcast episode.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Any mention of brands is also informational and not an endorsement. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical questions or concerns.

Key Takeaways About JAK Inhibitors for Eczema

Eczema happens when the immune system is overactive and the skin barrier is broken. For a long time, topical corticosteroid creams were the main treatment. Now there are more choices, and JAK inhibitors are one of them.

  • What eczema is. It starts with a broken skin barrier and an overactive immune system, which keep the itch-and-scratch cycle going.
  • How JAK inhibitors work. Picture a receptionist inside your cells who decides which messages get passed on. A JAK inhibitor tells it to stop passing on the messages that cause itch and swelling.
  • JAK inhibitor pill or cream. The cream treats just the spot with the rash. The pill works throughout your whole body.
  • JAK inhibitor or biologic. A JAK inhibitor can be a pill, and a biologic is a shot. The best choice depends on your eczema and your daily life.
  • Side effects of JAK inhibitors. Of the eczema treatments, these carry the FDA’s strongest warning. Your doctor will check if they are a good fit and order lab tests for the pill.

Episode Timestamps from our Episode about JAK Inhibitors

01:34 — What is atopic dermatitis (eczema) and what is a JAK inhibitor

07:27 — JAK inhibitors as a topical and a pill

10:15 — Choosing a topical or a pill

12:37 — Different treatment options for eczema

16:44 — When to consider a JAK inhibitor and how it treats eczema

21:14 — Different severities of eczema

24:52 — Biologics versus an oral JAK inhibitor

30:11 — Side effects of JAK inhibitors

35:25 — Monitoring while on a JAK inhibitor

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