Document resource
Background and Importance Non-segmental vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune disorder leading to progressive skin depigmentation and significant psychological and social impact. The introduction of topical ruxolitinib 1.5%, the first selective JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor, has represented a major therapeutic advancement for patients unresponsive to conventional treatments.Hospital pharmacists play a crucial role in promoting appropriate drug use, therapeutic education, and early detection of adverse events. To date, no pharmacist-led follow-up model specific to topical ruxolitinib has been implemented in Europe, capable of being adapted and shared across different healthcare systems.Aim and Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the impact of pharmacist-led monitoring for patients treated with topical ruxolitinib in a community pharmacy belonging to a Local Health Authority in Apulia, Italy.The objectives were to:analyse therapeutic adherence, adverse event reporting, and patient empowerment level;identify strengths and weaknesses of the local model;propose a structured European pharmacist–led follow–up model for topical ruxolitinib, integrable into pharmacovigilance and hospital telemonitoring systems.Material and Methods Between June 2024 and March 2025, patients using topical ruxolitinib participated in a pharmacist-led programme including counselling, adherence and satisfaction questionnaires, and quarterly follow-ups on adherence, adverse events, and satisfaction, to develop a standardisable European monitoring model.Results Thirty-seven patients were enrolled (eight males, 29 females; mean age 45 years). Mean treatment adherence was 94%, with visible pigmentation improvement in 78% of cases. Ninety-six percent of participants reported high satisfaction with pharmacist-led support. Five mild adverse events (erythema, pruritus) were recorded, none leading to treatment discontinuation. Qualitative analysis indicated greater adherence among patients receiving regular pharmacist contact and digital support.Conclusion and Relevance The pharmacist-led monitoring of topical ruxolitinib proved feasible, effective, and well accepted by patients, enhancing adherence, perceived safety, and therapeutic awareness. Findings suggest that active pharmacist involvement in dermatologic treatment management adds value in terms of care quality and sustainability. Based on the Apulian experience, the adoption of a shared European pharmacist-led follow-up model for topical ruxolitinib is proposed, integrable into pharmacovigilance platforms and digital monitoring systems, to harmonise clinical management and promote patient safety across Europe.References and/or Acknowledgements 1. Tavoletti G, et al. Topical ruxolitinib: A new treatment for vitiligo. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2023;37:2222–2230.Conflict of Interest No conflict of interest