Roflumilast Cream for Residual Disease in Patients With Atopic Dermatitis on Dupilumab

INTRODUCTIONResidual disease is relatively common in dupilumab-treated patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). Adjunctive topical treatment, including topical corticosteroids or non-steroidal treatments, are often needed. In this study, we evaluated the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with AD on dupilumab with residual disease who were subsequently treated with roflumilast cream.

METHODSThis was a retrospective chart review conducted at a single academic center. Electronic medical records were searched to identify patients with AD who were prescribed dupilumab and were subsequently prescribed roflumilast cream for persistent or residual disease between July 2022 and January 2026.

RESULTSOf the 676 cases of AD identified and included in this review, there were 30 cases of dupilumab-treated patients with residual AD disease. One additional patient with de novo facial erythema on dupilumab was described qualitatively. Following roflumilast cream treatment, physician-documented clinical improvement was reported in 83% (25/30) of these patients. Of 18 patients with patient-reported outcomes, ten reported improvement with roflumilast cream (including resolution of disease, near resolution, or significant improvement with decreased flares); five reported reduced pruritus (1 with fully resolved itch); three reported no improvement; and one discontinued roflumilast cream due to burning. No additional adverse events were documented in the medical records.

CONCLUSIONSIn this retrospective case series, adjunctive roflumilast cream was associated with physician-documented clinical improvement in most dupilumab-treated patients with residual AD.

Abstract from PubMed