Alopecia Areata Secondary to the Use of Leflunomide in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case Report and Literature Review

Leflunomide, a commonly prescribed DMARD for rheumatoid arthritis, was effective in suppressing disease factors but had notable side effects, including diarrhea, nausea, rash, and alopecia. Although alopecia was a known side effect, cases of alopecia universalis were rare. The document presented a case from the Regional Hospital of Talca and reviewed the literature on leflunomide's use, highlighting the need for awareness of its potential to cause severe hair loss in some patients.