Drug-Induced Lupus or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus After Experimental COVID-19 Therapy: Difficulties in Differential Diagnosis

An arthritis drug, baricitinib, is discussed as a potential treatment for autoimmune alopecia, not androgenetic alopecia. Ritlecitinib is also mentioned as a possible treatment for scarring alopecia.

OP developed hives after using Kx 826 (Pyrilutamide) 1% twice daily for 3 weeks. The hives appeared on the arms, chest, and groin area.

The user was rejected from participating in a clinical trial for an extended-release oral Minoxidil due to having rheumatoid arthritis, despite initially being accepted. They had stopped using Dutasteride and Minoxidil to qualify but continued using other treatments like RU58841 and red light therapy.

KX-826 is considered effective for hair maintenance, with better safety research than RU58841, but lacks positive anecdotes. RU58841 is seen as potentially stronger, but concerns exist about systemic effects; combining anti-androgens with 5AR inhibitors is suggested for better results.

The user increased their steroid dosage and noticed hair shedding, so they adjusted their regimen by reducing steroid doses and adding oral dutasteride. They are also experimenting with combining RU-58841 and KX-826/pyrilutamide in minoxidil to address hair loss.

An arthritis drug, Rinvoq, restores hair in some alopecia areata patients but is not effective for androgenetic alopecia. It is used for autoimmune-related skin disorders, but its high cost and lack of insurance coverage are issues.