Patient Experience of Off-Label Janus Kinase Inhibitor Use for Alopecia Areata in a Cohort of 34 Patients From a Single UK Practitioner: Exploring Changing Trends in Healthcare Provision and Access to Drug Treatments

    June 2023 in “ British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement ”
    Sarah Ryan, Anna Ascott, Paul Farrant
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    TLDR Patients with alopecia areata face challenges accessing Janus kinase inhibitors, but some see positive results.
    This study examined the experiences of 34 patients with alopecia areata (AA) who sought Janus kinase inhibitor (JAKi) treatments from a private UK clinic over 36 months. The cohort included 25 adults and nine children, with a median age of 40 years. Patients traveled from various parts of the UK, with some using social media for referrals and information on sourcing medication abroad. Baricitinib and tofacitinib were the most commonly prescribed JAKi, with 56% of patients having severe alopecia. Treatment costs varied significantly, and 24% of patients showed no scalp regrowth with first-line treatment. One patient experienced total hair regrowth after switching JAKi classes, while another had to stop treatment due to breast cancer. The study highlights the emerging role of JAKi in AA treatment and the challenges patients face in accessing these medications.
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