Efficacy of Oral Tofacitinib in Moderate to Severe Alopecia Areata, Totalis, and Universalis at the Tertiary Care Hospital, Karachi

September 2025 in “ Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association ”

Misbah Zari Qadir, Rabia Ghafoor, Muhammad Khurram Salahuddin, Parisa Sanawar, Nazia Jabeen, Khadija Asadullah

tofacitinib alopecia areata alopecia totalis alopecia universalis Severity of Alopecia Tool

TLDR Tofacitinib effectively and safely promotes hair regrowth in alopecia patients.

A study conducted at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre in Karachi evaluated the effectiveness and safety of oral tofacitinib in treating 30 patients with alopecia areata, totalis, and universalis. Participants, with a mean age of 26.53 years, received 5 mg of tofacitinib twice daily. The Severity of Alopecia Tool score, initially at 88.41, decreased significantly over 24 weeks, with 80% of patients showing hair regrowth. No adverse events were reported, suggesting that tofacitinib is a promising and safe treatment option for alopecia.

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6 / 11 results

community 22F. Should I even bother getting a biopsy? Is there any point?

6 upvotes 9 years ago

A woman who has been experiencing hair loss for several years, and her question of whether there is any benefit to getting a biopsy to check if it's AGA or diffuse alopecia areata when no cure or very effective treatment exists. Treatments such as spironolactone and Minoxidil/finasteride/RU58841 have previously been discussed.

Compressed part of research of theory of androgenic/anabolitic balance. AGA h-responders analytic. Theory of physio-metabolitic method of anti AGA treatment

community Compressed part of research of theory of androgenic/anabolitic balance. AGA h-responders analytic. Theory of physio-metabolitic method of anti AGA treatment

in Research 865 upvotes 1 year ago

The treatment for androgenetic alopecia involves using finasteride and minoxidil with intense exercise and cold exposure to boost metabolism and reduce androgenic effects, potentially leading to hair regrowth. This approach may activate biological pathways for improved hair and overall health.

community Female, 27 years old, shedding/ balding despite being on what is considered to be a effective treatment plan for AGA. Considering Dut (oral) . Please help.

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 27 upvotes 1 year ago

A 27-year-old woman with androgenic alopecia is losing hair despite using oral minoxidil and spironolactone, and is considering dutasteride. She is exploring causes like stress and medication side effects, planning tests, and considering treatment changes.

community IGE Hair Loss and Miniaturization

in Chat 3 upvotes 7 months ago

A 23-year-old male is experiencing diffuse hair loss and miniaturization, possibly due to high IGE levels after using tofacitinib. He seeks advice and has not yet consulted a dermatologist.

community What else is good. Besides the big 3.

in Chat 35 upvotes 1 year ago

Key treatments for hair preservation include minoxidil, finasteride/dutasteride, and microneedling, with additional options like specific shampoos, oils, biotin, zinc, tretinoin, clascoterone, and low-level laser therapy. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, reducing stress, and addressing nutrient deficiencies can also support hair health.

community The shedding caused by Minoxidil is one of the worst things. 2 months apart each picture

in Progress Pictures 290 upvotes 1 year ago

The conversation discusses the severe shedding caused by Minoxidil, with users sharing their experiences and outcomes. Some report eventual regrowth, while others see no improvement or worsening hair loss.

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6 / 6 results

research Alopecia Universalis Treated With Tofacitinib: The Role of JAK/STAT Inhibitors in Hair Regrowth

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Tofacitinib helped a woman with total-body hair loss grow her hair back.

research The Usefulness and Wellbeing of Tofacitinib in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

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Tofacitinib is effective and safe for treating alopecia areata.

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4 citations , July 2018 in “PubMed”

Oral and topical tofacitinib can help regrow hair in people with severe alopecia areata.

research Brazilian Experience of Treating Alopecia Universalis with Novel Antirheumatic Therapy Tofacitinib: A Case Series

16 citations , July 2017 in “Rheumatology and Therapy”

Tofacitinib, a medication for arthritis, showed potential for treating severe hair loss in a small Brazilian case series, but more research is needed.

research Excellent Response to Tofacitinib Treatment in a Patient with Alopecia Universalis

16 citations , January 2017 in “Acta dermatovenerologica Alpina, Pannonica et Adriatica (Tiskana izd.)”

A patient with complete hair loss regrew all her hair using tofacitinib.

research Alopecia Areata Universalis in a Dog

5 citations , June 2015 in “Veterinary dermatology”

A dog with complete hair loss regrew most hair after treatment, with no relapse after stopping treatment.