Peripheral Neuropathy Associated with Tofacitinib Use in Alopecia Universalis

    August 2022 in “ Journal of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery ”
    Fatimah Alowirdi, Raghad Alharthi, Saba AlSuhaymi, Mohammed Al‐Qahtani, Afaf Al AlSheikh
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    TLDR A patient developed nerve problems as a side effect of a hair loss treatment called tofacitinib.
    The document discusses a case of a 20-year-old female with alopecia universalis (AU), a severe form of hair loss, who experienced peripheral neuropathy as a side effect of tofacitinib treatment. Tofacitinib, a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, was used after other treatments failed to produce satisfactory results. After 9 months of treatment, the patient reported mild-to-moderate numbness in her upper limbs, action tremors in the hands, headache, and loss of appetite, despite 80% hair regrowth. Tofacitinib was discontinued and her neurological condition improved after 3 months. The document concludes that peripheral neuropathy might be an adverse effect of tofacitinib, suggesting that monitoring for neurological symptoms may be necessary during treatment.
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