Safety and Efficacy of the JAK Inhibitor Tofacitinib Citrate in Patients with Alopecia Areata

A user with alopecia totalis, borderline universalis, seeks advice on getting into a Xeljanz trial or appealing insurance for coverage. They experienced significant hair regrowth but are now seeing hair loss again and want to try Xeljanz.

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.

Topical tacrolimus is being considered for androgenetic alopecia, though its effectiveness is unproven. Other treatments mentioned include minoxidil, dutasteride, cyclosporine, and teicoplanin, with discussions on blocking the prolactin receptor for hair growth.

Baricitinib, approved for alopecia areata, might be considered for treating receding hairlines. The discussion is about the possibility of an over-the-counter topical version for androgenic alopecia.

The user is experiencing diffuse thinning and inflammation despite using 2.5mg dutasteride daily, ciclopirox, and ketoconazole shampoos. They are considering treatments like hydroxychloroquine and JAK inhibitors due to suspected scarring alopecia and have faced challenges in obtaining a scalp biopsy.

An arthritis drug restored significant hair in people with alopecia areata, but it is not effective for male pattern baldness. The drug, Upadacitinib, has serious side effects and is expensive.