Safety of Oral JAK Inhibitors in Treating Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

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.

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.

Eli Lilly's drug baricitinib showed effectiveness in treating alopecia areata, with higher doses resulting in significant hair regrowth compared to placebo. The treatment is not for male pattern baldness.

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.

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.

The conversation is about whether it is safe to take Xeljanz, a JAK inhibitor, while also taking finasteride for hair loss. The concern is that Xeljanz weakens the immune system, which could be risky.