Unsuccessful Treatment of Alopecia Areata with Simvastatin/Ezetimibe: Experience in 12 Patients

In a study from 2017 involving 12 patients with severe forms of alopecia areata, treatment with simvastatin/ezetimibe 40/10 mg over a 6-month period was found to be ineffective. The majority of patients (67%) experienced no hair regrowth, while some had transient or patchy regrowth (24%) that was not cosmetically satisfactory. Additionally, 24% of the patients reported adverse effects such as myalgia, and one patient had an elevation of creatine phosphokinase. The study concluded that simvastatin/ezetimibe is not an effective treatment for alopecia areata, particularly in severe cases or those refractory to other treatments, and the potential serious side effects should be carefully considered against the questionable benefits.