Introducing a new treatment option Baricitinib is the first and only FDA-approved once-daily pill for adults with severe alopecia areata
Serious infections, including tuberculosis (TB), shingles, and others caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses. Some people have died from these infections. Baricitinib can make you more likely to get infections or make any infections you have worse. You should not start Baricitinib if you have any kind of infection unless your doctor tells you it is okay. While taking Baricitinib, tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of an infection. If you get a serious infection, your doctor may stop Baricitinib until your infection is controlled.
Increased risk of death in people 50 years of age or older who have at least 1 heart disease risk factor and take a medicine in a class of medicines called Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. Baricitinib is a JAK inhibitor.
Cancer and immune system problems. Baricitinib may increase your risk of lymphoma and other cancers. People taking a medicine in the class of medicines called JAK inhibitors have a higher risk of certain cancers, especially if you are a current or past smoker. Follow your doctor's advice about having your skin checked for skin cancer while taking Baricitinib.
Increased risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke or death in people 50 years of age and older who have at least 1 heart disease risk factor and taking a medicine in the class of medicines called JAK inhibitors, especially if you are a current or past smoker. Get emergency help right away if you have any symptoms of a heart attack or stroke while taking Baricitinib.
Blood clots in the veins of your legs or lungs, and arteries. This may be life-threatening and cause death. Blood clots in the veins of legs and lungs have happened more often in people who are 50 years of age or older and with at least 1 heart disease risk factor taking a medicine in the class of medicines called JAK inhibitors. Stop taking Baricitinib and tell your doctor or get emergency help right away if you have any signs and symptoms of blood clots while taking Baricitinib.
Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune disorder that often results in unpredictable hair loss.
It affects roughly 6.8 million people in the United States and 147 million people worldwide.
In most cases, hair falls out in small patches around the size of a quarter. There may be only a few patches, but alopecia areata can affect wider areas of the scalp.
If there is a complete loss of hair on the scalp, doctors diagnose alopecia totalis. If there is hair loss throughout the entire body, the condition is called alopecia universalis.
Alopecia can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or race, though most cases develop before the age of 30.
In this article, we look at the causes and symptoms of alopecia areata, its diagnosis, and potential treatments.
