Take oral JAK inhibitors (baricitinib)

What to Do

Discuss JAK inhibitor therapy with your dermatologist. Baricitinib (Olumiant) is FDA-approved for severe alopecia areata in adults. Taken as a daily oral tablet, typically 2-4mg.

Why It Works

JAK inhibitors block the Janus kinase signaling pathway that drives the autoimmune attack on hair follicles. Clinical trials showed that about 40% of patients with severe alopecia areata achieved 80% or greater scalp coverage after 36 weeks of treatment.

Tips

• A breakthrough treatment — the first FDA-approved systemic therapy for alopecia areata (approved 2022)
• Requires monitoring for infections, blood counts, and liver function
• Hair loss may return if the medication is discontinued