The USFDA approved the first systemic treatment for alopecia areata. Baricitinib is an oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor that modulates the interleukins associated with the JAK pathway and disrupts the associated inflammatory pathways. Two studies (AA-1 and AA-2) conducted with patients who had severe to very severe forms of alopecia areata were used to evaluate the drug's effectiveness and safety.

Results   Side effects: Headache Hyperlipidemia UTIs Elevated creatinine phosphokinase levels Tiredness Infections of the upper respiratory tract Candidiasis Mild anemia and neutropenia Shingles   Contraindications Baricitinib should not be prescribed for patients who are taking other JAK inhibitors, immunosuppressants, cyclosporine and strong immunomodulators and patients with active or latent tuberculosis. Precautions Patients who are prescribed baricitinib should be monitored for…