Two cases of alopecia areata treated with ruxolitinib: a discussion of ideal dosing and laboratory monitoring.

BACKGROUND

Alopecia areata is a relatively common condition affecting patients seen in community dermatology clinics. A 2014 study implicated the JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor, ruxolitinib in short-term treatment of alopecia, however little information exists about the long-term use in otherwise healthy individuals in the community setting.

METHODS

A patient with chronic alopecia areata and a patient with acute onset alopecia universalis were treated with oral ruxolitinib for over a year.

RESULTS

Both patients experienced sustained, near-complete regrowth without hematologic or other complications after one year of treatment. Oral ruxolitinib effectively and safely treated alopecia in two women.

CONCLUSIONS

Ruxolitinib should be considered for cases of unresponsive alopecia in the community.