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.