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How effective is Olumiant for Alopecia Areata (hair loss)?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on Oct 12, 2023.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

In studies, about 17% to 35% of adults with severe alopecia areata achieved an 80% or greater scalp hair coverage at 36 weeks, as well as eyebrow and eyelash regrowth, depending upon their Olumiant dose. Some patients using the higher 4 mg dose saw 80% scalp hair regrowth at 24 weeks.

What is alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata is a medical condition that can lead to patchy or complete hair loss, including the scalp, eyelashes and eyebrows. It is thought to be due to an immune system defect (autoimmune disorder) in the hair follicle leading to inflammation and hair follicle destruction.

Alopecia areata may appear as small patches of hair loss on the scalp to complete loss of all scalp and body hair, including eyelashes and eyebrows. It can occur in all age groups, sexes and ethnic groups.

People with alopecia areata often experience mental health problems due to hair loss, which may include low self-esteem or other psychiatric problems.

How long does it take to regrow hair with Olumiant?

Based on Olumiant studies, you may see hair growth on 80% to 90% of your scalp after 24 to 36 weeks of treatment, depending upon the severity of your alopecia and your dose. Not everyone will see hair growth at this level.

The effectiveness of Olumiant for alopecia areata was studied in the Phase BRAVE-AA1 and BRAVE-AA2 trials with over 1,200 adult patients. Patients in these studies had lost 50% or more of their scalp hair (as defined by a Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score ≥50).

Most side effects with Olumiant were mild or moderate. Few patients (an average of 2.2%) dropped out of studies due to side effects.

The most common side effects (≥1%) seen in studies of patients with alopecia areata include:

Related: Olumiant Side Effects and Warnings (in more detail)

Related questions

How do I take Olumiant for alopecia?

Olumiant is an oral medication taken by mouth once per day, with or without food. Your doctor will determine the best dose for you.

What is Olumiant approved to treat?

Olumiant (generic name: baricitinib), from Eli Lilly, is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor approved to treat:

Olumiant is not recommended for use in combination with certain medicines, such as other JAK inhibitors, biologic immunomodulators, biologic DMARDs, cyclosporine, azathioprine, or other potent immunosuppressants.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of the medicines you use, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal or dietary supplements so that they can check for any possible drug interactions.

This is not all the information you need to know about Olumiant (baricitinib) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

References
  • Kwon O, Senna MM, Sinclair R, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Baricitinib in Patients with Severe Alopecia Areata over 52 Weeks of Continuous Therapy in Two Phase III Trials (BRAVE-AA1 and BRAVE-AA2). Am J Clin Dermatol. 2023 May;24(3):443-451. doi: 10.1007/s40257-023-00764-
  • Strazzulla LC, Wang EHC, Avila L, et al. Alopecia areata: disease characteristics, clinical evaluation, and new perspectives on pathogenesis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2018;78:1-12. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2017.04.1141.
  • Olumiant (baricitinib) prescribing information. Eli Lilly. Indianapolis, IN. Accessed Oct. 11, 2023 at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/207924s007lbl.pdf https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/207924s007lbl.pdf
  • FDA Approves Lilly and Incyte's Olumiant (baricitinib) as First and Only Systemic Medicine for Adults with Severe Alopecia Areata. Drugs.com. Accessed Oct 11, 2023 at https://www.drugs.com/newdrugs/fda-approves-lilly-incyte-s-olumiant-baricitinib-first-only-systemic-medicine-adults-severe-5851.html
  • Olumiant.com. Accessed Oct 11, 2023 at https://www.olumiant.com/alopecia-areata/efficacy-results

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