Will I relapse after stopping taking baricitinib?

There may be a risk of recurrence of alopecia areata (alopecia areata) after stopping taking baricitinib (Baricitinib). Baricitinib is an immunosuppressant that modulates the function of the immune system to reduce symptoms of alopecia areata. However, alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease, and its specific etiology and pathogenesis are not fully understood.

Due to the complex pathogenesis of alopecia areata, baricitinib is only a method to control the symptoms of the disease and cannot completely cure the disease. When baricitinib is discontinued, immune system activity may gradually return, which may lead to a return of alopecia areata symptoms.

In fact, some clinical studies have reported recurrence of alopecia areata after drug discontinuation. For example, one study of patients treated with baricitinib for alopecia areata observed that some patients experienced hair loss again within months of stopping the drug.

However, the risk and timing of recurrence may vary for different patients. Some patients may be able to maintain hair regrowth for a long time, while others may experience recurrence quickly. In addition, factors such as the treatment time and dose of baricitinib may also affect the incidence of recurrence.

Baricitinib has been launched in China and is included in medical insurance. Patients can purchase it domestically. Due to different medical insurance reimbursement policies in different regions, the reimbursement ratio is also different. The price is about 1200~1600 yuan. For specific prices, please consult the local pharmacy or the medical insurance bureau. Baricitinib has both original and generic drugs abroad. The original drug is mainly Eli Lilly’s original drug, and its price is higher than in China. Generic drugs are mainly Bangladeshi generic drugs, and the price is around 450 yuan. The ingredients of original drugs and generic drugs are basically the same.