Olumiant is a prescription medication that is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, and is used to treat adults with severe alopecia areata. The first FDA-approved once-daily pill for adults with severe alopecia areata. In clinical studies of adults with 50% to 100% scalp hair loss, Olumiant was shown to provide significant hair regrowth in some people, resulting in 80% scalp coverage at 36 weeks.
How Olumiant works?
Olumiant is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor that works inside the body. It is thought to disrupt an immune signaling pathway involved in alopecia areata.
What is the dosage for Olumiant?
In clinical studies, some adults with severe alopecia areata taking Olumiant achieved 80% scalp hair coverage at 36 weeks.
For those taking Olumiant 4 mg once daily, some saw 90% or greater scalp hair coverage at 36 weeks, and some saw 80% or greater scalp hair coverage as early as 24 weeks.
The recommended dosage is 2 mg once daily for most patients, but certain patients may be treated with 4 mg once daily. Your healthcare provider will determine the right dosage for you.
What is the side effects for Olumiant?
It is not currently known how inhibiting these immune signals contributes to the therapeutic effects of Olumiant.
Olumiant may cause serious side effects, including:
Serious infections, including tuberculosis (TB), shingles, and others caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses. Some people have died from these infections. Olumiant can make you more likely to get infections or make any infections you have worse. You should not start Olumiant if you have any kind of infection unless your doctor tells you it is okay. While taking Olumiant, tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of an infection. If you get a serious infection, your doctor may stop Olumiant until your infection is controlled.
Increased risk of death in people 50 years of age or older who have at least 1 heart disease risk factor and take a medicine in a class of medicines called Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. Olumiant is a JAK inhibitor.
Cancer and immune system problems. Olumiant may increase your risk of lymphoma and other cancers. People taking a medicine in the class of medicines called JAK inhibitors have a higher risk of certain cancers, especially if you are a current or past smoker. Follow your doctor’s advice about having your skin checked for skin cancer while taking Olumiant.
Increased risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke or death in people 50 years of age and older who have at least 1 heart disease risk factor and taking a medicine in the class of medicines called JAK inhibitors, especially if you are a current or past smoker. Get emergency help right away if you have any symptoms of a heart attack or stroke while taking Olumiant.
Blood clots in the veins of your legs or lungs, and arteries. This may be life-threatening and cause death. Blood clots in the veins of legs and lungs have happened more often in people who are 50 years of age or older and with at least 1 heart disease risk factor taking a medicine in the class of medicines called JAK inhibitors. Stop taking Olumiant and tell your doctor or get emergency help right away if you have any signs and symptoms of blood clots while taking Olumiant.
Please contact your doctor if you want to take Olumiant for alopecia areata.