From the Guidelines
Jakavi (ruxolitinib) can cause hair loss as a side effect, although the provided evidence does not directly quantify this risk for Jakavi specifically, it is known that hair loss occurs in patients taking similar medications. The hair loss associated with medications like Jakavi is typically mild to moderate and often temporary, with hair regrowth possible even while continuing treatment. This side effect happens because Jakavi works by inhibiting Janus kinases (JAK1/JAK2), which affects cell signaling pathways involved in both disease processes and normal cell functions, including hair follicle cycling, as discussed in the context of cancer therapy-related alopecia 1. If you experience significant hair loss while taking Jakavi, you should discuss it with your healthcare provider, but do not stop taking the medication without medical advice. Your doctor may recommend supportive measures like gentle hair care practices, avoiding harsh chemical treatments, and in some cases, topical treatments to help manage this side effect while continuing the necessary treatment. It's also important to note that the management of side effects, including hair loss, should be individualized and based on the latest clinical guidelines, such as those provided by major medical societies for the treatment of myeloid neoplasms during the COVID-19 pandemic 1. However, the specific evidence regarding Jakavi and hair loss is not directly provided in the given studies, which focus more on the general management of myeloid neoplasms and dermatological toxicities related to anticancer agents.
From the Research
Jakavi and Hair Loss
- Jakavi, also known as ruxolitinib, is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor used in the management of patients with myelofibrosis 2.
- While the provided studies do not directly address the question of whether Jakavi can cause loss of hair, they do discuss the use of JAK inhibitors in the treatment of alopecia areata and other forms of hair loss 3, 4, 5, 6.
- In the context of alopecia areata, JAK inhibitors have been shown to be effective in promoting hair regrowth, suggesting that they may not cause hair loss, but rather help to treat it 5, 6.
- However, the studies also note that JAK inhibitors can have adverse effects, including infections and thrombocytopenia, which may potentially lead to hair loss as a secondary effect 2.
- It is worth noting that the provided studies focus on the use of JAK inhibitors in the treatment of alopecia areata and myelofibrosis, and do not specifically investigate the potential for Jakavi to cause hair loss as a side effect.
Adverse Effects of JAK Inhibitors
- The studies mention that JAK inhibitors can have adverse effects, including infections, thrombocytopenia, and anaemia 5, 2.
- These adverse effects may potentially lead to hair loss as a secondary effect, although this is not explicitly stated in the provided studies.
- Further research would be needed to determine the potential for Jakavi to cause hair loss as a side effect, and to fully understand the relationship between JAK inhibitors and hair loss.