If you find yourself suffering from hair loss, it’s always important to visit a doctor so you can establish the underlying cause of the issue and be better informed on the treatments at your disposal. There are many different ways of treating hair loss, and medication is just one of them.
Within the range of available medication, Litfulo (generic name ritlecitinib) has emerged as an increasingly popular choice for patients. In this article, we’ll be explaining how Lifulo works, who is eligible for using this drug, and how it compares to other options.
Summary
What is Litfulo?
Ritlecitinib, best known under the brand name Litfulo, is a medication designed for patients suffering from alopecia areata. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system targets and attacks otherwise healthy hair follicles, causing patchy shedding throughout the scalp and/or elsewhere on the body.
Litfulo works by inhibiting the JAK3 and TEC kinase family, blocking the ATP (adenosine triphosphate) binding site. This both blocks the release of some inflammatory cytokines and reduces the production of others, while also reducing the cytolytic activity of immune cells.
By doing this, the body’s immune response is not halted, but rather managed so that damage to the hair is significantly reduced. Patients can expect to see results within 12-24 weeks. It should be noted that Litfulo is not a cure for alopecia areata, but rather allows patients to manage their symptoms.
Who is Litfulo For?
As stated above, Litfulo is intended for use only by patients suffering from alopecia areata. This is a specific form of hair loss caused by autoimmune disease, and therefore treatment with Litfulo is not recommended for other forms of hair loss.
Litfulo is appropriate for use by both adults and adolescents, with patients aged 12-17 experiencing the same overall results as the rest of the patients tested.
Can You Get Litfulo on the NHS?
If you suffer from alopecia areata and are hoping to receive medication through the NHS, you are in luck. In 2024, Litfulo became the first alopecia areata medication to be covered by the NHS.
This is why we strongly recommend that you have your hair loss assessed by your doctor. By identifying the underlying cause, not only will you be able to establish the most appropriate course of action, you can also learn which treatments are covered by the NHS and thus save yourself a lot of time and money.
Potential Side Effects and What to Look Out For
Naturally, all medications come with some side effects. When taking Litfulo, you might experience the following:
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Acne
- Rash
- Hives
- Folliculitis
- Fever
- Dizziness
As Litfulo is used to treat an autoimmune disorder, it can lower the immune system’s response to infection. Due to this, doctors request that you be tested for tuberculosis (TB) before treatment begins and that you continue to be screened for TB throughout the duration of your treatment.
How Litfulo Compares to Other Options
As alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder, hair transplants are not considered a viable option for patients. However, there are other treatments available. Litfulo is often reserved for severe cases of alopecia areata. If your symptoms are not yet severe, you might avail of these alternatives:
- Topical Minoxidil: Minoxidil is available as a topical foam in 2% and 5%. For female patients, only the 2% option is recommended. Minoxidil works by increasing blood flow to the scalp and prolonging the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle.
- Topical Immunotherapy: Topical immunotherapy medications such as Dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), squaric acid dibutylester (SADBE), and diphencyprone (DPCP) have the best proven results of any alopecia areata treatment, with Diphencyprone boasting a success rate of 88-100% in patients with patchy AA.
- Steroids: Steroids, delievered via injection or topically, are also common treatment options for alopecia areata. Ask your doctor if steroids are a suitable course of treatment for you.
Conclusion: Not an Option for Everyone
While there has been some positive buzz around Litfulo, and for good reason, it is important to remember that it is only an appropriate treatment option for those suffering from severe alopecia areata. If you suffer from any other kind of hair loss, Lifulo is not for you.
But never fear. If you are concerned about your hair loss and wish to get to the root of the issue, we recommend that you speak to your doctor. You can also contact one of our experts today to get a free hair analysis and assess whether you might be a good candidate for a hair transplant.
Dr. Imad Moustafa
Hair transplant specialist