Adverse effects of baricitinib in comparison to methotrexate in the treatment of severe alopecia areata

This study compared the adverse effects of baricitinib and methotrexate in treating severe alopecia areata in 84 patients. Baricitinib was associated with upper respiratory tract infections (14.3%) and hyperlipidemia (11.9%), while methotrexate was linked to nausea (28.6%) and elevated liver transaminase levels (16.7%). Methotrexate significantly increased serum transaminase levels, whereas baricitinib did not. Baricitinib significantly affected serum creatinine and lipid profiles, with increases in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL. Overall, baricitinib demonstrated superior safety compared to methotrexate after 6 months of treatment.