When your immune system turns on your own body, JAK inhibitors, a class of targeted drugs that block specific signaling pathways in immune cells. Also known as Janus kinase inhibitors, they help calm down overactive immune responses without shutting down the whole system. Unlike older drugs that broadly suppress immunity, JAK inhibitors act like precision tools—targeting just the signals that cause inflammation in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and ulcerative colitis.
These drugs work by blocking enzymes called Janus kinases, which are part of the JAK-STAT pathway. When this pathway gets stuck in the "on" position, it tells immune cells to attack healthy tissue. JAK inhibitors like Jakafi (ruxolitinib), a JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor used for myelofibrosis and polycythemia vera, and others interrupt that signal. They’re taken as pills, which makes them more convenient than injectable biologics. But they’re not for everyone—doctors watch closely for risks like infections, blood clots, and changes in blood counts. People with a history of serious infections or certain cancers often avoid them.
What you’ll find in this collection are real comparisons between JAK inhibitors and other treatments. You’ll see how they stack up against biologics like Humira or Enbrel, how they compare to older DMARDs like methotrexate, and what side effects you’re actually likely to face. There are also guides on managing long-term use, what to do if one JAK inhibitor stops working, and how lifestyle changes can support treatment. If you’re trying to understand why your doctor picked one drug over another, or if you’re weighing cost against effectiveness, these posts give you straight answers—not marketing.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition causing sudden, patchy hair loss. Unlike pattern baldness, it doesn't destroy follicles-so regrowth is possible. Treatments range from steroid injections to new oral drugs like JAK inhibitors, but relapse is common and emotional impact is high.