Ocrelizumab-induced alopecia areata—A series of five patients from Ontario, Canada: A case report

• Main Authors: Laura D Chin, Mohn’d AbuHilal
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SAGE Publishing 2020-05-01
• Series: SAGE Open Medical Case Reports
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1177/2050313X20919614

Background: Ocrelizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the CD20 antigen found on B-cells. It is indicated in the treatment of both relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis and primary progressive multiple sclerosis. Objective: The aim of this study is to report and describe the characteristics of alopecia areata following treatment with ocrelizumab for multiple sclerosis. Results: Five patients were reported, two female and three male. Four of the five patients had alopecia areata of the scalp, one of the five having alopecia to the beard area. All patients responded well to conventional treatment with topical and intralesional corticosteroids and topical minoxidil foam. Ocrelizumab can be associated with the development of alopecia areata. Initiation of proper treatment may lead to quick improvement or resolution of this potentially reversible adverse effect.