Does anyone have any experience taking these?

I went to my dermatologist today. I have a history of traction alopecia, but he wants me to take these. I think he wants to rule out areata.

My hair was pulled too tightly as a child, so I started losing my hair. But I think he wants to rule out aa, are there other ways he can do this? As I don't like to take medication in case of side affects.

Kind regards.