Baricitinib
Pronounced
"BAR-i-SYE-ti-nib"
Uses
Baricitinib is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. It helps decrease pain, tenderness, and swelling in the joints. It is also used to treat a certain immune disorder which causes hair loss (alopecia areata).
In the US, baricitinib is also being used to treat coronavirus disease (COVID-19). It is used in certain patients in the hospital who need supplemental oxygen (including patients on a mechanical ventilator).
Warning
Baricitinib may lower your ability to fight infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal) infection or make any infection you have worse. The most common serious infections include pneumonia, shingles, and urinary tract infections. The risk for infections may be higher if you also take other drugs that suppress the immune system (such as methotrexate, corticosteroids). Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection (such as a sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills, cough, painful/frequent urination, non-healing skin sores).
If treating rheumatoid arthritis or alopecia areata, you should have a tuberculosis (TB) skin test before and during treatment with this medication. Tell your doctor if you have been near someone with tuberculosis or have lived or traveled in areas where certain fungal infections (such as coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis) are common. These areas include the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys and the southwestern United States.
Though it is very unlikely to occur, there may be a risk of developing cancer (such as lymphoma, skin cancer, lung cancer) with this medication. Your risk may be higher if you are a current or past smoker. Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms such as fever or cough that doesn't go away, wheezing, unusual lumps/growths, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, change in appearance or size of moles, or unusual skin changes.
Baricitinib may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) blood clots in the lungs or legs, or clots that cause a stroke or heart attack. You may be at an increased risk for blood clots if you are a current or past smoker, or are 50 years of age or older and have at least one risk factor for heart disease. Discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor. Get medical help right away if you develop symptoms of blood clots, including shortness of breath/rapid breathing, chest/jaw/left arm pain, unusual sweating, confusion, sudden dizziness/fainting, pain/swelling/warmth in the groin/calf, sudden/severe headaches, trouble speaking, weakness on one side of the body, or sudden vision changes.
How to Use This Medication
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking baricitinib and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily.
If you have trouble swallowing this medication whole, you may place your dose in a cup with about 2 teaspoonful (10 milliliters) of room temperature water to dissolve the tablet(s). Stir the mixture gently and then drink all of it right away. Rinse the cup with another 2 teaspoonful (10 milliliters) of water and drink the rinse water to make sure you get all of your dose.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.
