Antirheumatic, Janus Associated Kinase Inhibitor
“Alert: Black Box Warning
Serious Infections:
Patients treated with Baricitinib, Olumiant are at risk for developing serious infections that may lead to hospitalization or death. Most patients who developed these infections were taking concomitant immunosuppressants such as methotrexate or corticosteroids. The risks and benefits of treatment with Baricitinib, Olumiant should be carefully considered prior to initiate therapy in patients with chronic or recurrent infection. Patients should be closely monitored for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with Baricitinib, Olumiant including the possible development of tuberculosis in patients who tested negative for latent tuberculosis infection prior to initiating therapy.
Malignancies:
Lymphoma and other malignancies have been observed in patients treated with Baricitinib, Olumiant.
Thrombosis:
Thrombosis, including deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, has been observed at an increased incidence in patients treated with Baricitinib, Olumiant compared to placebo. In addition, there were cases of arterial thrombosis. Many of these adverse events were serious and some resulted in death. Patients with symptoms of thrombosis should be promptly evaluated.”
CSA NA – FDA Approved – REMS (N) – Can Ship
How Does It Work
Baricitinib, Olumiant modulates cytokine signalling by targeting receptors associated with JAK1 and JAK2 pathways believed to be important in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis.
Indications For Use
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Precautions
Before starting Baricitinib, Olumiant makes sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take. Baricitinib, Olumiant must be used with caution in patients at increased risk of GI perforation, currently taking immunosuppressive agents because of their higher risk of getting tuberculosis, invasive fungal candidiasis and pneumocystosis and bacterial, viral or other opportunistic infections. Baricitinib, Olumiant has been associated with lipid abnormalities, thrombosis and malignancies and as a result, patients require careful monitoring.
Usual Dosing
Oral: 2mg once daily.
Note: Baricitinib, Olumiant should not be used in combination with biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or with strong immunosuppressants such as azathioprine or cyclosporine. Do not initiate therapy in patients with an absolute lymphocyte count <500 cells/mm3, absolute neutrophil count <1,000 cells/mm3, or hemoglobin <8 g/dL.
Pharmacist Tips On Using
How to Take: Take with or without food. For patients unable to swallow tablets whole, the tablet may be chewed; ensure the entire dose is swallowed.
Side Effects
Infection, nausea, elevated liver enzymes.
Note this is not a complete list of side effects for Baricitinib, Olumiant only common ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What do I do if side effects are intolerable?
If side effects are causing a lot of distress speak to your physician as soon as possible to discuss options. - Why would my physician prescribe a medication with such serious side effects?
Your physician takes the most recent clinical guidelines to make evidence-based decisions on what medication is appropriate in which situations. Your current medications, your allergies, age, cost of medication, comorbid conditions and many other factors will further complicate or limit which medications are appropriate. Baricitinib is used for treatment-resistant rheumatoid arthritis which can leave to disfiguring joint damage if left untreated and your physician has determined the benefits outweigh the risks. Furthermore, they will be monitoring your bloodwork and symptoms closely to see if any serious complications are starting to arise and be able to adjust therapy to prevent progression.