Baricitinib
Drug Class: DMARDs, Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors
Brand Names: Olumiant
Dosages
2 mg once a day.
Potential Side Effects
The most common potential side effects are upper respiratory tract infections; nausea; viral reactivation, including herpes simplex and herpes zoster (shingles).
Based on a safety trial of the JAK inhibitor tofacitinib (Xeljanz), the FDA has determined baracitinib and other JAK inhibitors have an increased risk of serious cardiovascular-related events, including heart attack and stroke; cancer, including lymphoma and lung cancer; thrombosis and death.
Special Instructions
May be taken with or without food.
Don’t take with biologics or other JAK inhibitors. Taking with potent immunosuppressants such as azathioprine and cyclosporine is not recommended; may be used as monotherapy or in combination with methotrexate (MTX) or other non-biologic DMARDs.
Be Aware
Your doctor should order periodic blood and urine tests to check for unwanted effects. Before taking any DMARD, tell your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant.
Baricitinib suppresses the immune system and may increase the risk of infections, including tuberculosis, fungal and bacterial infections. Your doctor will test you for tuberculosis (TB) before starting this drug. Tell your doctor if you have a history of TB.
Live vaccines should not be given with baricitinib.
LAST UPDATED: 09/18/2021
