Other Brands/Names

Unamity

How It Works

Baricitinib is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor. Janus kinases are enzymes that help trigger immune responses and support the formation of blood cell components. By dampening excessive JAK activity, this medicine lowers an overreactive immune response that mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues.

Indications

Baricitinib may be used alone or together with other treatments to manage rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system targets the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced joint function. This medicine is generally considered when certain prior treatments, such as Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) inhibitors, have not provided adequate relief.

Contraindication

Do not use this medicine in patients with any of the following:

• A known hypersensitivity or allergy to baricitinib or any of its components
• Active, serious infections
• Baricitinib has been associated with rare but severe blood clots that can be life-threatening, including pulmonary embolism, stroke, and heart attack. Inform your doctor before use if you:
  
  • Smoke or have smoked previously
  • Have had blood clots in the past
  • Have heart or blood vessel disease
  • Have a history of stroke
• Avoid concurrent use with biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and do not receive live vaccines while on this therapy.

Side Effects

Seek medical advice right away if you notice serious side effects, including:

• Signs of anemia (low red blood cell count)
• Unusual fatigue
• Pale skin
• Rapid heartbeat
• Possible symptoms of liver disorders:
  
  • Ongoing nausea or vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Abdominal pain
  • Jaundice of the eyes or skin
  • Dark Urine
• Possible signs of severe injury to the stomach or intestines:
  
  • Intense, persistent stomach pain
  • Fever
  • Severe dizziness
  • Fainting
  • Severe nausea or vomiting

Severe allergic reactions are uncommon, but get emergency help if you develop a rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat), marked dizziness, or trouble breathing.

Types

Baricitinib is supplied as film-coated tablets containing 2 mg of active ingredient.

Dosage

Adult Dosage

• For moderate to severe disease:
  
  • 4 mg once daily.
  • After symptoms are controlled, the dose may be reduced to 2 mg once daily.
• For patients with long-standing (chronic) or recurrent infections:
  
  • 2 mg once daily.

Elderly Dosage

• For adults aged over 75 years old:
  
  • 2 mg once daily.

Safety

Baricitinib can increase susceptibility to infections. Limit exposure to people with contagious illnesses (for example, chickenpox, measles, or influenza). Contact your healthcare provider promptly if you develop signs of infection.

Use during pregnancy should be considered only when clearly needed. It is unknown whether this medicine passes into breast milk; because of the potential for serious adverse effects in a nursing infant, breastfeeding is not recommended while taking baricitinib. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

• There is an increased risk of immune suppression when used with medicines that also suppress the immune system, such as:
  
  • Azathioprine
  • Ciclosporin
  • Tacrolimus
• Use may reduce the effectiveness of live bacterial or viral vaccines, such as BCG or measles vaccines.
• Baricitinib may also raise the risk of side effects when combined with other DMARDs.

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