Has your doctor prescribed you a pill called Baricitinib? Maybe it's for a condition like arthritis, alopecia areata, or a severe form of COVID-19. The brand name of this drug is OLUMIANT. So, in this article, we'll briefly talk about what this drug is, what it does to your body, and what you need to be careful about when using it.
What kind of medicine is Baricitinib?
Simply put, this is a drug that is used to treat conditions called autoimmune conditions . That is, diseases that occur when our own immune system attacks our own cells. This drug works by controlling the overactivity of our immune system. It is also used to treat severe COVID-19 patients who are hospitalized.
Things to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you start taking Baricitinib, it is very important that you give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. If you have any of the conditions below, be sure to inform your doctor.
| Disease or condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Cancer | If you have cancer or have had it before. |
| Smoking | Whether you currently smoke or have done so in the past. |
| Diabetes | If you are diabetic. |
| Heart attack or stroke | If you have had a heart attack or stroke before. |
| Blood clots | If you have a history of blood clots in the legs or lungs. |
| Tuberculosis (TB) | If you have tuberculosis or have been in close contact with someone who has tuberculosis. |
| Heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol | Tell your doctor about situations like this. |
| Other infections | Tell us about any current or long-term infections (e.g. Hepatitis, Herpes, Chickenpox). |
| Liver or kidney disease | If you have any liver or kidney disease. |
| Decreased blood cell levels | If blood tests show a low white blood cell, red blood cell, or platelet count. |
| Pregnancy or breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
| Allergies | If you have an allergy to baricitinib or any other medicine or food. |
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine should be taken with a glass of water. It is best to take it at the same time every day , as directed by your doctor. You can take it with or without food. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food. Continue taking it until your doctor tells you to stop.
Most importantly, this medicine is for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Other medicines that should not be used with this medicine
While taking baricitinib, taking certain other medications may cause side effects. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal products).
In particular, do not take Baricitinib with the following medications:
- Tofacitinib
- Upadacitinib
Also, the following medications may interact with Baricitinib. So, if you are taking these, inform your doctor:
- Azathioprine
- Cyclosporine
- Probenecid
- Live virus vaccines
- Other biological medications that suppress immunity
Things to consider when taking baricitinib
You need to be a little more careful about your health while taking this medicine.
- Blood tests: Your doctor will order blood tests from time to time while you are taking this medication. It is important to get these tests done correctly.
- Risk of infection: Since this medicine suppresses the body's immune system to some extent, you may be at slightly increased risk of developing infections. If you develop symptoms such as fever, chills, or sore throat , do not self-medicate and see a doctor. Minimize contact with sick people as much as possible.
- Tuberculosis (TB) testing: Before starting the medication, your doctor will test you for tuberculosis. If you are at risk, you may need to start treatment for tuberculosis before starting Baricitinib.
- Cancer risk: This medicine may slightly increase your risk of developing some types of cancer. This risk is even higher if you smoke. So be aware of any changes in your skin and talk to your doctor about it. Cover your skin when you are in strong sunlight and use sunscreen.
- Risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke: This medicine may increase the risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke. This risk is especially high in people with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smokers, and those who are obese.
If you experience symptoms such as sudden chest pain, difficulty breathing, swelling and pain in a leg, numbness or weakness in a face, arm or leg, or difficulty speaking, go to an Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately.
- Cholesterol levels: This medication may increase the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL, triglycerides) in your blood and decrease the levels of good cholesterol (HDL). Therefore, your doctor will check your cholesterol levels.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, Baricitinib can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are mild.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Symptoms of a blood clot | Leg pain, swelling, warmth, difficulty breathing, chest pain. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack | Tightness or pain in the chest, shoulders, arms, nausea, shortness of breath, excessive sweating. |
| Symptoms of a Stroke | Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, confusion, difficulty walking, severe headache. |
| Signs of an infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, non-healing wounds. |
| Symptoms of low red blood cells | Unusual fatigue, dizziness, headache, difficulty breathing. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious (but should be reported to the doctor if they persist) | |
| Acne | Acne on the face. |
| Headache | Common headache. |
| Nausea | Feeling like vomiting. |
| Cold-like symptoms | Runny nose, stuffy nose, sore throat. |
How do you keep your medicine safe?
- Keep away from children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius).
- Do not use expired medications. Dispose of them properly. You can seek advice from your doctor about this.
Take-Home Message
- Baricitinib is a drug that suppresses the immune system, so be aware of the risk of infection.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and other medications you are taking.
- If you develop serious symptoms such as fever, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or leg swelling, seek medical advice immediately.
- Take the medicine continuously, in the prescribed dosage, at the prescribed time, as directed by the doctor.
- If you have any questions about this medication, never be afraid to ask your doctor.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න