Has your doctor prescribed you a drug called Baricitinib? Maybe you have rheumatoid arthritis, a condition that causes swelling and pain in your joints. Or maybe you're prescribed this drug to treat severe hair loss or COVID-19. So today, let's talk about this drug, how it works, and what you need to be careful about when using it.
What kind of medicine is Baricitinib?
Simply put, this is a medicine that controls or suppresses the activity of your body's immune system. Some diseases occur when our immune system becomes overactive and starts attacking our own body's cells. An example is rheumatoid arthritis.
Baricitinib works by slowing down the overactive immune system, which helps control symptoms. This drug is most commonly available under the brand name OLUMIANT.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before starting this medication, it is extremely important to inform your doctor about your complete health history. Because this medication affects the immune system, people with certain conditions should be very careful when using it.
If you have any of the conditions below, be sure to tell your doctor .
| Your condition or habit | Why is it important to inform the doctor ? |
|---|---|
| Current or recent infections (such as fever, cough, cold, chickenpox, herpes, hepatitis B, tuberculosis (TB)) | Because this medicine suppresses the immune system, existing infections may become worse. It is also easier to develop new infections. |
| A history of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke, or blood clots | There are warnings that the use of this medication may slightly increase the risk of blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes. |
| Diabetes | People with diabetes are at higher risk of developing infections. This risk may be increased with this medication. |
| Kidney or liver disease | Medicines are eliminated from the body through the kidneys and liver. If there is a problem with these organs, the dosage of the medicine may need to be changed. |
| A history of cancer | These types of medications may slightly increase the risk of some types of cancer, so it's important to inform your doctor. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant, breastfeeding | This is very important. This medicine can cause serious birth defects in the unborn baby. It is also not suitable for use during breastfeeding. |
| Smoking | Smokers are at higher risk of blood clots and heart disease. This risk may be increased with this medication. |
| Allergies to other medications, foods, or substances | If you are allergic to Baricitinib or any other substance, you should tell your doctor . |
How should I use the medicine?
- Take the prescribed dose with water at the same time every day , as prescribed by your doctor.
- This can be taken before or after meals. However, if you feel an upset stomach, it is best to take it with food.
- Never stop taking medication without your doctor's advice.
- If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not give it to anyone else for any reason.
### What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But 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 things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Other medications you take may interact with Baricitinib, changing its effects or increasing its side effects. So tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins and herbal remedies). Be especially careful about the following:
- Live vaccines: You should avoid getting live vaccines while taking this medicine because your immune system may be weakened and you may develop an infection from the vaccine.
- Other immune-suppressing medicines: Azathioprine, cyclosporine and biologic medicines like abatacept and adalimumab.
- Probenecid: A medicine for gout.
Things you should be especially careful about when taking the medicine
- Regular medical check-ups: Go to the clinics at the scheduled times as directed by your doctor. He or she may also order blood tests.
- Protecting yourself from infections: This is very important . Your immune system is weak, so you are more likely to get sick. So avoid crowded places, stay away from sick people, and wash your hands often. If you develop symptoms like fever, body aches, sore throat, or cough, do not self-medicate and call your doctor immediately.
- Fever suppression: Painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen can suppress fever, which is an early sign of infection. Therefore, do not take these medications without consulting your doctor.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Again, do not become pregnant while taking this medication. Do not breastfeed for at least 4 days after stopping the medication. Talk to your doctor about this.
What are the possible side effects? (Side Effects)
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 or ETU immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Blood clot | Chest pain, difficulty breathing, pain, swelling, or a warm feeling in a leg. |
| Heart attack | Difficulty breathing, tightness or pain in the chest, neck, back, or arms, feeling extremely tired. |
| Stroke | Vision changes, confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding, severe headache, sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, pain when urinating. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite. |
| Perforation of the stomach or intestines | Fever, stomach pain, sudden change in bowel movements. |
| It's usually not serious, but if it persists, tell your doctor. | |
| Nausea | Stomach discomfort, feeling like vomiting. |
| Nasal congestion/runny nose | Cold symptoms. |
How do you store and dispose of the medication?
- Keep medicine boxes out of reach of children and pets, at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius).
- Do not use expired medicine.
- If you need to dispose of leftover or expired medication, ask your pharmacy or hospital if they have a program for this. If not, take the pills out of the container, mix them with something like used coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, and put them in a tightly sealed bag and throw them in the trash. Never flush them down the toilet.
Take-Home Message
- Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has prescribed. Avoid stopping or changing the dose on your own.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all medical conditions you have and all other medications you are taking.
- Take special care to protect yourself from infections. If you notice a fever or other signs of infection, call your doctor immediately.
- This medicine is not suitable if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor about this.
- Be aware of the warning signs of serious side effects, such as blood clots, heart attack, or stroke. If you notice any of these signs, seek medical advice immediately.
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