Uses of Baricitinib
Baricitinib is used alone or with other medications to treat rheumatoid arthritis (condition in which the body attacks its own joints causing pain, swelling, and loss of function) in adults who have not responded well to one or more tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor medication(s). Baricitinib is in a class of medications called Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. It works by decreasing the activity of the immune system.
Side Effects of Baricitinib
Baricitinib may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- nausea
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:
- abdominal pain
- bowel habit changes
Baricitinib may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking baricitinib:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to baricitinib, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in baricitinib tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention the medications listed in the WARNING section or the following: probenecid (Probalan, in Col-Probenecid). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have stomach pain that has not been diagnosed or if you have or have ever had diverticulitis (swelling of the lining of the large intestine), anemia, herpes zoster (shingles; a rash that can occur in people who have had chickenpox in the past), or liver or kidney disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking baricitinib, call your doctor.
- tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while taking baricitinib.
- tell your doctor if you have recently received or are scheduled to receive any vaccinations. Do not have any vaccinations during your treatment without talking to your doctor.
Dosage
Baricitinib comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food once daily. Take baricitinib at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take baricitinib exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Your doctor may need to temporarily or permanently stop treatment if you experience certain severe side effects. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment.
Other
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking baricitinib.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
