Baricitinib is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation in the joints of fingers, wrists, feet, and ankles).
This medicine is also used to treat moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (also known as eczema, a skin condition characterised by patches of red and itchy skin) and for the treatment of severe alopecia (hair loss on the scalp, face and sometimes on other areas of the body).
Baricitinib may also be used together with other medicines to treat COVID-19 (a lung infection known as coronavirus disease) as decided by your doctor.
Take Baricitinib exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. If you have difficulty swallowing the tablet(s), you may crush the tablet(s) and mix it with approximately 10 mL of water (5 mL minimum). Gently swirl to disperse and drink the solution immediately. Rinse the container with another 5-10 mL of water and consume the entire contents to ensure complete dosage.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your disease and your response to the medication.
Baricitinib must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have a serious infection (e.g. active TB [a lung infection known as tuberculosis]) other than COVID-19 as Baricitinib may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. Baricitinib may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods during treatment with this medicine and for at least 1 week after the treatment.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine and for at least 4 days after your last dose.
Alert your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated. You must avoid any vaccinations with live vaccines without consulting your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- cancer
- persistent or recurrent infection or a condition that may make you prone to infections
- history of ulcers in the stomach or intestines or diverticulitis (inflammation in parts of the large intestine)
- heart problems
- history of blood clots in the leg veins or lung artery or at risk of developing blood clots e.g. problems with mobility, undergoing major surgery
- current or past smoker
- kidney disease
- severe liver disease
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Baricitinib to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Inform your doctor if you have been in close contact with someone with TB or have travelled to or resided in areas where there is an increased chance of getting TB or fungal infections.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Your doctor may conduct a test to check for TB and viral hepatitis infections before starting the treatment.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver and kidney function, cholesterol levels, complete blood count, skin examination) may be done before and during treatment with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of signs and symptoms of infection, blood clots and abdominal problems may also be needed.
Baricitinib may cause any of the following side effects: headache, nausea, abdominal pain, pimples, weight gain and inflammation of the hair follicles.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs and symptoms of allergic reaction e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- signs and symptoms of blood clots in the lung artery e.g. shortness of breath, chest pain, cough which may contain blood
- pain, swelling, and tenderness in your leg accompanied by redness and warmth
- swollen lymph nodes (or lymph glands) in the neck, armpits, or groin; night sweats, unexplained weight loss
- persistent and severe stomach pain, pass out bloody or black as tar stools and vomiting blood or ground coffee-like material
This medicine will cause the level of your red blood cells and white blood cells to drop.
Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. A fall in the level of red blood cells may make you feel tired and worn out.
White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds, and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Alert your doctor if you have a fever, cough, or flu that does not go away.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Avoid vaccinations with live vaccines while you are being treated with this medicine. Alert your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated or if you are planning to get vaccinated.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any of these medicines:
- medicines to treat rheumatoid arthritis that are produced from biological sources e.g. adalimumab, abatacept
- other medicines similar to Baricitinib used to treat rheumatoid arthritis e.g. tofacitinib, upadacitinib, filgotinib
- medicines used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders e.g. azathioprine, ciclosporin
- probenecid (medicine for gout [high uric acid level in the blood])
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Baricitinib.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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