OLUMIANT (Baricitinib)

What is this medication?

OLUMIANT (Baricitinib)
Antirheumatic, Janus Associated Kinase Inhibtor

OLUMIANT (Baricitinib) is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who have had an inadequate response to one or more TNF antagonist therapies.

ALERT: WARNING
Serious infections leading to hospitalization or death, including tuberculosis and bacterial, invasive fungal, viral, and other opportunistic infections, have occurred in patients receiving OLUMIANT (Baricitinib).  Prior to starting, perform a test for latent tuberculosis.  Monitor for active tuberculosis during treatment, even if the initial latent tuberculosis test is negative. Lymphoma and other malignancies have occurred with Baricitinib. Thrombosis, including pulmonary embolism, deep venous thrombosis, and arterial thrombosis, has occurred in patients treated with Baricitinib and other Janus kinase inhibitors used to treat inflammatory conditions.

How does this medication work?

OLUMIANT (Baricitinib) modulates cytokine signaling by targeting receptors associated with JAK1 and JAK2 pathways believed to important in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis.

How should I take this medication?

Oral: Take 2mg once daily.

Note: OLUMIANT (Baricitinib) should not be used in combination with biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or with strong immunosuppressants such as azathioprine or cyclosporine. Do not initiate therapy in patients with an absolute lymphocyte count <500 cells/mm3, absolute neutrophil count <1,000 cells/mm3, or hemoglobin <8 g/dL.

How to Take:  Take with or without food.  For patients unable to swallow tablets whole, the tablet may be chewed; ensure entire dose is swallowed.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Before starting OLUMIANT (Baricitinib), make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take. Baricitinib must be used with caution in patients at increased risk of GI perforation, currently taking immunosuppressive agents because of their higher risk of getting tuberculosis, invasive fungal candidiasis and pneumocystosis and bacterial, viral or other opportunistic infections.  Baricitinib has been associated with lipid abnormalities, thrombosis and malignancies and as a result patients require careful monitoring.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of medication, try to take it as soon as possible.  However, if it is almost time for your next dose, take only that scheduled dose.  Do not take double or extra doses.

How should I store this medication?

Keep out of the reach of children at all times.  Store at room temperature, 59 to 86° F (15 to 30° C).  Protect from light.  Keep the container tightly closed.  Properly dispose of any unused medication after the expiration date.

What are the possible side effects of using this medication?

Upper respiratory tract infection, nausea, herpes simplex and herpes zoster.

Note this is not a complete list of side effects for OLUMIANT (Baricitinib), only common ones.