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Baricitinib 4 mg tablet (Baricent)
Brand Name: Baricent
Generic Name: Baricitinib
Strength: 4 mg
Volume: 14 tablets
Baricitinib 4 mg tablet (Baricent) is an oral medication used to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in adults who have not responded well to other treatments. It works by selectively inhibiting Janus kinase (JAK1 and JAK2) enzymes, which play a key role in the inflammatory signaling pathway, thereby reducing immune overactivity. Common side effects include upper respiratory infections, nausea, headache, elevated liver enzymes, and increased cholesterol levels.
What is Baricitinib used for?
Baricent oral tablet got initial approval in the U.S in 2018 for the treatment of the following indications
- To treat adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who have had an inadequate response to one or more TNF blockers.
- To treat adult COVID-19 hospitalized patients who require supplemental oxygen, non-invasive or invasive mechanical ventilation, or ECMO.
- To treat an adult patient with severe alopecia areata.
Limitations of use: It is not recommended to use Baricent 4 mg in combination with JAK inhibitors, biologic DMARDs, or potent immunosuppressants such as azathioprine and cyclosporine.
How does Baricitinib work?
Baricent works by calming down the body’s overactive immune system. It blocks certain enzymes called Janus kinases (JAK1 and JAK2) that send signals causing inflammation. By reducing these signals, Baricitinib helps ease pain, swelling, and redness in conditions like arthritis and eczema, allowing the body to heal and feel more comfortable.
Baricitinib Dosage and Administration
The uses of baricitinib 4 mg tablets vary among patients. General recommended dosing information is given below. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions before taking the medication.
Recommended dosage for rheumatoid arthritis
- Recommended dose is 2 mg orally once daily.
- Baricent can be used as monotherapy or in combination with methotrexate or other DMARDs.
Recommended dosage for COVID-19
- The recommended dose is 4 mg orally once daily for up to 14 days.
Recommended dosage for Alopecia Areata
- 2 mg orally once daily. Increase at 4 mg orally once daily if the response is not adequate.
- For patients with nearly complete or complete scalp hair loss, with or without substantial eyelash or eyebrow hair loss, consider treating with 4 mg once daily.
- Reduce the dose to 2 mg once daily when an adequate response has been achieved.
Consult with your healthcare provider for dosage modification and dose reduction. Do not stop taking the Baricent tablet without your healthcare provider’s permission.
What are the side effects of Baricitinib?
Baricent 4 mg can cause serious side effects, including
Serious Infections
Baricent affects your immune system and can lower the ability to fight infection. Some people have had serious infections, including Tuberculosis (TB), and other infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can spread to other parts of your body.
- Your healthcare provider should test your TB before starting treatment with Baricent for rheumatoid arthritis.
- Your healthcare provider should closely monitor the symptoms of TB before giving you this medication.
You should not take this medication if you have any kind of infection unless your healthcare provider tells you it is okay. You may be at a higher risk of developing shingles.
Heart problems
People 50 years or older who with at least one heart disease, increase the risk of death when taking a Janus kinase inhibitor. Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you see any symptoms, including chest pain, pressure in the chest, and shortness of breath.
Cancer and an immune system problem
Baricent can increase the risk of cancer, changing the way your immune system works, including lymphoma, certain skin cancers, and lung cancer in people with a smoking habit.
Blood clots
Blood clots in the veins of your legs, lungs, and arteries can occur in some people taking Baricent. This can be life-threatening and cause death. Blood clots in the veins of the legs and lungs more often happen in people 50 years or older with at least one cardiovascular problem, taking a Janus kinase inhibitor.
Other serious infections are
- Tears in the stomach or intestine
- Low blood cell count
- Low lymphocyte count
- Low neutrophil count
- Allergic reaction
Common side effects are
- cold sores
- Shingles
- Nausea
- Vomitinig
- Upper respiratory tract infections
What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking Baricitinib?
Tell your healthcare provider before taking the medication if you have
- Heart problems, including a previous heart attack or other heart disease
- Infections
- Liver problems
- Lungs problem
- Habit of smoking
- Kidney problems
- Other medical conditions
- If you are taking other medications, including prescription, non-prescription, supplements, and vitamins.
- Low red or white blood cell count
- Recently received a vaccine. People undergoing treatment to take the Baricent can not take any vaccine.
- Stomach pain or having been diagnosed with an ulcer.
- If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
What are the drug Interactions of Baricitinib?
Baricent can interact with medicines that weaken the immune system, such as biologic DMARDs or strong immunosuppressants, increasing the risk of infection. It may also interact with drugs that affect kidney function or those that are eliminated by the same pathways. Combining it with blood thinners may raise the risk of bleeding, so monitoring is advised.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Baricitinib cause weight gain?
Weight gain is not a common side effect of Baricent. However, some patients may notice slight changes in weight due to improved inflammation or other individual factors.
How does Baricitinib work in COVID?
In COVID-19, Baricent helps reduce severe inflammation by blocking JAK1 and JAK2 enzymes involved in the immune response. This action may lessen lung inflammation and prevent excessive immune reactions in hospitalized patients.
How long does Baricitinib take to work?
Baricent may start improving symptoms like joint pain and swelling within 2 to 4 weeks, but full benefits can take up to 3 months, depending on the condition and individual response to treatment.
How much does Baricitinib cost?
The cost of Baricitinib depends on location, brand, and availability of the medication. The estimated cost for a whole treatment depends on the treatment duration, prescribed dosage, and other related factors. Generic Baricitinib (Baricent) will be less costly than the branded (Olumiant) one. Consult with your healthcare provider for the best solution.
How to get Baricitinib?
Baricent is the only prescription medicine, which means you can get this medication from licensed medical pharmacies, authorized distributors, and from manufacturers only if you are prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Is Baricitinib approved for alopecia?
Yes, Baricitinib is FDA-approved for severe alopecia areata in adults. It offers the first systemic oral treatment option for this autoimmune hair-loss disorder.
Is Baricitinib a biologic drug?
No, it is not a biologic drug. It is a small-molecule inhibitor that targets Janus kinase (JAK) enzymes to reduce inflammation. Unlike biologics, it is taken orally and works inside cells to block inflammatory signaling pathways.
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