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Baricitinib Oral tablet

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Apr.21.2023

Baricitinib Oral tablet

What is this medication?

BARICITINIB (BAR i SYE it nib) treats autoimmune conditions, such as arthritis and alopecia areata. It may also be used to treat severe COVID-19 in people who are hospitalized. It works by slowing down an overactive immune system.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Blood clot in your leg—pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg
  • Blood clot in your lungs—shortness of breath or chest pain
  • Change in your skin, such as a new growth, a sore that doesn't heal, or a change in a mole
  • Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded
  • Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
  • Low red blood cell level—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing
  • Stomach pain that is severe, does not go away, or gets worse
  • Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Acne
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Sinus pain or pressure around the face or forehead
  • Sore throat
  • Stomach pain
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

  • Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
  • If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Blood clots
  • Cancer
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Immune system problems
  • Infection, such as tuberculosis (TB), or other bacterial, fungal, or viral infections
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Lung or breathing disease, such as asthma or COPD
  • Low blood counts (white cells, red cells, and platelets)
  • Organ transplant
  • Stomach or intestine problems
  • Stroke
  • Tobacco use
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to baricitinib, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

  • Tofacitinib
  • Upadacitinib

This medication may also interact with the following:

  • Azathioprine
  • Biologic medications, such as abatacept, adalimumab, anakinra, certolizumab, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab, ofatumumab, rituximab, sarilumab, secukinumab, tocilizumab, ustekinumab
  • Cyclosporine
  • Live virus vaccines
  • Medications that lower your chance of fighting infection
  • Probenecid
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

You may need blood work while taking this medication.

Avoid taking medications that contain aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen unless instructed by your care team. These medications may hide a fever.

This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

Talk to your care team if you wish to become pregnant or think you might be pregnant. This medication can cause serious birth defects.

Do not breastfeed while taking this medication and for 4 days after the last dose.

Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancer if you take this medication.

Talk to your care team about your risk of skin cancer. You may be more at risk for skin cancer if you take this medication.

This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps, tanning beds, or tanning booths.

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