Olumiant 4 mg (Baricitinib)

Olumiant 4 mg is a prescription oral medication containing 4 mg of baricitinib, a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company. It is used to treat adults with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have not responded adequately to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers, severe alopecia areata, moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in adults and children ≥2 years, and hospitalized adults with COVID-19 requiring oxygen or ventilation. Baricitinib works by inhibiting JAK1 and JAK2 enzymes, reducing inflammation by blocking cytokine signaling pathways involved in these conditions. Taken once daily with or without food, Olumiant 4 mg is effective but carries a boxed warning for serious infections, cancer, cardiovascular events, and thrombosis. It is not recommended with other JAK inhibitors, biologic DMARDs, or potent immunosuppressants. Medical supervision is crucial, especially for patients with infections, liver/kidney issues, or cardiovascular risks, and it is contraindicated in pregnancy.

Uses

• Treats moderate to severe RA in adults after inadequate TNF blocker response.
• Manages severe alopecia areata in adults (≥50% scalp hair loss).
• Treats moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in patients ≥2 years.
• Used for hospitalized adults with COVID-19 needing oxygen or ventilation.

Benefits

• Reduces joint pain, swelling, and stiffness in RA, improving mobility.
• Promotes hair regrowth in severe alopecia areata (36–39% achieve ≥80% scalp coverage at 4 mg).
• Relieves itching and skin inflammation in atopic dermatitis.
• Improves outcomes in severe COVID-19 with supportive care.
• Once-daily dosing enhances compliance; may be used with methotrexate.
• May slow joint damage in RA, improving quality of life.

Olumiant 4 mg (Baricitinib) Side Effects

• Common: upper respiratory infections, sore throat, high cholesterol, headache, nausea.
• Less common: herpes zoster, urinary tract infections, fatigue, diarrhea.
• Rare: serious infections (e.g., tuberculosis, candidiasis), liver enzyme elevation.
• Serious: blood clots (VTE, pulmonary embolism), heart attack, stroke, lymphoma; seek immediate medical help.
• Most side effects resolve; consult a doctor if persistent or severe.

Safety Advice

• Avoid if allergic to baricitinib or excipients (e.g., soy lecithin, mannitol).
• Contraindicated in pregnancy; use contraception during treatment and 1 week after.
• Not for breastfeeding women, children <2 years for COVID-19, or those with active infections.
• Monitor blood counts, liver, and lipids; test for TB before and during use.
• Take 4 mg once daily; 2 mg recommended for patients ≥65 or with infection risks.
• Store at 20–25°C, away from moisture, heat, and children; discard if expired.