Baricitinib
About
Baricitinib belongs to the group of immunomodulators. Baricitinib is used in the treatment of hospitalised cases of coronavirus disease, an infection caused by COVID-19 and is also used to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disorder of the joints. Atopic dermatitis is a skin disease in which the skin becomes red, inflamed and itchy. Coronavirus disease is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. It can range from a mild cold to a serious form of pneumonia
Baricitinib contains ‘’Baricitinib.’’ Baricitinib works by inhibiting viral entry into body cells, limits viral replication and also controls the release of inflammatory mediators called cytokines.
Take Baricitinib as prescribed by the doctor. Baricitinib may cause certain common side effects such as throat infection, fatigue and high blood cholesterol. Most of these adverse effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if these side effects persist.
It is advisable to inform the doctor if you are allergic to Baricitinib or any of its components. Keep your doctor informed if you suffer from any medical disorders. Avoid Baricitinib in case of a history of thromboembolism, abdominal disorders such as diverticulitis, cancer, liver disease, chronic infections such as tuberculosis, hepatitis B and C and shingles, and any anaemias. Keep your doctor informed if you have recently had any surgery or are scheduled for surgery in the near future. Offer a detailed medical and vaccination history. Discuss any recent vaccinations with the doctor. Inform the doctor if you are on any other JAK-2 inhibitor medicines, painkillers, steroids and/or drugs that affect the immunity and immune system of the body. Consult your doctor if you are planning to get pregnant or are breastfeeding. Avoid Baricitinib use with alcohol.
Uses of Baricitinib
Medicinal Benefits
Baricitinib is an immunomodulator used in the treatment of various types of cancers and infections such as Covid-19. Baricitinib contains Baricitinib. Baricitinib works by inhibiting the entry of the virus into the body cells. Baricitinib targets an enzyme called Janus kinase (JAK-2), which is responsible for the formation of cytokines. Cytokines are inflammatory mediators. Hence, by inhibiting a cytokine-forming enzyme, Baricitinib reduces the level of cytokines in the body, thus relieving signs of inflammation. In addition, Baricitinib works by reducing viral replication, thus arresting the progress of the disease.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Baricitinib
- Throat infections
- High blood cholesterol
- Cold sores
- Rash
- Acne
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
It is advisable to inform the doctor if you are allergic to Baricitinib or any of its components. Keep your doctor informed if you suffer from any medical disorders. Avoid Baricitinib in case of a history of thromboembolism, abdominal disorders such as diverticulitis, cancer, liver disease, chronic infections such as tuberculosis, hepatitis B and C and shingles, and any anaemias. Keep your doctor informed if you have recently had any surgery or are scheduled for surgery in the near future. Offer a detailed medical and vaccination history. Discuss any recent vaccinations with the doctor. Inform the doctor if you are on any other JAK-2 inhibitor medicines, DMARD’s, painkillers, steroids and/or any drugs that affect the immunity and immune system of the body. Consult your doctor if you are planning to get pregnant or are breastfeeding. Avoid Baricitinib use with alcohol.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Baricitinib may interact with painkillers (tramadol), biological therapy (abatacept), steroid (prednisolone), anti-rheumatic drug (methotrexate).
Drug-Food Interactions: Baricitinib may interact with ethanol.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Baricitinib may interact with pregnancy, thromboembolism, abdominal disorders such as diverticulitis, GI perforation; cancer, liver disease, chronic infections such as tuberculosis, hepatitis B and C and shingles, and any anaemias.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not recommended to use alcohol with Baricitinib. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Pregnancy
unsafeBaricitinib is absolutely contraindicated during pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
cautionNot enough studies exist to ascertain the effect of Baricitinib on nursing. Baricitinib is not recommended to use without contraception during and for at least 1 week after treatment. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Driving
safe if prescribedBaricitinib does not affect your ability to drive.
Liver
cautionExercise caution before using Baricitinib in case of established liver disease as it may cause a derangement of liver enzymes. Please consult your doctor to address any concerns.
Kidney
cautionExercise caution before using Baricitinib in case of established kidney disease. Please consult your doctor to address any concerns.
Children
cautionNot enough studies exist to ascertain the effect of Baricitinib in children. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Keep a healthy state of mind. Fear is the one of the biggest causes of decreased immunity. See a therapist if you feel the need.
- Meditation, music and yoga have also proven very effective in helping with mental health.
- Keep yourself at a safe distance from people.
- Always sneeze or cough into your elbow and keep a handkerchief on you.
- Wash your hands with soap and water and keep yourself clean.
- Eat more lean meats, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables and whole-grain foods to give you more energy. Load up on Vitamin-C rich citrus fruit for enhanced immunity.
- Do not forget to take your Vitamin B complex and Vitamin C supplements every day as these are essential for the body and immunity.
- Steam inhalation for 3-5 minutes every day and salt-water gargle with warm water has been proven very effective in keeping respiratory infections at bay and in promoting health.
- Avoid taking Baricitinib with alcohol as there may be an interaction.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water as dehydration is often seen in pneumonia.
- Taking a stroll in the garden, or spending 30 minutes of your time doing some light physical activity can be very useful. However, do not over-exert yourself if you feel too tired. Doing weight-bearing exercises can prove very helpful in promoting bone health.
- Avoid tobacco use as smoking hampers lung health and makes breathing even more difficult.
- Spend time under the sun (however with proper sunscreen) for quality intake of Vitamin D. Vitamin D is necessary for the absorption of Calcium, which is the most important component of bones and can help with bone and joint pain.
Special Advise
- Discuss contraception with your doctor while taking Baricitinib.
- Use Baricitinib with caution in the elderly as they’re more prone to infections.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder of the joints. It is a chronic disease. Autoimmunity is when the body recognises its own cells as foreign and tends to attack them. Rheumatoid arthritis is often seen in conjunction with other autoimmune diseases such as hypothyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), vitiligo, lupus etc. Symptoms include stiffness, swelling and weakness at the joints, lumps and redness on the skin, compromised movements, bone erosion and joint deformity.
Atopic Dermatitis: Atopic dermatitis is a skin condition that makes the skin red, inflamed and itchy. It usually manifests as a rash behind the knees, and on the arms. It is commonly known as eczema.
Coronavirus Disease: Coronavirus disease is an infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It can range from a mild cold, cough and fever to full-blown pneumonia. Drop-in oxygen saturations and breathlessness were also common symptoms noted. The new variant omicron however is supposed to cause only a mild disease characterised by a scratchy throat and fatigue only.
FAQs
Baricitinib works by preventing the virus from attaching to the body’s cell receptors and thereby blocking its entry and spread.
If you suffer from Chronic Kidney Disease, please consult with your doctor before using Baricitinib and discuss any concerns with them. Baricitinib is to be used with caution in those suffering from kidney and liver problems.
Not enough literature exists to ascertain the effects of Baricitinib on fertility. However, Baricitinib should be absolutely avoided in pregnancy. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Advanced age, obesity, chronic kidney disease, lung disease, sickle cell disease, neurodevelopmental disorders (for example cerebral palsy) and diseases of metabolism are some risk factors for disease progression.
