Olumiant (Baricitinib)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Olumiant Used For?
Olumiant contains baricitinib, which belongs to a group of medicines called Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors. It helps reduce inflammation by blocking certain enzymes in your body.
Primary Uses
Olumiant is used in adults to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, atopic dermatitis (also known as atopic eczema), and severe alopecia areata (a condition that causes hair loss). For rheumatoid arthritis, it helps reduce joint pain, tenderness, swelling and stiffness. For atopic dermatitis, it improves skin inflammation and reduces itching. For alopecia areata, it helps with hair regrowth on the scalp, eyebrows and eyelashes.
How It Works
Olumiant works by reducing the activity of the enzyme Janus Kinase, which is involved in inflammation. This helps control the autoimmune responses that cause these conditions.
Good to know: Olumiant can be used alone or with other medicines for rheumatoid arthritis, or with eczema medicines that you apply to the skin.
How to Take Olumiant
Take Olumiant exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The dose will depend on your condition, age, and other medical factors.
Dosage Instructions
For rheumatoid arthritis: Usually one 4 mg tablet once daily, which may be reduced once your condition is controlled. For atopic dermatitis: Usually 2 mg once daily, which may be increased to 4 mg if needed, then reduced back to 2 mg once controlled. For alopecia areata: Usually one 4 mg tablet once daily, though your doctor may start with 2 mg if you have higher risks. Take at the same time each day, with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with water.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. If you remember earlier, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Don’t stop taking or change your dose without checking with your doctor first.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Cold, sore throat, runny or blocked nose
- Cough
- Nausea (feeling sick)
- Abdominal pain
- Cold sore blisters
- Acne (pimples)
- Rash
- Headache
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Signs of serious infection (fever, sweating, chills, muscle aches, shortness of breath, weight loss, warm/red/painful skin sores, burning urination, extreme tiredness)
- Blood clots (painful swollen legs, chest pain, shortness of breath)
- Shingles symptoms (headache, light sensitivity, tingling, itching or painful skin rash with blisters)
- Diverticulitis signs (persistent stomach pain, bowel habit changes, nausea, vomiting, fever)
- Allergic reactions (breathing difficulties, swelling of face/lips/tongue, severe rash, itching, hives)
- Heart problems (chest pain)
Important Warnings
Olumiant has several important warnings, especially for certain groups of patients. There is a boxed warning about serious risks.
Who Should Not Take Olumiant
Don’t take Olumiant if you’re allergic to baricitinib or any ingredients, or if you’re taking any biological (injectable) treatments for your condition.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: infections or history of frequent infections, tuberculosis exposure, diabetes, hepatitis B or C, shingles history, low blood cell counts, kidney or liver problems, high cholesterol, cancer history, blood clots history, heart problems, diverticulitis, recent vaccinations planned, or if you take oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Use effective contraception while taking Olumiant and for at least one week after your final dose. It’s unknown if Olumiant harms unborn babies. Don’t breastfeed while taking Olumiant as it’s unknown if it passes into breast milk.
High-Risk Patients: If you have heart disease history, stroke, cardiovascular risk factors, are a current/past long-term smoker, have cancer history, or are 65+ years old, Olumiant should only be used if no suitable alternatives are available.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines can interfere with Olumiant or increase your risk of side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you take.
- Probenecid (used for gout) – may increase Olumiant levels in blood
- Oral contraceptives (‘the pill’) – may increase blood clot risk
- Hormone replacement therapy – may increase blood clot risk
- Diabetes medications – your doctor may need to adjust doses
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with activities that require alertness until you know how Olumiant affects you.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings mentioned in the source material.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Olumiant affects you.
Storage
Keep tablets in the original pack until it’s time to take them. Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C and keep out of reach of children. Don’t store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Don’t use if packaging is damaged or seals are broken.
Overdose Information
If you think you’ve taken too much Olumiant, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if you feel fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
The source doesn’t specify exact timing, but your doctor will monitor your progress with regular appointments and blood tests to see how well the medication is controlling your condition.
Yes, Olumiant can be taken with or without food.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. Never take a double dose.
No, don’t stop taking your medicine or change the dosage without checking with your doctor first. Continue taking it for as long as your doctor tells you, even if you feel well.
Yes, Olumiant may lower your body’s ability to fight infections, especially in patients 65 years and older. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection like fever, chills, muscle aches, or unusual tiredness.
Elderly patients (65+) have increased risk of side effects including heart attacks, stroke, cancer, and infections. Olumiant should only be used in this age group if no suitable treatment alternatives are available.
Your doctor will perform regular blood tests to monitor your blood cells, liver enzymes, and cholesterol levels. You should also have regular skin examinations and keep all appointments so your progress can be checked.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.