Baricitinib
Baricitinib is a once-daily JAK inhibitor tablet for rheumatoid arthritis and severe alopecia areata, available as Olumiant 4mg film-coated tablets.
When joints hurt or hair falls out in patches
Two groups of adults are given baricitinib. One has rheumatoid arthritis, with joints that are swollen, stiff and sore because the immune system is attacking them. The other has severe alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that takes hair away in patches or from the whole scalp. It tends to come into the picture when methotrexate and other older treatments have not done enough, and it can be taken alone or with them. The version sold here is Olumiant, 4mg film-coated tablets, one a day, with results judged over months.
What the tablet does inside the cell
Inside immune cells, Janus kinase (JAK) enzymes pass on the messages sent by cytokines, the small proteins that drive inflammation. In these conditions the messages come far too often. Baricitinib blocks the JAK enzymes, so fewer messages arrive and the inflammation in the joints, or around the hair follicles, calms down. It dampens particular signalling steps and leaves the rest of the immune system working.
Side effects
Colds and sinus infections are the most frequent complaints, along with headache, acne, nausea, tiredness, shingles and weight gain. Blood tests often show raised cholesterol or liver enzymes and lower blood counts before anyone notices anything. Baricitinib weakens the response to infection, so a serious one can take hold: fever with chills, aching muscles or a cough that will not clear is a sign to act on quickly. Blood clots in the legs or lungs, heart attacks and strokes are less common but serious, and lymphoma and skin cancer have occurred. Crushing chest pain, sudden weakness or numbness on one side, or slurred speech needs emergency care.
Combinations and cautions
Methotrexate is the usual partner in rheumatoid arthritis. Stacking baricitinib with other treatments that suppress immunity, steroid tablets or biologics for example, raises the chance of infection. Tuberculosis lying dormant in the body, or hepatitis B, can flare once the immune system is held back, and baricitinib is not used in pregnancy.
Sources
- Baricitinib: MedlinePlus Drug Information — MedlinePlus / U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Olumiant (baricitinib) FAQ - National Alopecia Areata Foundation - NAAF — naaf.org
Where can I buy Baricitinib in Hong Kong?
Baricitinib can be bought online from PockDose with delivery to Hong Kong, which lists generic Olumiant as 4mg tablets. Payment can be made by Visa, Mastercard or American Express on a secure, encrypted page, or with Bitcoin or Ethereum.
How much does Baricitinib cost?
The price depends on the strength and pack size you choose. The Olumiant page shows current prices in HKD or the currency you select.
Is there a generic Olumiant?
Yes, generic Olumiant is listed as 4mg tablets and contains baricitinib. It is the baricitinib product on the page, so the 4mg tablet is the version to order.
What are the other names for baricitinib?
Olumiant is a brand name of baricitinib. Here, baricitinib can be bought online as generic Olumiant. These are generics, not the original brand.
How long does baricitinib take to work?
It works slowly. Baricitinib changes immune signalling rather than numbing pain, so joint symptoms ease over weeks and can keep improving for months. Hair regrowth is slower still: in trials of severe alopecia areata, results were judged after about 36 weeks of daily treatment.
Is baricitinib a steroid?
No, and it is not a biologic either. Baricitinib is one of the JAK inhibitors, which block enzymes inside immune cells, and it arrives as a once-a-day tablet rather than a jab or a drip.
Does baricitinib affect blood test results?
It can, often before you feel anything. Cholesterol, liver enzymes and the counts of red and white blood cells can all shift on baricitinib, which is why bloods are repeated during treatment. Acne and weight gain are reported as well.