Olumiant 4 mg Tablet

Olumiant (Baricitinib) Tablet

Olumiant from Eli Lilly contains Baricitinib 4 mg, a selective inhibitor of Janus kinase 1 and 2. JAK enzymes relay the signals of inflammatory cytokines from the cell surface into the nucleus; blocking them interrupts that message and dampens the immune over-activity that drives conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and alopecia areata. Because it suppresses part of the immune system, it is a specialist-initiated medicine that requires screening before you start and blood monitoring throughout. Pack of 7 film-coated tablets.

Important Safety Warning

• Serious infections. Baricitinib raises the risk of serious bacterial, fungal and viral infections, including tuberculosis and herpes zoster (shingles). You must be screened for TB before starting.
• Blood clots. Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism have been reported. Seek urgent care for leg swelling or pain, chest pain or sudden breathlessness.
• Heart events and cancer. In older patients with cardiovascular risk factors, JAK inhibitors have been linked to a higher rate of heart attack, stroke, certain cancers and death compared with TNF blockers.
• Discuss these risks with your rheumatologist before starting and at every review.

Key Features

• Selective JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor – a targeted oral alternative to injectable biologics.
• Baricitinib 4 mg film-coated tablet, taken once daily.
• Can be taken alone or alongside methotrexate.
• Oral tablet – no injections or infusions required.
• From Eli Lilly; pack of 7 film-coated tablets.

Composition / Key Ingredients

• Baricitinib – 4 mg per film-coated tablet
• Intragranular – Mannitol, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Croscarmellose Sodium, Magnesium Stearate
• Extragranular – Microcrystalline Cellulose, Croscarmellose Sodium, Magnesium Stearate
• Colours – Titanium Dioxide, Ferric Oxide, Red Ferric Oxide

Please refer to the pack label for the complete list of ingredients.

Uses & Benefits

• Moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis where DMARDs have not worked well enough.
• Severe alopecia areata in adults.
• Helps reduce joint pain, swelling, stiffness and tenderness.
• Can slow the structural joint damage of rheumatoid arthritis.
• Supports better day-to-day physical function and mobility.
• Oral dosing suits patients who cannot manage injectable therapies.

Directions for Use

• Take one tablet once daily, or exactly as your specialist prescribes.
• Swallow whole with water; may be taken with or without food.
• Take at roughly the same time each day.
• Do not stop, pause or change the dose without medical advice.
• Attend all scheduled blood tests – blood counts, liver function and lipids are monitored during treatment.

Precautions

• Prescription only. The pack states it is to be sold on the prescription of a rheumatologist or a specialist in internal medicine.
• Tell your doctor immediately about any sign of infection – fever, persistent cough, night sweats, weight loss, burning on urination or a painful rash.
• Do not receive live vaccines while on treatment. Bring vaccinations up to date beforehand.
• Not recommended in pregnancy; use effective contraception during treatment and for at least one week after the last dose. Do not breastfeed while taking it.
• Tell your doctor about kidney or liver disease, past blood clots, diverticulitis, hepatitis B or C, or any current or past cancer.
• Common side effects include upper respiratory infections, raised cholesterol, nausea and headache. Report anything persistent or severe.

Storage

• Store below 30°C.
• Keep the tablets in their original pack, protected from moisture.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

Disclaimer: Olumiant is a specialist-initiated prescription medicine dispensed against a valid prescription. This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Do not start, stop or alter this medicine except on your specialist’s instruction.