Baricitinib
Pronunciation: (bah-ri-SYE-ti-nib).
- Generic name
- Baricitinib
- Brand names
- Barihope, Barijak, Barinat, Olumiant
- Drug class
- Autoimmune & Immunological
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States
Australia: · Full directory
What Baricitinib is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Baricitinib works
Baricitinib is a selective and reversible inhibitor of Janus kinase (JAK) 1 and JAK2. By inhibiting these kinases, it disrupts the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, which is involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. This results in reduced cytokine-mediated inflammation and immune cell activation. (1)
What Baricitinib is used for
Moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis in adults who have had an inadequate response to one or more TNF (tumor necrosis factor) blocker medicines.
Moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis in adults who have had an inadequate response to one or more TNF (tumor necrosis factor) blocker medicines. (2) (3)
Severe alopecia areata in adults.
COVID-19 in hospitalized adults who require supplemental oxygen, non-invasive or invasive mechanical ventilation, or ECMO.
COVID-19 in hospitalized adults who require supplemental oxygen, non-invasive or invasive mechanical ventilation, or ECMO. (2) (3)
Moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in adults and children 2 years and older who are candidates for systemic therapy — this indication is approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA/EU) only. It is NOT an FDA-approved indication in the United States.
Moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in adults and children 2 years and older who are candidates for systemic therapy — this indication is approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA/EU) only. It is NOT an FDA-approved indication in the United States. (2) (3)
Before taking Baricitinib
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to baricitinib, active serious infections (including tuberculosis), severe hepatic impairment, and pregnancy (unless benefits outweigh risks). (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2) (3)How to take Baricitinib
- General Instructions: Take Jakvinus exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not change your dose or stop taking it without consulting your doctor.. Adult Dosing: The typical adult dose for rheumatoid arthritis and alopecia areata is 2 mg once daily; the dose used for hospitalized COVID-19 is different, 4 mg once daily for up to 14 days or until hospital discharge. Dose may be adjusted based on response, tolerability, and kidney function.. Pediatric Dosing: Safety and effectiveness have not been established in children for the rheumatoid arthritis, COVID-19, or alopecia areata indications; use in pediatric patients should follow specialist guidance.. Administration: Take the tablet with or without food, at the same time each day. Swallow whole with water.. When To Stop: Seek medical advice promptly if you develop signs of a serious infection, a severe allergic reaction, or other serious side effects; let the clinician you see advise on whether to continue or stop Jakvinus.. Storage: Store at room temperature (below 30°C/86°F), away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Because baricitinib carries an FDA boxed warning, never start, stop, skip, or change the dose of Jakvinus on your own — every dosing decision, including any pause during an infection, is made together with the prescribing clinician.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2) (3)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, in which case skip the missed one and resume your regular schedule. Do not take an extra dose to make up for the one you missed.
Overdose
In case of overdose, seek emergency medical attention or contact a poison control center immediately. Symptoms may include increased risk of infection or other serious adverse effects. Supportive care is recommended. (2) (3)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Upper respiratory tract infection
Incidence: Common (about 16% in rheumatoid arthritis studies; up to about 21% in alopecia areata studies)
Nausea
Incidence: Common (about 3% in rheumatoid arthritis studies)
Herpes simplex or herpes zoster (cold sores / shingles)
Incidence: Uncommon (roughly 1% each in rheumatoid arthritis studies)
Increased cholesterol/lipid levels, acne, or increased creatine kinase (a muscle enzyme) on blood tests
Incidence: Uncommon (roughly 4-6% in alopecia areata studies)
Signs of a serious infection — fever, chills, persistent cough, or other new infection symptoms
Incidence: Uncommon but potentially serious; can lead to hospitalization
Signs of a blood clot — leg swelling/pain, sudden shortness of breath, or chest pain
Incidence: Uncommon but potentially serious
Signs of a heart attack or stroke — chest pain, weakness on one side, slurred speech, or sudden severe headache
Incidence: Rare but potentially serious
Unusual bruising or bleeding, or new lumps, which could reflect blood-count changes or a malignancy
Incidence: Rare
Serious warnings
BOXED WARNING — serious
Symptoms: BOXED WARNING: baricitinib carries an FDA boxed warning for serious infections (including tuberculosis and other opportunistic infections) that can lead to hospitalization or death; higher all-cause mortality compared with TNF-blocker medicines, seen in rheumatoid arthritis patients aged 50 and older with at least one cardiovascular risk factor; malignancies including lymphoma and lung cancer, with higher risk in current or past smokers; major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, heart attack, stroke); and thrombosis (blood clots, including pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis).
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2) (3)
Precautions recorded in the clinician database (not formal contraindications on the current FDA label, which lists none, but important cautions) — serious
Symptoms: Precautions recorded in the clinician database (not formal contraindications on the current FDA label, which lists none, but important cautions): known hypersensitivity to baricitinib; active serious infection, including active tuberculosis (screening for latent TB is recommended before starting); use in pregnancy is avoided unless the expected benefit outweighs the risk; extra caution with a history of recurrent infections, chronic liver or kidney disease, malignancy, or risk factors for blood clots.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2) (3)
Baricitinib should not be started, or should be interrupted, if a serious infection develops, until the infection is controlled — serious
Symptoms: Baricitinib should not be started, or should be interrupted, if a serious infection develops, until the infection is controlled. Blood counts (neutrophils, lymphocytes, hemoglobin), liver enzymes, and lipid levels are monitored periodically during treatment.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2) (3)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| OAT3 inhibitors (e.g., probenecid) | These medicines raise baricitinib blood levels; the label directs reducing the baricitinib dose by half when co-administered with a strong OAT3 inhibitor. Any dose change is made by the prescriber, not the patient. | (2) |
| Other JAK inhibitors, biologic DMARDs, or potent immunosuppressants (e.g., azathioprine, cyclosporine) | Combination use has not been studied and is not recommended, mainly because of the added risk of infection and additive immune suppression. | (2) |
| Live vaccines | Avoid live vaccines while taking baricitinib; discuss vaccination timing with the prescriber before and after treatment. | (2) |
| Non-biologic DMARDs (e.g., methotrexate) | Recorded in the clinician database as a possible combination used under specialist supervision; inform the prescriber of all medicines and supplements being taken. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Baricitinib may cause fetal harm. Animal studies at high exposures showed skeletal malformations and pregnancy loss; there is not enough human data to rule out risk. It is generally avoided in pregnancy unless the expected benefit to the mother clearly outweighs the potential risk to the fetus — this is a decision made with the prescribing clinician. (2) (3)
Breastfeeding
The prescribing information advises against breastfeeding during treatment and for 4 days after the last dose, because it is not known whether baricitinib passes into breast milk in a way that could affect a nursing infant. (2) (3)
Children
Safety and effectiveness have not been established in children for rheumatoid arthritis, COVID-19, or alopecia areata in the US-approved label. (The separate EU-approved atopic dermatitis indication does cover children 2 years and older as a systemic-therapy candidate, under specialist care — this is a different, region-specific approval and dose.) (2) (3)
Renal_impairment
Renal impairment: no dose change needed for mild impairment (eGFR 60-90); for moderate impairment (eGFR 30-60) the dose is typically reduced by half (e.g., 2 mg to 1 mg once daily for rheumatoid arthritis/alopecia areata, or 4 mg to 2 mg once daily for COVID-19); baricitinib is not recommended in severe renal impairment (eGFR under 30 for RA/alopecia areata, or under 15 for COVID-19). Hepatic impairment: not recommended in severe hepatic impairment for rheumatoid arthritis or alopecia areata. (2) (3)
Hepatic_impairment
Renal impairment: no dose change needed for mild impairment (eGFR 60-90); for moderate impairment (eGFR 30-60) the dose is typically reduced by half (e.g., 2 mg to 1 mg once daily for rheumatoid arthritis/alopecia areata, or 4 mg to 2 mg once daily for COVID-19); baricitinib is not recommended in severe renal impairment (eGFR under 30 for RA/alopecia areata, or under 15 for COVID-19). Hepatic impairment: not recommended in severe hepatic impairment for rheumatoid arthritis or alopecia areata. (2) (3)
Monitoring
(2) (3)Storage
Store at controlled room temperature, below 30 degC (86 degF), away from moisture and heat, out of reach of children.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General (US label)
Indication: Rheumatoid arthritis / severe alopecia areata
Dose summary: 2 mg orally once daily.
Renal context: eGFR 60-90: no change (2 mg). eGFR 30-60: reduce to 1 mg once daily. eGFR <30: not recommended. (1) (2)
General (US label)
Indication: COVID-19 (hospitalized adults)
Dose summary: 4 mg orally once daily for up to 14 days or until hospital discharge, whichever comes first.
Renal context: eGFR 60-90: 4 mg. eGFR 30-60: 2 mg. eGFR 15-30: 1 mg. eGFR <15 (including dialysis/acute kidney injury): not recommended. (2)
Frequently asked questions
What conditions does Jakvinus (Baricitinib) treat?
Jakvinus is primarily used to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in adults. It may also be used for severe alopecia areata and, in some regions, for hospitalized adults with COVID-19.
How long does it take for Jakvinus to work?
Some patients may notice improvement in symptoms within a few weeks, but it can take up to several months for full benefits to be seen.
Can Jakvinus be taken with other arthritis medications?
Jakvinus can be used with certain non-biologic DMARDs, but should not be combined with other JAK inhibitors or biologic DMARDs. Always consult your doctor before combining medications.
What monitoring is required during Jakvinus therapy?
Regular blood tests to monitor blood counts, liver enzymes, kidney function, and cholesterol levels are recommended. Your doctor may also screen for tuberculosis and hepatitis before starting treatment.
Is Jakvinus safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Baricitinib may cause fetal harm based on high-dose animal studies, so it is generally avoided in pregnancy unless the expected benefit clearly outweighs the potential risk. Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for 4 days after the last dose. Discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
What should I do if I develop signs of infection while taking Jakvinus?
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you develop fever, chills, persistent cough, or any signs of infection, since baricitinib carries a boxed warning for serious infections. Do not decide on your own whether to keep taking or pause Jakvinus — the clinician you see will assess the infection and advise on whether treatment should continue, be paused, or be adjusted.
Can Jakvinus cause weight gain?
Weight gain is not a commonly reported side effect of Jakvinus. If you experience unexplained weight changes, inform your healthcare provider.
What happens if I take too much Jakvinus (Baricitinib)?
Taking too much Jakvinus (Baricitinib) can lead to an increased risk of severe side effects, including infections or blood disorders. If an overdose is suspected, it is crucial to seek immediate emergency medical attention. Do not attempt to self-treat. Contact your local emergency services or poison control center right away.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Jakvinus (Baricitinib)?
It is generally advisable to limit or avoid alcohol consumption while taking Jakvinus (Baricitinib). Both alcohol and this medication can affect liver function, and combining them may increase the risk of liver-related side effects. Always discuss alcohol intake with your healthcare provider to understand potential interactions and personalized recommendations.
Is Jakvinus (Baricitinib) safe during pregnancy?
Jakvinus (Baricitinib) is not recommended during pregnancy due to potential risks to the fetus. It is crucial to consult your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your healthcare provider can discuss the potential risks and benefits and explore alternative treatment options suitable for your situation.
What is the mechanism of action of Baricitinib?
Baricitinib is a selective and reversible inhibitor of Janus kinase (JAK) 1 and JAK2. By inhibiting these kinases, it disrupts the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, which is involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. This results in reduced cytokine-mediated inflammation and immune cell activation. (1)
What is the generic name of Baricitinib?
The generic name is Baricitinib. It is sold under brand names including Barihope, Barijak, Barinat, Olumiant.
What class of drug is Baricitinib?
Baricitinib is classed as: Autoimmune & Immunological.
References
- Jakvinus (Baricitinib) clinician-authored medicine recordMedGuideGlobal · International (internal database) · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- OLUMIANT (baricitinib) tablet, full prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- Olumiant (baricitinib) product informationEuropean Medicines Agency · European Union · dated 2020-11 · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 3
- Baricitinib — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- Baricitinib — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 2047232)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Baricitinib names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- Olumiant4 mg, 2 mg, 1 mg · eli lilly and company