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Overview: Olumiant is used for rheumatoid arthritis, a type of hair loss called alopecia areata, and for certain people with COVID-19. It calms your immune system by blocking a protein called Janus kinase, which is involved in inflammation. Common side effects include infections, headache, acne, nausea, and stomach pain. Get emergency help if you have chest pain, trouble breathing, or sudden weakness on one side of your body, severe headache, slurred speech, or trouble understanding speech. Olumiant is a tablet that is taken by mouth.

Uses

What is Olumiant used for?

Olumiant (baricitinib) is commonly used for certain people with the following conditions. 

Learn more about How Olumiant Works for Alopecia.

Olumiant may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Olumiant work (mechanism of action)?

Rheumatoid arthritis, alopecia areata, and COVID-19 all involve inflammation. Olumiant helps to calm your immune system by blocking a protein called Janus kinase that is involved in inflammation with these conditions.

How is Olumiant supplied (dosage forms)?

Brand and other names

  • Olumiant

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 1 mg, 2 mg, and 4 mg oral tablets

How should I store Olumiant?

Olumiant should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Olumiant?

The most common side effects of Olumiant are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the condition that is being treated. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Infections (see below), including genital yeast infections, kidney or bladder infections, or infections in the nose, throat or lungs
  • Nausea or stomach pain
  • Skin problems, including acne, folliculitis, rash, or infections such as cold sores (herpes) or shingles
  • Headache
  • Elevated liver enzymes
  • Increased creatine phosphokinase (CPK)
  • Weight gain
  • Tiredness
  • Blood disorders (see below)
  • Blood clots (see below)
  • High platelet levels
  • High cholesterol levels (see below)
  • Bumps on the skin (folliculitis)

There may be other side effects of Olumiant that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Olumiant?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Olumiant are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Olumiant may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Olumiant and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Infections. Olumiant can increase your risk of infections, including serious infections. These serious infections may include tuberculosis (TB) or other infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses. You may also be at a higher risk for shingles. Call your health care provider right away if you have an infection or any of the following symptoms.

  • Burning or stinging when you pee 
  • Cough or coughing up blood
  • Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
  • Shortness of breath
  • Diarrhea or stomach pain
  • Weight loss
  • Skin rash or warm, red, itchy, or painful sores
  • Tiredness

Cancer. Olumiant can cause a new cancer to develop or cause a previously treated cancer to recur. Your risk may be higher if you smoke or used to smoke. Tell your health care provider about any cancers that you or your family members have had in the past. Limit sun exposure, wear sunscreen, and clothes to cover your skin. Keep any appointments to get your skin checked. Tell your health care provider about any new symptoms that you may get. 

Heart Attack and Stroke. Olumiant can increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke that can lead to death. This risk of heart attack, stroke, or death is higher in people who are 50 years old or older, have a high risk of heart disease, and either smoke now or did in the past. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of a heart attack or stroke.

  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat
  • Trouble breathing
  • Pain in your back, jaw, throat, stomach, or arm
  • Sweating, upset stomach, vomiting, dizziness, or lightheadedness
  • Sudden weakness on one side of your body
  • Sudden and severe headache
  • Slurred speech or trouble understanding speech

Blood Clots. Olumiant may cause blood clots in your veins or arteries and could cause venous thromboembolism (VTE), including a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Stop taking Olumiant and get emergency help if you have any of the following signs of blood clots. 

  • Back pain, chest pain or pressure
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat
  • Trouble breathing
  • Pain, swelling, or tenderness in your arm or leg

Stomach Bleeding. Olumiant can increase your risk of tears (perforation) in your gut. The risk is higher if you have a history of stomach ulcers. Stop taking Olumiant and get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Vomit blood
  • Black or tarry poop
  • Stomach pain or an upset stomach that does not go away
  • Feel faint
  • Fever or chills

Blood Disorders. Olumiant can cause blood disorders, such as low red blood cell levels (anemia) and low white blood cell levels (neutropenia and lymphopenia). Olumiant should not be used if your red blood cell or white blood cell levels are too low. Keep all appointments to check your blood work.

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking Olumiant. Keep all appointments, including lab appointments, before and while you are taking Olumiant. Your health care provider will need to make sure your liver is working well enough for you to take this medicine.  

High Cholesterol Levels. Olumiant can cause high cholesterol levels. Keep all appointments with your health care provider to check your blood work. Talk with your health care provider about ways to keep your cholesterol levels from getting too high.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Olumiant?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Olumiant.

  • Baricitinib
  • Olumiant
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Olumiant.

What should I know about Olumiant before using it?

Do not take Olumiant unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Olumiant with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Olumiant out of the reach of children.

Do not cut, chew, break, or crush Olumiant tablets. They should be swallowed whole. If you have trouble swallowing tablets, you can dissolve them in about 10 milliliters (mL) of room temperature water by swirling gently. Once dissolved, you should drink the liquid right away. Then rinse the container with another 10 mL of room temperature water and drink that. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about taking your Olumiant.

Some people with diabetes who have taken Olumiant have had low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). If you have diabetes, talk with your health care provider about how to maintain healthy blood sugar levels and how often to check your blood sugar while using Olumiant. Tell your health care provider if you have symptoms of low blood sugar, such as dizziness, confusion, sweating, or feeling jittery or shaky.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Olumiant?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Olumiant is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Vaccines. Talk with your health care provider about any vaccines that you may need. You should not receive certain vaccines right before or while taking Olumiant. Tell your health care provider about any vaccines you have recently received or have scheduled.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Liver problems, including hepatitis B or hepatitis C
  • Kidney problems
  • Have or think you have an infection, including sores that are warm, red, or hurt, even if you are being treated
  • An infection that will not go away or keep coming back
  • Stroke or heart problems, such as a heart attack
  • Trouble breathing or lung problems, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • A weak immune system or HIV
  • Diabetes
  • Anemia
  • Tuberculosis (TB) or in close contact with someone who has it
  • Shingles
  • Live, lived, or traveled to parts of the country like the Ohio or Mississippi River Valley or the southwestern United States
  • Fever, sweating, or chills
  • Muscle aches or feel tired
  • Cough or coughing up blood
  • Stomach pain, diarrhea, gut surgeries, or if food moves through your gut quicker than normal
  • Pain when you go pee or peeing more often than you normally do
  • Losing weight without trying
  • Diverticulitis or ulcers in your gut
  • Smoke tobacco now or used to
  • History or family history of cancer
  • Blood clots or are at higher risk for blood clots

Other Medicines and Supplements. Olumiant may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Olumiant, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Olumiant could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Olumiant, you can sign up for the Olumiant pregnancy registry at 800-284-1695 or at https://pregnancyregistry.lilly.com. This registry collects safety information about the use of Olumiant during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Olumiant passes into breast milk. You should not breastfeed while you are taking Olumiant and for 4 days after your last dose. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. 

How can I get more information about Olumiant?

For more information about Olumiant, you can visit the drugmakers website at www.olumiant.com or call them at 800-545-5979.

Interactions

Does Olumiant interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Olumiant and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Olumiant. The risk of certain side effects, such as tiredness and liver damage, may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking Olumiant.

Does Olumiant interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Olumiant.

  • A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which is in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
  • Methotrexate (Trexall and others), which is a medicine commonly used for rheumatoid arthritis or certain types of cancer
  • A corticosteroid, such as dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, or prednisone, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions
  • Probenecid, which is a medicine commonly used for gout
  • Ruxolitinib (Jakafi), which is a medicine used to treat myelofibrosis, polycythemia vera, or graft versus host disease
  • Tofacitinib (Xeljanz), which is a medicine used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, polyarticular course juvenile idiopathic arthritis, or ulcerative colitis
  • Abrocitinib (Cibinqo), which is a medicine used to treat atopic dermatitis
  • Ritlecitinib (Litfulo), which is a medicine used to treat a type of hair loss called alopecia areata 
  • Azathioprine (Azasan, Imuran), cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, and others), mycophenolate (Cellcept, Myfortic, and others), or tacrolimus (Prograf, Envarsus XR, Astagraf XL), which is a medicine to suppress your immune system
  • A medicine used to treat autoimmune conditions, such as abatacept (Orencia), adalimumab (Humira), anakinra (Kineret), certolizumab (Cimzia), etanercept (Enbrel), golimumab (Simponi), infliximab (Remicade), ixekizumab (Taltz), rituximab (Rituxan), secukinumab (Cosentyx), tocilizumab (Actemra), ustekinumab (Stelara), or vedolizumab (Entyvio)

Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of Olumiant. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Olumiant. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Olumiant?

If you or someone else has used too much Olumiant, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Olumiant?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.