Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Olumiant (Baricitinib).
Blood cholesterol: Olumiant (Baricitinib) has been associated with increased blood cholesterol levels. If you have elevated blood cholesterol levels, discuss with your doctor how Olumiant (Baricitinib) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Olumiant (Baricitinib), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Blood Clots: Olumiant (Baricitinib) may increase the chance of blood clot formation, causing reduction of blood flow to organs or the extremities.
If you have a history of clotting you may be at increased risk of experiencing blood clot-related problems such as Heart Attack, Stroke, or clots in the lungs or deep veins of your leg. Discuss with your doctor how Olumiant (Baricitinib) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Olumiant (Baricitinib), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms such as sharp pain and swelling in the leg, difficulty breathing, chest pain, blurred vision or difficulty speaking, contact your doctor immediately.
Cancer: Rarely, people taking Olumiant (Baricitinib) and similar medications have developed cancer, including lymphoma and non-melanoma Skin Cancer. In general, people with rheumatoid arthritis who take medications that suppress the immune system over long periods of time may also have a higher risk of developing lymphoma, even if they don't take Olumiant (Baricitinib). Discuss any concerns you have with your doctor.
Gastrointestinal perforation: People who take anti-inflammatory medications such as NSAIDs or corticosteroids while they are also taking Olumiant (Baricitinib) may be more at risk of experiencing a tear in the lining of the stomach, which can cause serious bleeding. This can occur without abdominal pain.
If you notice bloody or black and tarry stools, or vomit blood or material that looks like coffee grounds, seek medical help immediately.
Infection: Olumiant (Baricitinib) reduces your body's response to infection. People taking Olumiant (Baricitinib) are at an increased risk of developing serious infections that can be difficult to treat and may cause hospitalization or death. These infections include Tuberculosis and fungal infections as well as infections caused by bacteria and viruses. These infections are more likely to occur if you are taking another medication that reduces the activity of the immune system.
If you have been exposed to tuberculosis, have a history of serious or recurrent infections or have medical conditions that may increase the likelihood of developing infections, discuss with your doctor how Olumiant (Baricitinib) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Olumiant (Baricitinib), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If possible, avoid contact with people with contagious infections. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice signs of an infection, such as fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness.
Kidney function: Decreased kidney function may cause Olumiant (Baricitinib) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function or Kidney Disease, discuss with your doctor how Olumiant (Baricitinib) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Olumiant (Baricitinib), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: People taking Olumiant (Baricitinib) may have changes in liver function that produce abnormal liver test results. Your doctor will recommend regular liver tests while you are taking Olumiant (Baricitinib).
If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
People with severely reduced liver function should not use Olumiant (Baricitinib).
Lung inflammation: Lung inflammation (interstitial lung disease), causing difficulty breathing has occurred in some people taking Olumiant (Baricitinib). This complication can be serious and sometimes fatal.
If you experience new or worsening shortness of breath or cough (with or without fever) at any time while you are taking Olumiant (Baricitinib) contact your doctor immediately.
Vaccinations: People taking Olumiant (Baricitinib) should not receive certain vaccines. Talk to your doctor about whether any vaccines you are scheduled to take may be used with Olumiant (Baricitinib).
Pregnancy: Olumiant (Baricitinib) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Olumiant (Baricitinib), contact your doctor immediately. Women who are of childbearing age should use appropriate birth control while taking Olumiant (Baricitinib) and for at least 1 week after taking the last dose of medication.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Olumiant (Baricitinib) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Olumiant (Baricitinib), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Olumiant (Baricitinib) have not been established for children.
Seniors: People over the age of 65 years may be more at risk of side effects from Olumiant (Baricitinib).
