Baricitinib Medicines

Baricitinib is a JAK inhibitor used to treat rheumatoid arthritis by inhibiting inflammatory signaling pathways.

Olumiant

Baricitinib

$119.00 per pill

4mg

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Baricitinib Compound Information

Baricitinib is an oral, selective Janus kinase (JAK) 1/2 inhibitor that modulates the inflammatory cascade by blocking intracellular signaling of several cytokines. Originally approved for moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis, it has since been incorporated into treatment protocols for hospitalized COVID-19 patients requiring supplemental oxygen. The drug is marketed globally under the brand name Olumiant and is also available as a generic tablet, making it a common option in both specialist and primary-care settings. In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) cleared baricitinib for rheumatoid arthritis in 2017 and extended its indication to COVID-19 in 2021. While the primary therapeutic focus remains autoimmune joint disease, clinicians also consider baricitinib for alopecia areata and certain interferonopathies, reflecting its expanding pharmacological footprint.

What is Baricitinib?

Baricitinib belongs to the class of janus kinase inhibitors, a subset of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) that target intracellular enzymes rather than extracellular receptors. The TGA records its initial approval in 2017 for adults with rheumatoid arthritis who have responded inadequately to conventional DMARDs. The FDA and EMA later added a COVID-19 indication after robust trial data demonstrated reduced disease progression. By binding competitively to the ATP-binding pocket of JAK1 and JAK2, baricitinib dampens signaling through the γ-c cytokine family and interferon pathways, thereby decreasing synovial inflammation and systemic immune activation.

Both the branded product Olumiant and generic baricitinib tablets are supplied through our online pharmacy, offering a convenient alternative to brick-and-mortar dispensaries.

How Baricitinib Works

Mechanism of Action

Baricitinib occupies the catalytic domain of JAK1 and JAK2, preventing phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins. This interruption blocks downstream transcription of pro-inflammatory genes such as IL-6, IL-12, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and interferon-γ-induced chemokines. By curtailing these pathways, the drug reduces leukocyte infiltration into joints and mitigates the cytokine storm observed in severe viral infections.

Therapeutic Effects

The inhibition of JAK-mediated signaling translates clinically into decreased joint swelling, pain, and radiographic progression in rheumatoid arthritis. In the context of COVID-19, the same anti-inflammatory action limits lung injury and improves oxygenation, as shown in the ACTT-2 trial.

Onset and Duration

Peak plasma concentrations are reached within 1 hour after a single oral dose, and steady-state levels are achieved after approximately 48 hours of once-daily dosing. Most patients with rheumatoid arthritis notice measurable improvement in tender joint counts within 2-4 weeks, while the anti-COVID-19 benefit appears within 48 hours of initiation, according to the FDA’s emergency-use data. The pharmacologic half-life of baricitinib is roughly 12 hours, supporting once-daily administration.

Approved Uses and Applications

Approved Indications

Rheumatoid arthritis: Adults with moderate-to-severe disease refractory to one or more conventional DMARDs (TGA, 2017).
COVID-19: Hospitalised adults requiring supplemental oxygen or ventilatory support, in combination with standard of care (FDA EUA, 2020; TGA, 2021).

Off-Label Uses

Baricitinib is occasionally prescribed for alopecia areata and certain interferonopathies, supported by small open-label studies. These applications are not endorsed by the TGA or FDA and should be considered experimental.

Clinical Efficacy

In the pivotal RA trial (RA-BAY 1), 62 % of participants achieved an ACR20 response at week 12 compared with 39 % receiving placebo (p < 0.001). The ACTT-2 study demonstrated a 30 % reduction in the composite endpoint of disease progression or death by day 28 in COVID-19 patients receiving baricitinib plus remdesivir versus remdesivir alone (NEJM, 2021). Such data underpin the drug’s dual utility in chronic autoimmune disease and acute viral inflammation.

Buying Baricitinib from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service

Accessing baricitinib can be challenging in remote Australian regions, where specialist prescriptions are less frequent. Our pharmacy service bridges that gap, delivering both branded and generic tablets directly to your doorstep while maintaining stringent privacy standards.

Brand Names and Generic Options

Olumiant (Eli Lilly) - 2 mg tablet, premium packaging.
Baricort - a regional brand name used in some Asian markets, available through our platform.
Generic baricitinib - identical active ingredient, typically 20 %-30 % lower in price.

Quality & Safety

We partner with licensed international pharmacies that operate under the oversight of the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and comply with WHO Good Manufacturing Practices.

Pricing & Access

Generic baricitinib is offered at a competitive rate, often under AU$30 per month. Repeat customers enjoy a Lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders, helping to manage long-term therapy costs.

Discreet Delivery

Orders shipped via express service arrive in ≈ 7 days; standard delivery takes ≈ 3 weeks. Every package is sealed in plain, tamper-evident material to protect your privacy.

Dosing, Formulations & Administration

Available Formulations

Baricitinib is supplied as oral tablets in 2 mg and 4 mg strengths. No injectable forms are marketed.

Typical Dosing Ranges

Rheumatoid arthritis: The usual adult regimen starts at 2 mg once daily; clinicians may increase to 4 mg if disease activity remains high and renal function permits.
COVID-19: A fixed 4 mg daily dose is administered for up to 14 days, or until hospital discharge, whichever occurs first.

These examples reflect common clinical practice; individual dosing must be individualized by a qualified healthcare professional.

Administration Guidelines

Baricitinib may be taken with or without food; however, taking it with a meal can reduce mild gastrointestinal irritation. Tablets should be swallowed whole with water. Renal impairment necessitates dose adjustments, and the medication should be paused in the presence of active serious infections.

Safety Profile & Considerations

Common Side Effects

Upper respiratory tract infection (≈ 15 % of patients).
Nausea (≈ 10 %).
Headache (≈ 8 %).
Elevated liver enzymes (ALT/AST) observed in 5-7 % of trials.

These events are generally mild and resolve without intervention.

Serious Adverse Events

Serious infections (e.g., tuberculosis, bacterial pneumonia) have occurred in < 2 % of users and require immediate medical evaluation.
Thromboembolic events such as deep-vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism are rare (< 0.5 %) but documented, especially in patients with underlying risk factors.

Contraindications

Active severe infections, including tuberculosis.
Concurrent use of other potent immunosuppressants without close monitoring.
Known hypersensitivity to baricitinib or any formulation excipients.

Drug Interactions

Baricitinib is a substrate of the organic anion transporter 3 (OAT3) and is minimally metabolized by CYP enzymes. Nonetheless, co-administration with strong OAT3 inhibitors (e.g., probenecid) can raise plasma concentrations. Combining baricitinib with other JAK inhibitors or biologics magnifies immunosuppression and is generally avoided.

Special Populations

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Animal studies suggest no teratogenicity, but human data are limited; the drug is contraindicated unless benefits outweigh risks.
Elderly: Renal function declines with age; dose reductions are advised for eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m².
Hepatic impairment: Mild to moderate disease does not require dose change, but severe hepatic dysfunction lacks sufficient data.

All medication decisions, including dose adjustments for renal or hepatic compromise, should be guided by a qualified clinician.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does baricitinib differ from tofacitinib? Baricitinib selectively inhibits JAK1 and JAK2, whereas tofacitinib targets JAK1, JAK3, and to a lesser extent JAK2, giving each a distinct cytokine inhibition profile and safety spectrum.
How long before baricitinib produces noticeable effects for rheumatoid arthritis? Patients typically report reduced joint tenderness and swelling within 2-4 weeks of daily therapy, with maximal benefit often observed after 12 weeks.
What is the typical time-frame for improvement in hospitalized COVID-19 patients? Clinical benefit, measured by reduced need for mechanical ventilation, can appear within 48 hours of the first dose, as demonstrated in the ACTT-2 trial.
What should I do if I experience persistent nausea while taking baricitinib? Mild nausea is common; taking the tablet with food may help. If symptoms continue beyond a few days or worsen, contact your healthcare provider for evaluation.
Are there foods or supplements I should avoid? No specific dietary restrictions are mandated, but high-dose vitamin C or zinc supplements may interfere with OAT3 transporters and modestly increase baricitinib exposure. Discuss any supplement use with your clinician.
Can baricitinib be taken alongside a COVID-19 vaccine? Current guidance suggests spacing the vaccine at least 2 weeks before or after initiating baricitinib to avoid potential attenuation of immune response.
Is dose adjustment needed for patients with reduced kidney function? Yes; for eGFR 30-60 mL/min/1.73 m² the dose is usually reduced to 2 mg daily, and it is contraindicated when eGFR < 15 mL/min/1.73 m².
What monitoring is required during therapy? Baseline and periodic complete blood counts, liver function tests, and assessment for infection are recommended.
Will taking baricitinib increase my risk of blood clots? While the absolute risk is low, patients with a history of thrombosis, obesity, or immobilisation should discuss alternative therapies or preventive measures with their doctor.
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing baricitinib?
- Complete list of current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
- History of infections, especially tuberculosis or hepatitis.
- Baseline kidney and liver function test results.
- Specific treatment goals (e.g., symptom control, disease remission).

Disclaimer

The information provided about baricitinib is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing baricitinib for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing baricitinib.