Barigen should be taken exactly as prescribed.
The appropriate baricitinib dose depends on the condition being treated, age, kidney function, laboratory results, drug interactions and the applicable prescribing information.
With or without food
Current U.S. prescribing information permits baricitinib to be taken with or without food.
Take it consistently
Taking the medicine at approximately the same time each day can help establish a regular medication routine.
Do not take extra tablets because you believe a previous dose was missed unless your healthcare professional specifically instructs you to do so.
Before treatment
Depending on the indication, healthcare professionals may evaluate:
- Tuberculosis
- Hepatitis or other infections
- Complete blood counts
- Liver function
- Kidney function
- Lipid levels
- Vaccination status
- Pregnancy status when relevant
- Cardiovascular and thrombotic risk
The current U.S. label specifically recommends appropriate evaluation and immunization before treatment.
Infection precautions
Baricitinib suppresses immune activity and can increase susceptibility to serious infections.
Patients should promptly report symptoms such as:
- Persistent fever
- Chills
- Persistent cough
- Shortness of breath
- Painful urination
- Skin infections
- Unusual weakness
- Other signs of infection
Treatment may need to be interrupted if a serious infection develops.
Vaccinations
Live vaccines should generally be avoided during baricitinib treatment according to the U.S. prescribing information. Vaccination status should be reviewed before therapy begins.
Do not change treatment yourself
Patients should not independently:
- Increase the dose
- Reduce the dose
- Stop treatment
- Restart treatment after an infection
- Combine baricitinib with another JAK inhibitor
Such decisions require medical supervision.