How is Baricitinib dosed?
Baricitinib is available in tablet form and is usually taken once a day. The dosage and duration of treatment depend on the specific condition being treated and the patient's response to the medication. For COVID-19, the medicine is typically administered in a medical facility by a healthcare professional for up to 14 days or until the patient is discharged from the hospital.
What is the dosage form of Baricitinib?
Baricitinib is available in tablet form.
How is Baricitinib administered?
Baricitinib tablets are taken orally, with or without food. If a patient is unable to swallow the tablet whole, it can be mixed in water and swallowed immediately. It may also be administered through a gastrostomy tube, nasogastric tube, or orogastric tube under the supervision of a doctor.
What are common precautions when taking Baricitinib?
When taking baricitinib orally, it is important to take the following precautions:
- Skin test for tuberculosis: Before starting treatment, a skin test for tuberculosis is required. Inform your doctor if you or anyone in your home has had a positive reaction to a tuberculosis skin test.
- Monitoring for infections: Baricitinib may reduce the body's ability to fight infections. Contact your doctor at the first sign of an infection, such as fever, chills, cough, flu-like symptoms, or unusual tiredness or weakness.
- Heart or blood vessel problems: Baricitinib may increase the risk of serious heart or blood vessel problems, especially for patients with rheumatoid arthritis who are 50 years of age or older and have a heart or blood vessel disease. Report any symptoms such as chest pain, confusion, difficulty speaking, double vision, headache, inability to move arms, legs, or facial muscles, nausea, pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck, sweating, trouble breathing, or vomiting to your doctor immediately.
- Avoid sharp objects: Be cautious when using sharp objects to avoid cuts, such as safety razors or fingernail/toenail cutters.
- Avoid contact sports: Refrain from participating in contact sports or situations where bruising or injury could occur while using baricitinib.
- Immunizations: Do not receive any immunizations (vaccines) without your doctor's approval, as baricitinib may lower your body's resistance and increase the risk of infection. Avoid contact with people who have received live virus vaccines, as there is a chance they could pass the virus on to you. Examples of live vaccines include measles, mumps, influenza (nasal flu vaccine), poliovirus (oral form), rotavirus, and rubella.
Inform your doctor about any allergies, other types of allergies, or unusual reactions to medications. Follow your doctor's instructions and contact them for medical advice regarding side effects.