Baricitinib
Baricitinib is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor that reduces inflammation and modulates immune system activity. It is primarily used to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, atopic dermatitis, and severe COVID-19 in certain hospitalized patients.
Baricitinib is an immunosuppressant JAK inhibitor used for rheumatoid arthritis, atopic dermatitis, and severe COVID-19.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L04AF02
- RxNorm
- 2047232
- Generic
- Baricitinib
- Class
- atc-l04
- Brands
- Olumiant
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 2mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- Not FDA approved for patients under 18
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 2mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks; women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 1 week after discontinuation
regular fetal monitoring and prenatal care
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid
discontinue treatment prior to conception when possible; avoid use in late pregnancy
neonatal monitoring for immunosuppression
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
not recommendednot applicable
do not breastfeed during treatment or for at least 1 week after last dose
monitor infant for signs of infection
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
under 18 yearsnot applicable
not recommended for use in patients under 18 years of age; safety and efficacy not established in pediatric populations
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
65 years and olderno initial dose adjustment required but monitor closely
use with caution due to increased susceptibility to infections and malignancy; consider comorbidities and concomitant medications
regular monitoring of infection signs, complete blood count, and liver function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severereduce dose to 1mg once daily
use with caution in patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73m2); avoid use in patients with end-stage renal disease
monitor renal function regularly, more frequent monitoring recommended
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderateno specific adjustment required
use with caution in patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B); not recommended in severe hepatic impairment
monitor liver function tests periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Initial FDA approval date for Baricitinib (Olumiant)
Drug class
Pharmacological classification
Common uses
Therapeutic indications
Manufacturer
Marketing authorization holder
Baricitinib is approved for treating moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in adults who have not responded adequately to other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, severe COVID-19 requiring supplemental oxygen or ventilation, and alopecia areata.
Baricitinib works by selectively inhibiting Janus kinase enzymes (primarily JAK1 and JAK2), which are involved in the signaling pathways that drive inflammation and immune responses. By blocking these enzymes, it reduces the production of inflammatory cytokines and dampens the abnormal immune activity characteristic of autoimmune conditions.
Baricitinib is an immunosuppressant and carries increased risk of serious infections (including tuberculosis and herpes zoster), blood clots, major adverse cardiovascular events, and certain malignancies. It should not be used during pregnancy. Live vaccines should be avoided during treatment. Regular monitoring of blood counts, liver function, and signs of infection is recommended throughout therapy.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy