Overview
Olumiant is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adults with severe alopecia areata. It may be considered in adults who have nearly complete or complete scalp hair loss, with or without substantial loss of eyebrow or eyelash hair. Olumiant is also known by its drug name, baricitinib.

Olumiant is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor. Scientists believe it works by blocking certain enzymes (JAK1 and JAK2) involved in the immune system’s signaling pathways. By reducing immune system activity, it may help reduce inflammation and stop the attack on hair follicles, allowing hair to regrow.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Olumiant is taken by mouth, as a tablet, once daily. The usual starting dose may be increased if the response is not adequate. For those with nearly complete or complete scalp hair loss (with or without eyebrow or eyelash loss), starting with a higher daily dose. Once an adequate response is achieved, the dose should be reduced. Olumiant should be taken exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Olumiant include upper respiratory tract infections (such as the common cold), headache, acne, high cholesterol or lipids, increased levels of creatine phosphokinase (a muscle enzyme), urinary tract infection, elevated liver enzymes, folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles), fatigue, lower respiratory tract infections, nausea, genital Candida (yeast) infections, anemia (low red blood cell count), neutropenia (low white blood cell count), abdominal pain, shingles (herpes zoster), and weight increase.

Rare but serious side effects may include serious infections (such as tuberculosis and other bacterial, viral, or fungal infections), increased risk of malignancies (cancers), major adverse cardiovascular events (such as heart attack or stroke), blood clots (thrombosis, pulmonary embolism), serious allergic reactions, gastrointestinal perforations (tears in the stomach or intestines), and changes in laboratory values such as low blood cell counts and liver enzyme elevations. There is also a risk of fetal harm if taken during pregnancy, and breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment.

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Label: Olumiant- Baricitinib Tablet, Film Coated — DailyMed