All medications
Targeted oral therapies
Baricitinib
Brand names: Olumiant
An oral JAK inhibitor taken once a day.
Video lesson
Animated explainer
What it’s used for
Rheumatoid arthritis, plus alopecia areata and other approved uses.
How it works
It blocks JAK1 and JAK2, interrupting signaling from several inflammatory messengers.
How it’s taken
A tablet once a day. The dose is adjusted for kidney function.
Side effects
Infections, shingles, raised cholesterol and blood count changes. The same boxed warnings as other JAK inhibitors apply.
Monitoring
Blood counts, kidney and liver tests and cholesterol.
Good to know
Shingrix vaccination is recommended.
At a glance
Class
Targeted oral therapies
Brand names
Olumiant
Reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD, FACR
Questions about your own care?
Book an in-person or telehealth consultation with Dr. Tahir.
For education only. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without talking to your care team.