Although not all medical professionals concur, alopecia areata is typically recognized as an autoimmune condition. The body’s immune system targets the hair follicles, which stops them from growing hair. Follicles typically have a strong immune privilege. This indicates that the hair follicle has immune attack-suppressing mechanisms in place.
But these processes can break down when immune privilege falls, which can cause alopecia areata. According to studies, alopecia areata can be efficiently treated by restoring immunological privilege.
How Does Baricitinib Function, And What Is It?
Baricitinib, known as Olumiant, is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor. These inhibitors are enzymes that spread signals for the immune system to respond throughout the body. baricitinib inhibits these enzymes and reduces the signals that trigger an immunological response to prevent the body’s immune system from reacting and attacking the follicles.
Systemic therapy is used with baricitinib. It indicates that it treats the complete body instead of the region afflicted by hair loss.
Typically, doctors recommend taking one tablet daily. There are two doses available: 2 mg and 4 mg. The 4mg dose has been proven more efficient than the 2mg in the two most recent tests. Baricitinib was originally licensed to manage rheumatoid arthritis. However, some evidence is that JAK inhibitors can manage scarring alopecia and alopecia areata.
What Adverse Effects Does Olumiant Have?
Baricitinib’s negative effects might range from minor to severe. Some of the most significant side effects of using baricitinib are listed below. These lists don’t include every potential negative effect. Additionally, remember that the drug’s adverse effects can change depending on the disease you’re using it to treat.
Severe negative effects of baricitinib may include:
Severe diseases are brought on by fungi, bacteria, fungi, or viruses, such as shingles, tuberculosis (TB), and many others. These infections have caused some deaths. Baricitinib can increase your risk of infection or exacerbate any existing infections. These infections could consist of:
- Chills, sweat, or fever
- Muscular pain
- Cough
- Breathing difficulty
- Blood in the mucus
- Weight loss
- Your body may have sores or hot, irritated skin.
- Stomach discomfort or diarrhea
- Burning when urinating or needing to go more frequently than usual
- Feeling worn out
The doctor might halt baricitinib if you have a serious infection until it is under control.
Individuals 50 years old or older taking a drug from the JAK inhibitor drug family and having at least one risk factor for heart disease are at an increased risk of dying. Immunological system issues and cancer. Your chance of developing skin cancer and other cancers, such as lymphoma, may increase if you take baricitinib.
When using a drug from the JAK inhibitor class, especially if you currently or have smoked, you risk developing certain cancers, such as lymphoma and lung cancer. While using baricitinib, heed your doctor’s recommendation to have your skin examined for skin cancer.
Major cardiovascular events like heart attacks, strokes, or death are more likely to occur in adults 50 years old or older who possess at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease and are taking a medication from the JAK inhibitor class of drugs, particularly if they currently smoke or have smoked in the past. When taking baricitinib, get immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following signs of a stroke or heart attack:
- A persistent or recurring ache in the central region of your chest that lasts for over a few minutes.
- Significant weight, pressure, or tightness in your jaw, neck, or chest.
- Discomfort or pain in your stomach, neck, arms, back, or jaw
- Breathing problems, accompanied by or without chest pain
- Developing a chilly sweat
- Vomiting or nausea
- Experiencing dizziness
- Physical weakness solely on a single part or in one area of your body
- Muddled speech
- Blood clots form in the veins and arteries of the lung or legs.
This medicine could endanger life and result in demise. Blood clotting within the leg veins and lungs has occurred more frequently in people aged 50 or older with at least one risk factor for heart disease and consuming a JAK inhibitor.
If you have any indications or signs of blood clots, such as swelling, discomfort or soreness in the leg, abrupt chest pain, or difficulty breathing, quit taking baricitinib and contact your physician right once. You should also seek emergency medical attention.
Allergy symptoms. If you have any side effects while taking baricitinib, including rash (hives), breathing difficulties, faintness or dizziness, or swelling of the throat, lips, or tongue, stop taking baricitinib and seek emergency medical attention away. Some of these effects that baricitinib users experienced were severe.
Gastrointestinal or intestinal tears: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), methotrexate, or corticosteroids users are most likely to experience this. Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience fever, stomach pain that doesn’t go away, an alteration in bowel habits, or any other side effects while taking baricitinib.
Modifications to laboratory test outcomes. You should perform blood tests before and after starting baricitinib by your doctor. If your liver results are abnormally high or the red or white blood cell counts are too low, you shouldn’t use baricitinib. Depending on how these test outcomes change, your doctor might decide to stop your baricitinib medication.
Interactions
Inform your physician about all the medications you use, including prescribed and over-the-counter ones, before beginning baricitinib. Include a description of any supplements, herbs, or vitamins you take. You can learn more about possible interactions between these substances and baricitinib from your physician or dermatologist.
Boxed Warnings
Boxed warnings from baricitinib about the possibility of cancer, severe infections, and blood clots are available. Additionally, it contains boxed warnings concerning an elevated risk of passing away and the possibility of heart-related events like a stroke or a heart attack. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued these severe cautions regarding possible harmful drug side effects.
Conclusion
Access to effective and safe treatment choices is essential for the sizable number of Americans who are impacted with severe alopecia. Baricitinib’s approval will contribute to meeting a large unmet need for individuals with acute alopecia areata.