Olumiant 4mg (baricitinib) Tablet

Olumiant (Baricitinib) 4mg Tablet is an oral medication that belongs to a class of drugs called Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors. It is primarily used for the treatment of certain autoimmune disorders, including moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis and certain cases of alopecia areata. Olumiant works by targeting the signaling pathways responsible for inflammation and immune system dysfunction.

How It Works

Baricitinib, the active ingredient in Olumiant, is a selective and reversible inhibitor of the Janus kinase (JAK) family of enzymes, particularly JAK1 and JAK2. These enzymes play a critical role in the inflammatory process by transmitting signals from cytokine or growth factor receptors on the cell surface to influence immune responses, including inflammation.

1. Interference with JAK Pathway: By inhibiting JAK enzymes, Olumiant reduces the signaling that contributes to the overactive immune response seen in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
2. Reduction of Inflammation: Through this mechanism, Olumiant reduces the production of inflammatory molecules like cytokines, which helps decrease the pain, swelling, and tissue damage associated with autoimmune conditions.
3. Immune System Modulation: In conditions like alopecia areata, where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, Olumiant modulates the immune response to reduce this attack and potentially restore hair growth.

Side Effects

While Olumiant is generally effective, it may cause side effects. The most common side effects are related to immune system modulation, and some can be serious. Common Side Effects:

• Upper respiratory infections (cold, cough, sore throat)
• Nausea
• Headache
• Elevated liver enzymes
• Elevated cholesterol levels

Serious Side Effects:

• Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism)
• Increased risk of infections, including tuberculosis
• Low blood cell counts (anemia, neutropenia)
• Liver enzyme elevations
• Gastrointestinal perforations
• Increased risk of shingles (herpes zoster)
• Cancer (long-term risk unknown)

Indications

Olumiant is indicated for the treatment of the following conditions:

1. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): For adult patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis who have had an inadequate response to one or more tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists.
2. Alopecia Areata: Recently approved for the treatment of severe alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles, resulting in hair loss.
3. COVID-19: In certain cases, Olumiant has been authorized for use in hospitalized COVID-19 patients requiring oxygen or ventilation, as it helps reduce severe inflammation.

Contraindications

Olumiant should not be used in the following situations:

• Hypersensitivity: Individuals with a known hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to baricitinib or any other component of Olumiant.
• Active infections: Patients with active infections (e.g., tuberculosis, fungal infections, or bacterial infections) should not take Olumiant until the infection is under control.
• Severe liver impairment: It is contraindicated in patients with severe liver dysfunction.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Olumiant should be avoided during pregnancy and while breastfeeding unless deemed absolutely necessary by a healthcare provider, as it may harm the fetus or infant.
• Chronic Kidney Disease: Patients with severe kidney impairment may need dose adjustments or may be advised not to take Olumiant.

Price in Different Countries

Country	Price (4mg, per pack)	Reference
United States	$2,000 – $2,500	GoodRx
United Kingdom	£1,500 – £1,800	Medicines.org.uk
Australia	AUD 2,800 – AUD 3,200	PBS.gov.au
India	₹150,000 – ₹200,000	1mg
Canada	CAD 2,500 – CAD 3,000	DrugBank.ca

Top 5 Global Brands

1. Olumiant (Eli Lilly): The original brand for baricitinib, developed by Eli Lilly, is widely recognized and available in many countries.
2. Rinvoq (AbbVie): Rinvoq is another JAK inhibitor that is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and is a competitor to Olumiant.
3. Xeljanz (Pfizer): Xeljanz is a JAK inhibitor for rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions, and it is one of the best-known alternatives to Olumiant.
4. Jakavi (Novartis): Jakavi, a JAK inhibitor like Olumiant, is used for conditions such as myelofibrosis and polycythemia vera.
5. Tavneos (ChemoCentryx): Tavneos is a newer immunosuppressant for certain autoimmune conditions, though it targets different mechanisms compared to JAK inhibitors.