Side effects associated with Olumiant: Ranging from common and mild to severe
News Article: Long-Term Risks of Olumiant (Baricitinib) Use
Olumiant, a brand-name oral tablet, is commonly prescribed for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, alopecia areata, and COVID-19. However, recent studies have highlighted potential long-term risks associated with its use.
A primary concern is the increased susceptibility to serious infections. Olumiant's immune-suppressing properties can make patients more vulnerable to infections such as tuberculosis and viral infections like shingles. Some trial participants have discontinued the drug due to these infections and immune-related side effects.
Another potential risk is blood abnormalities. Decreases in white blood cells and anemia have been reported, which are linked to the drug's impact on proteins involved in blood cell production. Some participants have also shown liver function irregularities, requiring monitoring during treatment.
There is also a concern about a potential higher risk of blood clots, especially in at-risk populations such as smokers or those with cardiovascular disease. This risk may lead to serious cardiovascular problems, including stroke, heart attack, and heart or blood vessel problems that may lead to death.
Theoretical concerns also exist about increased cancer risk due to immune system modulation. While more data are needed for consensus, some participants have shown open sores that bleed, ooze, or crust over, fast-growing bumps on the skin, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, fever, chills, or sweating, which may be symptoms of cancer while taking Olumiant.
More common side effects of Olumiant include nausea, herpes infection (such as cold sores), and upper respiratory infection. Symptoms of upper respiratory infections from taking Olumiant can include stuffy or runny nose, fever, cough, and sore throat.
It is worth noting that hair loss is not a known side effect of Olumiant, and a 4-mg dose of Olumiant is typically prescribed for COVID-19 treatment and severe alopecia areata, but not for rheumatoid arthritis.
In rare cases, blood clots with Olumiant treatment can be fatal. The risk of blood clots is increased with Olumiant use, and symptoms of a blood clot while taking Olumiant may include chest pain, discoloration, swelling, or pain in one leg, and trouble breathing.
Olumiant has boxed warnings, the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is crucial for patients to discuss these risks with their healthcare providers before starting Olumiant treatment.
Ongoing clinical trials continue to evaluate Olumiant’s long-term safety, especially in contexts like Long COVID and autoimmune diabetes, to clarify these risks further. Patients and healthcare providers should remain vigilant in monitoring for any unusual symptoms and report them promptly to the healthcare provider.
[1] Olumiant (baricitinib) Prescribing Information. Eli Lilly and Company. 2021. [2] Olumiant (baricitinib) Boxed Warning. Eli Lilly and Company. 2021. [3] Olumiant (baricitinib) Clinical Trials. Eli Lilly and Company. 2021.
- Deciders of medical-conditions must consider the long-term risks associated with Olumiant, particularly increased susceptibility to serious infections, blood abnormalities, and potential higher risks of blood clots and cancer.
- Olumiant, a drug used for rheumatoid arthritis, alopecia areata, and COVID-19, can lead to immune-related side effects, blood cell and liver function irregularities, and an increased risk of blood clots, especially in at-risk populations.
- Chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease may be exacerbated by the use of Olumiant due to its potential to lead to serious cardiovascular problems, including stroke, heart attack, and heart or blood vessel problems that may lead to death.
- Health-and-wellness professionals should be aware of the potential side effects of Olumiant and monitor patients for unusual symptoms, as reported cases include fast-growing bumps on the skin, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, fever, chills, or sweating which may be symptoms of cancer or blood clots while taking this drug.
