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Olumiant (baricitinib)
Available Online
Oral
Once daily
Available by Prescription
As Low as $
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  • Works quickly - reduces itch within 1-2 days
  • 61% of patients see >50% improvement by week 16
  • Particularly effective for head/neck eczema
  • Safe for long-term use up to 3.6 years
  • Mostly mild to moderate effects requiring monitoring
“I’ve suffered from eczema my whole life (I’m 22) and I’d never used steroids before 3 weeks ago. I had heard so many horror stories of TSW and skin thinning …”
- Patient review
“I’m on my third week and it has completely recovered me. Im currently on 4mg a day and montelukast every night before bed. Its been amazing, I feel like a …”
- Patient review
How well does Olumiant work?
Olumiant is below average for atopic dermatitis "JAK Inhibitors" treatments.
What is the evidence behind Olumiant?
Baricitinib 4mg combined with topical corticosteroids (TCS) is effective for treating moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, with about 31% of patients achieving clear or almost clear skin after 16 weeks of treatment. The medication starts working quickly, with improvements in itch seen as early as 2-4 days after starting treatment.
What does the research say?
Study Summary

Baricitinib 4mg combined with topical steroids helped improve moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis symptoms in adults after 16 weeks of treatment. About 48% of patients on 4mg baricitinib achieved a 75% improvement in their eczema severity score (EASI-75), compared to 23% on placebo. The medication also helped reduce itch quickly, with improvements seen as early as 2 days after starting treatment.

Efficacy and Safety of Baricitinib Combined With Topical Corticosteroids for Treatment of Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis
Study Type
Clinical Trial
Studied Population
Total Patients: 329
Results
Study Summary

Baricitinib, whether used alone or with topical steroids, quickly improved all four main signs of eczema (excoriation, swelling/bumps, redness, and skin thickening). The medication worked particularly well for reducing scratching damage, with improvements seen as early as the first week of treatment.

Baricitinib treatment rapidly improves the four signs of atopic dermatitis assessed by Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) clinical subscores
Study Type
Randomized Controlled Trial
Studied Population
Severity: moderate to severe
Age: adults
Results
Baricitinib improved all signs of eczema, with particularly rapid effects on scratching damage
What are other patients saying?
  • Starting Olumiant
    Nov. 16, 2023
    After the disappointment that keeps giving (NZ health system) kept on giving, im starting Baricitinib today. Gotta taper down from a daily 150mg azathioprine and 20mg prednisone. Should be interesting 🙃
  • From MTX to Baricitinib (Olumiant) to Dupixent
    June 4, 2021
    Well, this is my story of trying to cure this "greyscale" disease: Had (still have) basically 75-90% coverage of eczema on my whole body for a long time, worst on face and neck. MTX: Started MTX in January after unsuccessful UV and steroid therapy, but 2 days after first dose I got some serious breathing problems and had to quit it in consultance with my derm. Didn't have any other side effects so I hoped it would be the solution for me. Sadly not. Baricitinib (Olumiant): Got approved for baricitinib in March after blood tests for hepatitis, blood pressure, cholesterol and so on. Initially it worked alright, clearing my body almost completely, and the itch was gone. My face and neck still struggled a bit, but it was a bit better than it used to be so I was happy. Only side effect I had was a bit of stomach issues (feeling groggy and not hunrgy) the first 2 weeks, especially in the morning. Luckily this passed and I could continue afterwards. Worked alright until the middle of May, when my immune system started to rage and I got urticaria over my stomach, arms and neck. Went on 2 zyrtec tabs a day and steroid creams to calm it down, but it only got worse to the point I went to the doctor yesterday. He cancelled me from using it further and now i'm on a 12 day prednisolone cure with strong steroid creams. I was one of his first 2 patients on the drug, the other one had gone on Dupixent for 6 months with no effect and got completely "cured" in 2 weeks on it, so it seems if Dupixent works bad for you, Baricitinib has a very good chance of working. So don't get discouraged by the reaction I had on it! Dupixent: Now I'm finally approved for Dupixent, and will hopefully have my first 2 shots in 2-3 weeks time. I'm excited to try it and hope it will bring the end of my skin problems. A bit worried as it's my last "chance" for relief of this illness, but I remain positive and I'm very relieved I can start soon instead of starting in August as my derm originally projected (he has summer holiday soon and wants to be available the first 2 weeks). Took blood tests yesterday, everything seems good. Just need my skin to calm down (as it hopefully should be after the steroid treatment) first, in order to not upset my immune system further in such a short span of time. If anyone has any questions about Baricitinib or something else, feel free to ask, as I know it's a very new treatment for AD and a lot of people may wonder about different things. I live in Norway, btw, if that's relevant. Also, if anyone has some tips regarding starting Dupixent please let me know! Would be very helpful :) That's it from me, thank you! Hope at least some of you found this informative.
The benefits of baricitinib can be maintained long-term (up to 52-68 weeks) in patients who respond to treatment. Some patients can even reduce their dose while maintaining benefits, though others may need to continue the original dose.
What does the research say?
Study Summary

Baricitinib is effective in treating moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in adults. Clinical trials showed that it can significantly improve skin clearance and reduce itch, with about 30-40% of patients achieving clear or almost clear skin after 16 weeks of treatment.

Long-term Efficacy of Baricitinib in Adults With Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis Who Were Treatment Responders or Partial Responders
Study Type
Randomized Controlled Trial
Studied Population
Severity: moderate to severe
Age: 18+
Results
Baricitinib 4mg showed the best results for skin clearance
Study Summary

This study looked at what happens when patients who responded well to baricitinib either continued their dose, reduced their dose, or stopped treatment completely. Most patients who reduced their dose maintained improvement in their eczema, and those who lost improvement usually got better again when restarting their original dose.

Efficacy of downtitration or treatment withdrawal compared with continuous dosing after successful treatment with baricitinib in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in a randomized substudy from the long-term extension study BREEZE-AD3.
Study Type
Clinical Trial
Studied Population
Total Patients: 526
Severity: moderate to severe
Age: not available
Results
Most patients who lost response regained improvement after restarting their original dose
Study Summary

Baricitinib combined with topical steroids showed long-term effectiveness in treating moderate-to-severe eczema for up to 68 weeks. About 40-60% of patients saw significant improvement in their eczema symptoms, and around 40-50% experienced meaningful itch reduction.

Long‐term efficacy (up to 68 weeks) of Baricitinib in combination with topical corticosteroids in adult patients with moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis: Analysis of treatment responders, partial responders and nonresponders originating from study BREEZE‐AD7
Study Type
Clinical Trial
Studied Population
Total Patients: 155
Severity: moderate to severe
Age: 18+
Results
Long-term improvement in eczema severity was maintained across both doses
What are other patients saying?
  • Recent experience with Olumiant?
    Oct. 27, 2023
    Long story short, ive gor severe atopic derm. Tried methotrexate, cyclosporine, azathioprine and and high dose prednisone. I live in the third world country called New Zealand. Shit health system. Been turned down funding for Rinvoq and Dupixent because again... NZ health system. Doc can potentially get me Olumiant - research shows me its had an interesting history to say the least. Anyone had recent and ongoing experience with it? Chur 🤙🤙
  • Has anybody tried new drugs such as Dupixent, Xeljanz, and Olumiant? How effective are they?
    Feb. 3, 2020
    How effective are they in treating your eczema? What are some side-effects you noticed personally? For those who haven't heard of these new treatments, here are they. (Note: all of them seem to have serious side-effects) **Dupixent (developed by Sanofi and Regeneron)** 1. [Dupixent (official site)](https://www.dupixent.com/) 2. [Can Sanofi and Regeneron's Dupixent steal half of a $21B eczema market? Not so fast: analyst](https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/can-sanofi-and-regeneron-s-dupixent-steal-half-a-21b-eczema-market-not-so-fast-analyst) 3. [Dupixent's on a roll in eczema and asthma, but COPD's a ‘much tougher’ malady: Regeneron CEO](https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/dupixent-grabs-new-biologics-patients-but-upcoming-copd-much-tougher-regeneron-ceo) **Olumiant (developed by Lilly and Incyte)** 1. [Olumiant (official site)](https://www.olumiant.com/) 2. [Eli Lilly, Incyte's Olumiant notches another atopic dermatitis win. But can it fight Dupixent?](https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/eli-lilly-incyte-s-olumiant-notches-atopic-dermatitis-trial-win-will-matter-against-dupixent) 3. [Can Lilly JAK Olumiant, plagued by side effects, really challenge Dupixent in dermatitis?](https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/another-challenge-to-dupixent-eli-lilly-scores-trial-win-for-jak-med-olumiant-atopic) **Xeljanz (developed by Pfizer)** 1. [Xeljanz (official site)](https://www.xeljanz.com/) 2. [Watch out, Dupixent. Pfizer's new JAK inhibitor could come after your eczema market](https://www.fiercepharma.com/marketing/watch-out-dupixent-pfizer-s-new-jak-inhibitor-could-come-after-your-eczema-market)
  • I need help for making smth to help with my (and mybe others) atopic dermatitis!
    Sept. 20, 2024
    A bit of backstory: I've had atopic dermatitis my whole life and took so many steroids and cremes and also some stronger meds. I had Dupixent (constant eye infection), Olumiant (didn't work like it should) and am currently on Adraltza (also eye infections but they go away. I told my doctor I wanna get off of it but she doesn't want to) Bc of childhood trauma related to my skin I can't bring myself to take cremes every day or every other day or even once a week, only if it's unbearable again. (I know it's bad but I can't help it) The only way it can get better is not scratching and here comes where I need help: I started putting plasters on the bigger spots that I scratch open (so far only one but I wanna continue) and it actually works! I don't scratch it, it feels less itchy and I can't scratch it open at night! Now the problem is I have hurtfull spots in my kneebends and I can't put a very big plaster there. I wanna sew smth to put over the the bends so it doesn't get irritated by clothes and you can't scratch it anymore. It needs to be stretchy, comfortable for irritated skin, can't crease as much so it lays more flat on the skin where it's supposed to, bleedingproof, washable and can't slip down so it stays put even when sleeping or walking. Do you have any sugestions which materials I could use or what could help so it doesn't slip off the knee or crease in the bend? Any help is appreciated and dms are also open! Thank you for reading all of this, have a lovely time!
Common side effects include nasopharyngitis (common cold), herpes simplex infections, upper respiratory infections, and headache. While the medication is generally well-tolerated, patients need to be monitored for infections and other potential side effects.
What does the research say?
Study Summary

Baricitinib 4mg combined with topical steroids helped improve moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis symptoms in adults after 16 weeks of treatment. About 48% of patients on 4mg baricitinib achieved a 75% improvement in their eczema severity score (EASI-75), compared to 23% on placebo. The medication also helped reduce itch quickly, with improvements seen as early as 2 days after starting treatment.

Efficacy and Safety of Baricitinib Combined With Topical Corticosteroids for Treatment of Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis
Study Type
Clinical Trial
Studied Population
Total Patients: 329
Results
Study Summary

Baricitinib combined with topical steroids was effective in treating moderate-to-severe eczema in patients who couldn't use or didn't respond to ciclosporin. After 16 weeks, 32% of patients on the highest dose (4mg) had their eczema improve by 75% or more, compared to 17% on placebo, and these improvements lasted for up to one year.

Efficacy and safety of baricitinib in combination with topical corticosteroids in patients with moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis with inadequate response, intolerance or contraindication to ciclosporin: results from a randomized, placebo‐controlled, phase III clinical trial (BREEZE‐AD4) *
Study Type
Clinical Trial
Studied Population
Total Patients: 463
Severity: moderate to severe
Age: not available
Results
What are other patients saying?
  • Anyone tried Olumiant (Baricitinib) ?
    April 19, 2023
    I’m on my third week and it has completely recovered me. Im currently on 4mg a day and montelukast every night before bed. Its been amazing, I feel like a human once again. I was even able to sweat in a car and nap without waking up scratching. (Heat is my trigger) Major issue is that in the Philippines a single pill costs PHP 1440 (25.59 USD) and I have to take it daily while minimum wage here is about PHP 570 (10.13 USD) daily, just to put the cost into perspective. I am fortunate enough to afford this treatment but it still isnt cheap. Are there suppliers or places I could find it cheaper and are there any cons/side effects I should be worried for?
  • I need help for making smth to help with my (and mybe others) atopic dermatitis!
    Sept. 20, 2024
    A bit of backstory: I've had atopic dermatitis my whole life and took so many steroids and cremes and also some stronger meds. I had Dupixent (constant eye infection), Olumiant (didn't work like it should) and am currently on Adraltza (also eye infections but they go away. I told my doctor I wanna get off of it but she doesn't want to) Bc of childhood trauma related to my skin I can't bring myself to take cremes every day or every other day or even once a week, only if it's unbearable again. (I know it's bad but I can't help it) The only way it can get better is not scratching and here comes where I need help: I started putting plasters on the bigger spots that I scratch open (so far only one but I wanna continue) and it actually works! I don't scratch it, it feels less itchy and I can't scratch it open at night! Now the problem is I have hurtfull spots in my kneebends and I can't put a very big plaster there. I wanna sew smth to put over the the bends so it doesn't get irritated by clothes and you can't scratch it anymore. It needs to be stretchy, comfortable for irritated skin, can't crease as much so it lays more flat on the skin where it's supposed to, bleedingproof, washable and can't slip down so it stays put even when sleeping or walking. Do you have any sugestions which materials I could use or what could help so it doesn't slip off the knee or crease in the bend? Any help is appreciated and dms are also open! Thank you for reading all of this, have a lovely time!
  • Dupixent side effects
    May 31, 2021
    For those that use dupixent, what are some side effects you have seen? I’m planning to start this week and trying to get an idea of what could happen. Thanks!
In real-world clinical practice, about 43% of patients may discontinue treatment due to lack of effectiveness or side effects. However, the medication can be effective even in patients who didn't respond to other treatments like dupilumab.
What does the research say?
Study Summary

Baricitinib showed some effectiveness in treating difficult-to-treat eczema patients, including those who didn't respond to dupilumab. However, about 43% of patients stopped treatment due to either lack of effectiveness or side effects. The most common side effects were nausea, urinary tract infections, and herpes simplex infections.

Daily Practice Experience of Baricitinib Treatment for Patients with Difficult-to-Treat Atopic Dermatitis: Results from the BioDay Registry
Study Type
Multicenter Study
Studied Population
Total Patients: 51
Severity: moderate to severe
Age: 18+
Results
About 3 in 10 patients achieved low disease activity after 16 weeks
What are other patients saying?
  • Olumiant
    Aug. 27, 2023
    Has anyone tried olumiant before? My niece has suffered Atopic dermatitis since she was a baby. She’s now 9 and is understandably becoming conscious about her looks. Winter time is the worst and no cream/steroids has ever resulted in a clear skin. We went to a private dermatologist back home and she was started on olumiant. It is not recognised for Paediatric use in the UK so just wanting to see if anyone has any updates/information regarding this medication. Thank you.
  • Can eczema cause sudden purple skin discoloration?
    March 17, 2024
    Sometimes (in a normal heated environment) my hand turn purple/dark purple in the span of a few minutes for no apparent reason. They usually stay that way for atleast a few dozen minutes. I have whole body severe eczema and take Olumiant, though it does not work very well. Is there any reason why this could happen?
Is Olumiant Right For Me?
What is Olumiant?
Baricitinib (OLUMIANT) is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor medication that works by blocking certain enzymes in the body that affect immune system function.
What are the requirements for taking Olumiant?
Olumiant might be right for you if:

  • You are an adult

  • You have moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis

  • Other treatments haven't worked well enough for you

  • You can take it with or without topical corticosteroids

How does Olumiant work?
It works by blocking specific enzymes called JAK enzymes that are involved in inflammation and immune responses. By blocking these enzymes, baricitinib reduces inflammation and modifies how the immune system works.
Is it safe for children?
The safety and effectiveness of baricitinib has not been established in children.
Is it safe for elderly patients?
Can be used in elderly patients. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between elderly and younger patients, though older patients may need dose adjustments if they have decreased kidney function.
Is it safe during pregnancy?
Not recommended during pregnancy. Animal studies showed potential risks to the developing fetus including skeletal malformations, reduced fetal body weights, and increased embryo death. Women should use effective birth control while taking this medication.
Is it safe during breastfeeding?
Not recommended during breastfeeding. Women should not breastfeed during treatment and for 4 days after the last dose.