Baricitinib

[ponylover]

Hi

I am relatively new here and find the community very informative and helpful.

I was finally diagnosed with RA in 2008 and since then have tried to get the disease under control with many drugs including Methotrexate, Humira, Cimzia, Ro-Actemera. I have had some success but nothing seems to last.

I am going to start Baricitinib next week and just wondered what has been other members experience? This drug is in daily tablet form which worries me as everything else has been injection so avoiding the gastric problems I had with Sulphasalazine and Leflunomide.

[wishbone]

I've been taking it for the last 6 months. Can't say it's controlling my RA proper, but it is helping. That said, I'm only taking 2mg when most people seem to be prescribed 4mg. I found it more effective when taken with hydroxy but unfortunately had to stop the latter because of stomach issues. I did have frequent headaches when I first started taking it and was told by rheumy to come off it for a week which did the trick, and I do seem more fatigued since I've been on it but it's difficult to be sure if that's due to the baricitinib or something else.

Can't say I've heard of anyone complaining about stomach issues with baricitinib, but am sure someone will let you know if they have.

[ponylover in reply to wishbone]

Thank you Wishbone, I have taken my first tablet today 4mg fingers crossed for a good result.

[wishbone in reply to ponylover]

I phoned rheumy earlier this morning as my RA is gradually getting worse. Hopefully I'll see a rheumatologist as I have a few concerns, yet again I may add, that need to be aired before increasing my baricitinib to 4mg, or any other options they might have. Though from past experience the cupboard seems pretty bare in that respect.

So, it's good luck to you, and it's good luck to me!!

[oldtimer]

Put the name of the drug into the search box and you will find earlier posts. I don't remember seeing any particular problems with stomach upsets, but check.

[ponylover in reply to oldtimer]

Thank you

[sjhewitt42]

Hi

I’ve been taking Baricitinib for nearly 2 months now. I started off with headaches every day and tiredness but it seems to have passed a little. As it leaves your system quicker than biologics, I feel that any side effects can be overcome quickly so it’s better than injections or infusions.

I was off work before Christmas and in probably the worst flare I’ve had in 10 years. I can’t say it’s a wonder drug as I still feel pain but it’s a lot more manageable.

Keep us posted on how you get on and good luck. Sarah xx

[ponylover in reply to sjhewitt42]

Thank you Sarah, first tablet today.

[sjhewitt42 in reply to ponylover]

Fingers crossed for you. xxx

[Leics]

Hi I’m on my second go of Baricitinib only been taking it again for 7 days. I’m not having any issues with my gut taking it and I’m on steroids and low dose penicillin too (to prop immune system) I’m only on 2mg but am taking it at 11pm at night with lots of water. Things are starting to improve all be it slowly which Im VERY thankful for. No headaches or other problems really. Hope it works for you 😃. Best thing is it’s out of your system very quickly if you do encounter problems. I do however have a probiotic everyday either in live yogurt form or supplement but that’s more for the penicillin than baricitinib.

[ponylover]

Thank you Leics, first dose today I am optimistic.