LuciBaric 2mg, Baricitinib Tablets

LuciBaric 2 mg is a brand of Baricitinib, an oral medication used to treat several autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Baricitinib belongs to a group of drugs called Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, which work by changing the immune system. It is commonly prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis, and more recently, it has been used under specific conditions to treat hospitalized COVID-19 patients with pneumonia and systemic inflammation.

What Is LuciBaric 2mg Baricitinib?

LuciBaric contains Baricitinib 2 mg, an immunomodulatory drug that selectively inhibits Janus kinase (JAK1 and JAK2) enzymes. These enzymes are critical in the signaling pathways of many inflammatory cytokines involved in autoimmune diseases. By blocking these pathways, Baricitinib helps reduce inflammation and other symptoms in diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

How It Works / Mechanism of Action

Baricitinib works by inhibiting JAK1 and JAK2, which are enzymes involved in the transmission of pro-inflammatory signals in the immune system. These enzymes play a vital role in the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, a process that controls the production of inflammatory cytokines.

By disrupting this pathway, Baricitinib:

• Reduces immune system overactivity.
• reduces the cytokine synthesis that fuels tissue and joint inflammation.
• Helps reduce symptoms like pain, swelling, and stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis.
• In COVID-19 treatment, it may reduce inflammation and viral entry into cells.

How to Use / Indications

LuciBaric 2 mg is indicated for:

• Moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in adults who have not responded adequately to one or more disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
• COVID-19 in hospitalized adults and pediatric patients aged ≥2 years requiring supplemental oxygen, mechanical ventilation, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), under specific regulatory authorization.
• It is sometimes used off-label for conditions like atopic dermatitis and alopecia areata, though these are not universally approved indications.

How to Take / Dosage

The usual dosage of LuciBaric depends on the condition being treated:

For Rheumatoid Arthritis:

• Standard adult dose: 2 mg once daily, with or without food.
• In some cases, a 4 mg dose may be started for more severe disease, later reduced to 2 mg for maintenance.

For COVID-19:

• The suggested dosage is 4 mg once daily for 14 days or until hospital discharge, whichever occurs first.
• Dosage modifications are required for patients who have renal impairment.

Other Dosage Considerations

• Renal Impairment: Reduce to 1 mg daily if eGFR is 30–60 mL/min/1.73 m². Not recommended for patients with eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m².
• Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; not recommended in severe liver disease.
• Elderly Patients: Use with care due to increased risk of infections and thrombosis.
• Pediatric Use: Approved for children ≥2 years for COVID-19; not widely used for other indications.

Side Effects

Common and serious side effects of LuciBaric include:

Common Side Effects:

• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Nausea
• Headache
• Elevated liver enzymes
• Increased LDL cholesterol

Serious Side Effects:

• Serious infections (e.g., TB, herpes zoster)
• Blood clots (DVT, PE)
• Liver injury
• Gastrointestinal perforation
• Increased risk of malignancies with long-term use
• Routine lab monitoring (CBC, liver function, kidney function) is advised during therapy.

Storage

• LuciBaric 2 mg tablets should be kept between 15°C and 30°C at room temperature.
• Keep the medication in its original packaging away from moisture and light.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Do not use expired medication.

Benefits

LuciBaric offers several clinical benefits:

Rheumatoid Arthritis:

• Reduces joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
• Improves physical function and quality of life.
• Slows joint damage progression when used with other DMARDs.

COVID-19:

• Reduces inflammation and immune overreaction in severe cases.
• Shortens recovery time and improves survival in critically ill patients.

Oral Formulation:

• Convenient compared to injectable biologics.

Prescription

• LuciBaric 2mg is a prescription-only medicine (POM).
• A licensed healthcare provider must prescribe it.
• The prescriber will assess your condition, rule out infections, and possibly conduct baseline lab tests before starting.

Interactions

Drugs:

• • Biologic DMARDs (e.g., TNF inhibitors): Increased infection risk.
  • Strong OAT3 inhibitors (e.g., probenecid): Can increase Baricitinib levels; dose adjustment needed.
  • Immunosuppressants: Risk of additive immunosuppression.
  • Anticoagulants: Increased risk of bleeding.

• Vaccines: Live vaccines should be avoided during treatment due to suppressed immune response.

FAQs

Q1: Can I stop taking LuciBaric suddenly?

No, you should consult your doctor before stopping. Abrupt discontinuation may worsen your condition.

Q2: Is LuciBaric safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Use is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to lack of sufficient safety data.

Q3: How soon will I see effects?

Improvement in rheumatoid arthritis symptoms may be seen in 2–4 weeks, with full effects in a few months.

Q4: Will I need regular tests?

Yes, blood tests for liver, kidney, and blood cell levels are usually required every few months.

Conclusion

LuciBaric 2 mg (Baricitinib) is a potent oral medication offering a new approach to managing autoimmune diseases and severe COVID-19. Its unique action on the JAK-STAT pathway reduces inflammation, making it effective in rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. However, due to the risk of infections, blood clots, and other side effects, it should be used under medical supervision with routine monitoring. Always follow your doctor’s instructions regarding dosage, usage, and safety precautions.