Can baricitinib tablets be taken for a long time?

Baricitinib tablets are a drug used to treat moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis. It is especially suitable for patients who have ineffective or intolerant effects on one or more disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD).

Long-term use of baricitinib tablets may lead to drug dependence. Since baricitinib exerts its anti-inflammatory effect by acting on the JAK signaling pathway, long-term use may make the body dependent on it. Once the medication is discontinued, patients may experience worsening of symptoms, affecting quality of life.

Long-term use may also lead to drug resistance. Baricitinib continues to act on the JAK signaling pathway and may induce the expression of drug resistance genes, causing bacteria to become resistant to the drug. This will not only reduce the therapeutic effect of drugs on infectious diseases, but may also increase the difficulty and cost of treatment.

Long-term use of baricitinib tablets may also cause damage to liver function. This drug is mainly metabolized by the liver. Long-term use of large amounts will increase the burden on the liver, which may lead to liver cell damage, increased transaminase levels and other adverse reactions. In severe cases, it may even cause liver failure, posing a threat to the patient's life and health.

The use of baricitinib tablets may also affect patients' blood pressure and blood lipid levels. On the one hand, the drug can inhibit the activity of various pro-inflammatory factors such as interleukin-6, thereby suppressing the immune response. However, it can also excite the sympathetic nervous system and indirectly cause blood pressure to rise. On the other hand, baricitinib can inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver, thereby affecting lipid metabolism, which may lead to dyslipidemia and increase the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events.

References:

https://www.drugs.com/pro/baricitinib.html