Barigen 4 mg, containing the active ingredient Baricitinib, is a medication used primarily for the treatment of moderate to severely active rheumatoid arthritis in adults who have not responded adequately to one or more tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonist therapies. Baricitinib functions as a selective and reversible inhibitor of Janus kinase (JAK) enzymes, specifically JAK1 and JAK2, which play crucial roles in the inflammatory process associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Availability and Pricing in Bangladesh
As of March 2025, Barigen 4 mg is not listed among the available Baricitinib brands in Bangladesh. However, several other brands offer Baricitinib 4 mg tablets in the country, including:
Baricent: Manufactured by Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd., priced at ৳40.00 per tablet.
Baricit: Produced by Delta Pharma Ltd., priced at ৳30.00 per tablet.
Barinib: Offered by Drug International Ltd., priced at ৳40.00 per tablet.
Barri: From Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd., priced at ৳40.00 per tablet.
These prices are sourced from MedEx, a reputable pharmaceutical directory in Bangladesh.
Global Availability
Baricitinib is marketed under various brand names worldwide, with pricing varying significantly across different countries due to factors such as local regulations, manufacturing costs, and healthcare policies. In some regions, Baricitinib is available under the brand name Olumiant, manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company. The price of Olumiant can vary widely; for instance, in the United States, the cost may be higher compared to countries with government-subsidized healthcare systems.
Indications
Baricitinib is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who have had an inadequate response to one or more TNF antagonist therapies. It may be used as monotherapy or in combination with Methotrexate or other Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
Dosage and Administration
The recommended dose of Baricitinib is 2 mg once daily. However, based on the patient’s condition and response to treatment, a healthcare provider may prescribe a 4 mg dose. Baricitinib can be taken orally with or without food. Dose adjustments may be necessary for patients with renal or hepatic impairments.
Contraindications and Precautions
Baricitinib is contraindicated in patients with:
Hemoglobin levels less than 8 g/dL.
Absolute Lymphocyte Count (ALC) less than 500 cells/mm³.
Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) less than 1000 cells/mm³.
Caution is advised in patients with active infections, a history of tuberculosis, malignancies, thrombosis, or gastrointestinal perforations. Regular monitoring of blood counts and lipid levels is recommended during treatment.
Side Effects
Common adverse reactions reported in patients treated with Baricitinib include:
Increased LDL cholesterol levels (33.6%).
Upper respiratory tract infections (14.7%).
Nausea (2.8%).
Patients should be monitored for signs of infection, and any unusual symptoms should be reported to a healthcare provider promptly.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Baricitinib is contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential risks to the fetus. There is no information available on the presence of Baricitinib in human milk; therefore, caution should be exercised when administering Baricitinib to breastfeeding women.
Drug Interactions
Co-administration with strong OAT3 inhibitors (e.g., probenecid) can increase Baricitinib exposure. The use of Baricitinib in combination with other JAK inhibitors or biologic DMARDs has not been studied and is not recommended.
Conclusion
While Barigen 4 mg is not currently listed among the available Baricitinib brands in Bangladesh, several alternatives are accessible, offering similar therapeutic benefits for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Patients should consult with their healthcare providers to determine the most appropriate treatment option based on their medical history and current health status.
