Experts Sound Alarm on Common Drugs That Could Make Viral Infections Worse

A new study has sounded the alarm on a class of anti-inflammatory drugs commonly used to treat conditions like arthritis, eczema, alopecia, and certain cancers. Researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) have found that Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, medications designed to reduce inflammation and pain, may also weaken the body’s defenses against viral infections—including flu and Covid-19.

JAK inhibitors, first approved by the FDA in 2011, work by blocking immune system proteins that trigger inflammation. According to the Daily Mail, millions of people worldwide rely on these drugs, which are typically taken as pills, for chronic conditions. However, the NTNU study found that by suppressing key immune signaling pathways, these drugs may inadvertently leave patients more susceptible to severe viral infections.

“These genes play a crucial role in the body’s response to viral infections,” said Aleksandr Ianevski, co-author of the study. By slowing down the body’s antiviral genes, JAK inhibitors effectively remove the immune system’s “antiviral shield,” making it easier for viruses to infiltrate and spread.

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The researchers examined how JAK inhibitors impacted organs and virus behavior by analyzing cells from the lungs, eyes, and brain, as well as lab-created mini-organs. Their findings suggest that during viral outbreaks, healthcare providers should exercise caution when prescribing these medications.

“Although JAK inhibitors are effective in treating inflammation, this shows that they can pose a hidden risk for patients with latent or active viral infections,” said Erlend Ravlo, a PhD fellow at NTNU.

JAK inhibitors such as baricitinib (Olumiant), used for alopecia and rheumatoid arthritis, come with a list of common side effects including headaches, nausea, and fatigue. However, the study’s findings raise concerns about more serious complications like severe infections and changes in blood cell counts.

As healthcare providers weigh the benefits and risks of JAK inhibitors, this study highlights a crucial point: patients on these medications should be monitored closely, especially during times of heightened viral threats.