Vardenafil and Baricitinib: Can They Be Taken Together?

Vardenafil and Baricitinib: Understanding the Interaction

Published: 28 October 2026

Many men taking baricitinib for rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory conditions wonder whether vardenafil and baricitinib can be taken together safely. The good news is that no major direct interaction between these two medicines is commonly reported in clinical practice. However, every person's situation is different, and your prescriber will carefully review all your current medicines, including baricitinib, during your consultation to ensure vardenafil is suitable and safe for you.

What Is Vardenafil and How Does It Work?

Vardenafil is a prescription medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men. It belongs to a group of medicines called PDE5 inhibitors, which also includes sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis). Vardenafil works by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, allowing more blood to flow into the area when you are sexually aroused [5].

Vardenafil is available in 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg tablets. The usual starting dose is 10mg, taken about 25 to 60 minutes before sexual activity. You should not take it more than once a day. Like all PDE5 inhibitors, vardenafil only works when you are sexually stimulated—it does not cause an automatic erection [5].

At Cured Pharmacy, vardenafil (generic Levitra) is available on prescription after an online consultation with a UK-registered prescriber. The consultation ensures the medicine is safe and appropriate for you, taking into account your medical history and any other medicines you are taking.

What Is Baricitinib and What Is It Used For?

Baricitinib is a prescription medicine used to treat several inflammatory conditions, most commonly moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in adults. It is also licensed for severe alopecia areata (an autoimmune hair-loss condition) and, in some cases, for treating COVID-19 in hospitalised patients. Baricitinib belongs to a class of medicines called Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, which work by blocking certain enzymes involved in the immune system's inflammatory response.

Unlike vardenafil, which is taken only when needed, baricitinib is usually taken once daily as a long-term treatment to control inflammation and prevent joint damage or other symptoms. It is available in 2mg and 4mg tablets. Because baricitinib affects the immune system, your doctor will monitor you regularly for infections and other side effects.

If you are taking baricitinib and are considering treatment for erectile dysfunction, it is important to declare this medicine during your consultation. Your prescriber needs a complete picture of your health and current treatments to make a safe decision about vardenafil or any other ED medicine.

Is There an Interaction Between Vardenafil and Baricitinib?

No major direct interaction between vardenafil and baricitinib is commonly reported in the medical literature or prescribing databases. The two medicines work through different mechanisms in the body: vardenafil acts on blood vessels in the penis, while baricitinib targets immune-system enzymes involved in inflammation. They are not known to interfere with each other's breakdown or effectiveness in a clinically significant way.

However, this does not mean the combination is automatically suitable for everyone. Baricitinib can, in rare cases, increase the risk of blood clots (including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism), and it may affect blood pressure or cardiovascular risk factors in some people. Vardenafil, like all PDE5 inhibitors, can lower blood pressure slightly. Your prescriber will consider your overall cardiovascular health, any other medicines you take, and your individual risk factors before approving vardenafil.

During your online consultation at Cured Pharmacy, you will be asked to list all your current medicines, including baricitinib, and to provide details about your medical history. This allows the prescriber to check for any potential concerns and to ensure that vardenafil is a safe choice for you [2][5].

How the Prescriber Assesses Your Suitability

When you request vardenafil, the prescriber will review your full medical history, including any heart conditions, blood pressure problems, recent strokes or heart attacks, and current medicines. If you are taking baricitinib, the prescriber will consider whether your underlying condition (such as rheumatoid arthritis) or any complications from it might affect your cardiovascular health. They will also check that you are not taking any medicines that are known to interact dangerously with vardenafil, such as nitrates, nicorandil, riociguat, or other PDE5 inhibitors [2][5].

Medicines That Must Not Be Taken with Vardenafil

While vardenafil and baricitinib do not have a major direct interaction, there are several medicines that you must never take with vardenafil because they can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. These include nitrates (such as GTN spray, isosorbide mononitrate, or isosorbide dinitrate), nicorandil (often used for angina), riociguat (for pulmonary hypertension), and amyl or alkyl nitrites (sometimes called 'poppers'). Do not take vardenafil if you are using any of these medicines [5].

You must also not take vardenafil at the same time as another PDE5 inhibitor (such as sildenafil, tadalafil, or avanafil). Combining PDE5 inhibitors increases the risk of side effects, including a severe drop in blood pressure, and does not improve effectiveness [3][4][5][6].

If you are taking an alpha-blocker for prostate symptoms or high blood pressure (such as doxazosin, tamsulosin, alfuzosin, or terazosin), vardenafil can be used, but only with caution. You should be stable on the alpha-blocker, and your prescriber will usually start you on the lowest dose of vardenafil to minimise the risk of dizziness or fainting [5]. Always declare all your medicines during the consultation.

Other Medicines and Factors That Can Affect Vardenafil

Certain medicines can raise the level of vardenafil in your blood, increasing the risk of side effects. These include potent CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ritonavir, cobicistat (found in some HIV medicines), ketoconazole and itraconazole (antifungal medicines), and clarithromycin (an antibiotic). If you are taking any of these, vardenafil may be contraindicated or require a lower dose. Your prescriber will check the latest guidance and your individual situation [5][12].

Conversely, medicines that speed up the breakdown of vardenafil—such as rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, and St John's wort—can make it less effective. If you are taking any of these, your prescriber may discuss alternative ED treatments or adjust your dose [5].

Other blood-pressure-lowering medicines can add to the blood-pressure-lowering effect of vardenafil, potentially causing dizziness or light-headedness. This is usually manageable, but it is important to declare all your medicines, including baricitinib, so the prescriber can assess your overall risk. Grapefruit juice can also raise vardenafil levels and should be avoided. Heavy alcohol can worsen erectile dysfunction and increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness [5].

Lifestyle Factors and Vardenafil

Erectile dysfunction is often linked to lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol, obesity, lack of exercise, and stress. If you are taking baricitinib for a long-term condition like rheumatoid arthritis, managing your overall health can improve both your condition and your sexual function. Your GP or rheumatologist can offer advice on diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes that may help [1][2].

Practical Advice for Taking Vardenafil with Baricitinib

If your prescriber approves vardenafil while you are taking baricitinib, follow the dosing instructions carefully. Take vardenafil about 25 to 60 minutes before you plan to have sex, and do not take more than one dose in 24 hours. Swallow the tablet whole with water; you can take it with or without food, although a heavy, high-fat meal may delay how quickly it works [5].

Continue taking your baricitinib exactly as prescribed by your rheumatologist or GP. Do not stop or change the dose of baricitinib without medical advice, even if you experience side effects from vardenafil. If you have any concerns about taking the two medicines together, speak to your prescriber or pharmacist.

Be aware of the warning signs that require urgent medical attention. If you experience an erection lasting more than four hours (priapism), sudden loss of vision or hearing, or chest pain during sexual activity, stop taking vardenafil and seek immediate medical help by calling 999 or going to A&E. These are rare but serious side effects [5]. If you develop signs of infection (such as fever, persistent sore throat, or unusual bruising) while taking baricitinib, contact your doctor promptly, as baricitinib can affect your immune system.

When to See Your GP

If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction for the first time, it is important to see your GP for a full assessment. ED can be an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or other health conditions that need treatment. Your GP can also review your baricitinib treatment and any other medicines to ensure they are not contributing to the problem [1][2].

Scientific References

1. NHS. (n.d.). Erectile dysfunction (impotence). NHS website. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/erection-problems-erectile-dysfunction/ [accessed 28 October 2026]
2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (n.d.). Erectile dysfunction. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/erectile-dysfunction/ [accessed 28 October 2026]
3. Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Sildenafil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/sildenafil/ [accessed 28 October 2026]
4. Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Tadalafil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/tadalafil/ [accessed 28 October 2026]
5. Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Vardenafil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/vardenafil/ [accessed 28 October 2026]
6. Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Avanafil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/avanafil/ [accessed 28 October 2026]
7. Electronic Medicines Compendium. (n.d.). Summaries of Product Characteristics and Patient Information Leaflets. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/ [accessed 28 October 2026]

Information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Prescription treatments require clinical assessment by a UK-registered prescriber. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting or changing any medication.