Entyvio IV (Vedolizumab)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Entyvio IV Used For?
Entyvio IV contains vedolizumab, a monoclonal antibody that helps reduce inflammation in the digestive system by blocking specific proteins that cause inflammation.
Primary Uses
Entyvio IV is used to treat moderate to severe ulcerative colitis, moderate to severe Crohn's disease, and moderate to severe pouchitis in adults who haven't responded well to other treatments or can't tolerate them. For pouchitis, it's typically used when antibiotics haven't worked well enough.
How It Works
Entyvio works by binding to a protein called integrin α4β7 found on certain white blood cells. This protein increases inflammation in ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and pouchitis. By blocking these proteins, Entyvio reduces inflammation in the digestive system.
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How to Take Entyvio IV
Entyvio IV is given as an infusion through a vein in your arm by a doctor or nurse in a medical facility. The infusion takes about 30 minutes, and you'll be monitored during and after treatment.
Dosage Instructions
The recommended dose is 300 mg per infusion. You'll receive the first dose, then additional infusions at 2 weeks and 6 weeks. Your doctor will assess your response 6-8 weeks after the initial treatment. For Crohn's disease patients who don't respond, an additional dose may be given at week 10. If you respond well to the first 3 doses, you'll continue with infusions every 8 weeks, though your doctor may adjust this to every 4 weeks if needed.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you forget or miss an appointment for your infusion, schedule another appointment as soon as possible. Contact your doctor if you're unsure what to do.
Important: Don't stop using Entyvio without talking to your doctor first. Continue treatment for as long as your doctor recommends.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Common cold
- Joint pain
- Headache
- Fever
- Flu (influenza)
- Nose or throat infection
- Bronchitis
- Chest infection
- Chest discomfort
- Cough
- Throat pain
- Nausea
- Itching
- Rash and redness
- Pain in arms or legs
- Back pain
- Tiredness
- Rectal bleeding
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Allergic reactions (wheezing, difficulty breathing, hives, skin itching, swelling, vomiting, dizziness)
- Infections (chills, shivering, high fever, rash)
- Liver injury (dark urine, yellowing of eyes and skin)
- Inflammation of the pancreas (severe upper stomach pain with nausea and vomiting)
- Kidney inflammation (changes in urine output, blood in urine, swelling, back or side pain)
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations before starting Entyvio IV treatment that you should discuss with your healthcare provider.
Who Should Not Take Entyvio IV
Don't use Entyvio if you're allergic to vedolizumab or any ingredients in the medication, or if you have an active severe infection such as tuberculosis, blood poisoning, or serious abscesses.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have any infection or think you might have one, are scheduled for any vaccinations or recently received one, have allergies to other medicines or foods, or take any other medications. You may be at risk for certain side effects during treatment.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The effects of Entyvio in pregnant women are unknown, so it's not recommended during pregnancy unless the benefits clearly outweigh the risks. Entyvio passes into breast milk, and the effects on babies are unknown. Discuss with your doctor whether to use Entyvio if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to breastfeed.
Serious Brain Condition: Call your doctor immediately if you experience blurred vision, difficulty speaking, weakness, walking problems, numbness, memory loss, or confusion – these may be symptoms of a serious brain condition called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).
Drug Interactions
Some medications may interfere with how Entyvio works. Always tell your healthcare providers about all medicines you're taking.
- Other biologic medicines that suppress the immune system
- Natalizumab (medicine for multiple sclerosis)
- Rituximab (medicine for certain cancers and rheumatoid arthritis)
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious when driving or operating machinery until you know how Entyvio affects you.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings were mentioned in the source material. Consult your doctor about alcohol consumption while using Entyvio.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Entyvio may have a minor influence on your ability to drive or use tools and machines. Some patients have felt dizzy after receiving Entyvio. If you feel dizzy, don't drive or use tools or machines until the dizziness passes.
Storage
If you need to store Entyvio before taking it to the hospital or clinic, keep the unopened vial in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. Don't freeze it. Keep the vial in its original carton to protect it from light. Don't use after the expiry date. Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight – not in bathrooms, near sinks, in cars, or on windowsills. Keep away from children.
Overdose Information
Since Entyvio is given by infusion under medical supervision, it's unlikely you'll receive too much. However, if you experience any side effects after receiving Entyvio, tell your doctor or nurse immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your doctor will assess your response 6-8 weeks after completing the initial three doses (given at weeks 0, 2, and 6). Some patients with Crohn's disease may need an additional dose at week 10 if they haven't responded adequately.
After the initial three doses (at weeks 0, 2, and 6), if you respond well, you'll typically receive infusions every 8 weeks. Your doctor may adjust this to every 4 weeks depending on how well Entyvio works for you.
The effects of Entyvio in pregnant women are not known, so it's not recommended during pregnancy unless you and your doctor decide the benefits clearly outweigh the potential risks to your baby.
Tell your doctor if you're scheduled for any vaccination or have recently received one, as Entyvio may affect how you respond to vaccinations.
Tell your doctor immediately if you have an infection or think you might have one, such as chills, shivering, persistent cough, or high fever. Some infections can become serious if left untreated.
Continue receiving Entyvio for as long as your doctor tells you. Don't stop treatment without talking to your doctor first.
The infusion is given through a drip in a vein in your arm and takes about 30 minutes. Your healthcare provider will monitor you during and after the infusion for any side effects or reactions.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.