Entyvio IV (Vedolizumab)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Entyvio IV Used For?
Entyvio IV contains vedolizumab, a monoclonal antibody that helps reduce inflammation in your 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 specifically binding to a protein called integrin α4β7 found on certain white blood cells. This protein can increase inflammation in ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and pouchitis. By blocking these integrins, Entyvio reduces inflammation in your digestive system.
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 your first dose, then additional infusions at 2 weeks and 6 weeks. Your doctor will assess your response 6 to 8 weeks after completing these initial doses. For Crohn’s disease patients who haven’t responded, 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. Your doctor may adjust this to every 4 weeks depending on how well the treatment works for you.
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, even if you feel better.
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:
- headache
- fever
- common cold
- flu
- nose or throat infection
- bronchitis
- chest infection
- chest discomfort
- cough
- throat pain
- nausea
- itching
- rash and redness
- pain in arms or legs
- back pain
- joint pain
- tiredness
- rectal bleeding
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- allergic reactions (wheezing, difficulty breathing, hives, skin itching, redness, 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, stomach pain spreading to back)
- kidney inflammation (changes in urine output, blood in urine, swelling, lower back or side pain)
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations to discuss with your doctor before starting Entyvio IV treatment.
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 have an infection, are scheduled for any vaccinations or recently had one, have allergies to other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes, or take any other medications. Also inform your doctor if you’ve previously taken natalizumab or rituximab.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
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 risks. Entyvio passes into breast milk, and the effects on babies are unknown. Discuss with your doctor whether to use Entyvio while breastfeeding.
Serious Brain Condition: Call your doctor immediately if you experience blurred vision, loss of vision, double vision, difficulty speaking, weakness in arms or legs, changes in walking or balance, numbness, decreased sensation, 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 careful when driving or operating machinery until you know how Entyvio affects you.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol interactions are mentioned in the prescribing information, but discuss alcohol use with your doctor.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Entyvio may have a minor influence on your ability to drive or use tools or machines. Some patients have felt dizzy after receiving Entyvio. If you feel dizzy, don’t drive or use tools or machines.
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, or sunlight, and 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 to 8 weeks after you’ve completed the initial treatment doses (given at 0, 2, and 6 weeks) to see how you have responded to the treatment.
After the initial three doses (at 0, 2, and 6 weeks), 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 the treatment works for you.
Tell your doctor if you’re going to receive any vaccination or have recently had one, as Entyvio may affect the way you respond to vaccinations.
Tell your doctor immediately if you have an infection or think you have one, such as if you develop chills, shivering, persistent cough, or high fever. Some infections may become serious and possibly life-threatening if left untreated.
No, you should not stop using Entyvio without talking with your doctor first. Continue receiving your medicine for as long as your doctor tells you.
The effects in pregnant women are not known, so it’s not recommended during pregnancy unless you and your doctor decide the benefits clearly outweigh the risks. Entyvio passes into breast milk with unknown effects on babies, so discuss with your doctor whether to use it while breastfeeding.
Watch for signs of infection (chills, fever, persistent cough), allergic reactions (wheezing, difficulty breathing, hives, swelling), or serious neurological symptoms (vision changes, weakness, numbness, memory problems). Contact your doctor immediately if any of these occur.
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.