Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are chronic conditions of the small and large intestines. Symptoms like pain, weight loss, bleeding, and trouble with bowel movements are caused by inflammation. Entyvio is an injectable medication that blocks inflammation in the intestines. There may be a greater risk of serious infections when taking medications like Entyvio.
Entyvio overview
BRAND NAMES:
Entyvio
Generic Names:
Vedolizumab
Uses:
Treats Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis in adults
Therapeutic Classes:
Monoclonal antibodies
Forms:
Injectable
How it’s taken:
Injected under the skin
Intravenous infusion
What is Entyvio used for?
Entyvio is an injectable medication that treats moderate to severe ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease in adults. Entyvio may be given by intravenous (IV) infusion or as an injection under the skin.
Expert tips for using Entyvio
Entyvio blocks inflammation in the intestines, which helps decrease symptoms and reduce tissue damage.
The first 2 to 3 doses of Entyvio are given as an IV infusion in a healthcare office. After that, treatment may continue as an IV infusion or as an injection you give yourself at home.
Entyvio mainly works on immune cells in the intestines. However, there is still a higher risk of infections in other parts of the body while taking Entyvio.
Entyvio needs to be taken on a regular schedule. You’ll work with your healthcare team to find the best ways to stick to that schedule.
What form(s) does Entyvio come in
Injectable
108 mg subcutaneous (SQ) injection pen
300 mg intravenous (IV) infusion
What are common Entyvio doses?
Starting dose intravenous infusion: 300 mg by IV infusion over 30 minutes, repeated at 2 weeks and 6 weeks
Maintenance dose intravenous infusion: 300 mg by IV infusion every 8 weeks
Starting dose subcutaneous injection pen: Begin treatment with IV infusion, 300 mg over 30 minutes, repeated in 2 weeks
Maintenance dose subcutaneous injection pen: 108 mg injected under the skin 6 weeks after first IV dose, then every 2 weeks
Common Entyvio prescriptions
Entyvio
300mg solution reconstituted
How to take Entyvio
This medicine should come with a medication guide. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
A nurse or other health provider will give you the first doses of this medicine through an intravenous (IV) line.
After the first doses of medication, treatment may continue as an IV infusion. Or you may take the medicine at home with an injection pen.
If you use an injection pen, your healthcare team will show you how to use it.
If you use an injection pen, rotate injection sites in the thighs and abdomen. Don’t inject it into a mole, bruise, scar, or an area of the skin that is red or open.
Entyvio is taken on a schedule as directed by your healthcare provider.
What to do if you miss a dose of Entyvio
Entyvio needs to be taken on a schedule. Contact your healthcare provider if you miss a dose or need to reschedule an appointment.
Entyvio contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to vedolizumab.
Entyvio warnings
Tell your healthcare provider if you are or have plans to become pregnant or breastfeed.
Let your healthcare provider know if you have been in contact with anyone with tuberculosis (TB). You may be tested for TB before starting this medication.
This medicine may cause the following serious problems:
Higher risk of infections
Risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, a rare brain disease caused by a virus
Liver disease
Infusion reactions or allergic reactions
Your healthcare provider will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Entyvio interactions
Entyvio should not be taken at the same time as natalizumab or TNF blockers. When taken together, there is a higher risk of severe infections.
Some medicines can affect how vedolizumab works. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements you are taking now or have recently taken.
This medicine may interact with live vaccines. Most vaccines are not live vaccines. Your healthcare provider can let you know which vaccines are live.
Entyvio side effects
The most common side effects of Entyvio include:
Symptoms of a cold or flu
Headache
Pain in the joints
Nausea
Mild fever
Cough
Back pain
Throat pain
Rash or itching
Pain, swelling, or itching at the injection site
Contact your healthcare provider right away or get emergency medical care for serious symptoms like:
High fever or shaking chills
Signs of a new or worsening infection
Hives or swelling of the neck, tongue, or lips
Confusion or trouble thinking
Blurred vision or loss of vision
Weakness on one side of the body or difficulty speaking
Signs of liver problems like abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin and eyes, vomiting, or dark-colored urine
Sources:
Entyvio (vedolizumab), Takeda Pharmaceuticals (2023)
Entyvio (vedolizumab), Takeda Pharmaceuticals (2024)
Entyvio, National Library of Medicine DailyMed (2024)
Use of vedolizumab for the treatment of Crohn’s disease, Gastroenterology & Hepatology (2019)
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