Vedolizumab Medication Info

Vedolizumab falls under a biological group of drugs, which is prescribed for the treatment of adults aged over 18 years with moderate to severe Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis.

In case you have Ulcerative Colitis, this drug may be an option for you in case steroids, 5-ASAs and immunosuppressants have not worked for you. It also may be used in case you have tried another group of drugs named anti-TNF (such as infliximab or adalimumab) but they have not worked for you.

In case you have Crohn’s Disease, this drug may be used if you have already taken treatment with an anti-TNF and did not work for you, or you are unable to take anti-TNF medications because of your medical history.

In a few junctures, for Ulcerative Colitis as well as Crohn’s Disease, your healthcare provider may prescribe vedolizumab prior to the other treatments. 

Mechanism of Action: The medicine entyvio, mainly contains vedolizumab as an active substance, which is specifically a monoclonal antibody. As a gut-selective biologic medicine, it binds to a protein named integrin α4β7, that exists on certain WBC (White Blood Cells). This protein (Integrin α4β7) can work in order to increase the inflammation detected in the ulcerative colitis. The medicine works in order to block the α4β7 integrins and so reduces the inflammation.

Dosage & Administration: The recommended dose is 108 mg, which should be administered by subcutaneous injection once every 2 weeks. 

When initiating treatment, the initial doses of vedolizumab injection is given by a healthcare practitioner through a drip in 1 of the veins in your arm (intravenous infusion) over about 30 minutes. 
Following at least 2 intravenous infusions, you can start receiving vedolizumab by an injection under the skin (subcutaneously). 
The first subcutaneous dose is administered at the time of the next scheduled intravenous infusion, and every two weeks thereafter. 

Possible Side Effects: Report your healthcare practitioner as soon as possible in case you have any symptom of an allergic reaction. You may need treatment in case you are having an allergic reaction.
The most commonly reported vedolizumab side effects are: 

• Nasopharyngitis
• Arthralgia
• Headache
• Nausea
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Injection site reactions
• Upper respiratory tract infection

Vedolizumab Warnings & Precautions:

• This drug is not recommended for use in children/adolescents aged under 18 years.
• Do not use this drug in case you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It may harm your unborn baby. Inform your healthcare team if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
• Breastfeeding is not recommended while on this medicine. Discuss with your healthcare practitioner about the appropriate way in order to feed your baby while on entyvio 300 mg. 
• Prior to starting treatment with vedolizumab talk to your healthcare practitioners in case you have previously taken or are taking Tysabri (natalizumab), or Rituxan (rituximab).
• Inform your doctor before taking treatment with this drug in case you have liver problems or tuberculosis or have been in contact with an individual with TB. Your doctor may want to consider testing you for TB. 
• Inform your healthcare professional if you are going to receive any kind of vaccination or have recently had a vaccination. The vedolizumab 300 mg may be responsible for affecting the way you respond to a vaccination. 
• Inform your doctor in case you have signs of an allergic reaction or other reaction to an infusion such as itching, difficulty breathing, wheezing, hives, swelling or dizziness. These could have during or a few hours following the infusion. 

Drug Interactions: Tell your healthcare team about all the drugs you take or have taken, including prescription, nonprescription drugs, herbal supplements and vitamins. 
The vedolizumab 300 mg is not recommended to be given with other biologic medicines that suppress your immune system as this is not specified in the clinical trials.

Drug Overdose: In case of drug overdose, call a health care practitioner, or visit a hospital emergency department, even if there are no symptoms.

Missed Dose: In case you forget or miss the vedolizumab injection, the next dose should be injected immediately and then every 2 weeks thereafter.

Storage Guidelines: The infusion solution can be stored for up to 4 hours at 2°-8°C (36°F to 46°F). Do not freeze vedolizumab. Any unused portion of solution needs to be discarded. 

Cost: The vedolizumab cost may vary from branded (innovator) to non-branded (generic) drugs. Any WHO-GDP and ISO certified pharmaceutical wholesaler company can offer you this drug at the best price. 

NOTE: The piece of information provided about entyvio cost as well as product in this article is only for informational purposes and is not served as a substitute for the medical treatment, consultation, diagnosis of an experienced healthcare practitioner.