Vedolizumab
Entyvio
Entyvio is an FDA-approved medication used to treat adults with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Administered initially through IV infusion and then as a subcutaneous injection, Entyvio works by reducing inflammation in the large intestine by blocking specific proteins involved in the inflammatory process. It offers relief from ulcerative colitis (UC) symptoms & is intended for using it long-term under medical supervision. Patients considering Entyvio should discuss potential side effects and any concerns regarding interactions with other medications or vaccines with their healthcare provider. You can easily buy Entyvio online from Canada with a valid prescription from your healthcare provider.
Product Overview
Entyvio is specifically designed for adults experiencing moderate to severe ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease and treats Crohn’s disease. This medication is administered in two phases: the initial doses are given as intravenous (IV) infusions, and subsequent doses are administered through subcutaneous injections. Entyvio’s effectiveness lies in its ability to target and block proteins that cause inflammation in the colon, thus easing symptoms associated with ulcerative colitis such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding.
The treatment regimen for Entyvio starts with an IV infusion given once every four weeks for the first three doses, followed by subcutaneous injections every four weeks. This dual administration method allows for a more controlled and sustained reduction in inflammation. Patients transitioning to injections are trained by healthcare professionals to self-administer Entyvio, ensuring continuity of care.
It’s important for users to be aware of potential side effects, which range from mild injection site reactions to more severe issues like liver damage or serious infections. Regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is essential to manage any adverse effects and adjust treatment as needed. Entyvio’s role in managing ulcerative colitis is significant, providing many patients with an improved quality of life. However, discussing all treatment options, even how to easily buy Entyvio online for ulcerative colitis with a healthcare provider is crucial, as they can tailor therapy to best suit an individual’s medical needs and lifestyle.
What Is Entyvio Used For?
Entyvio is a medication approved by the FDA to treat specific digestive conditions:
- Crohn’s Disease: It helps reduce symptoms and achieve symptom remission in adults with moderate to severe Crohn’s disease.
- Ulcerative Colitis (UC): It is used to treat adults who have moderate to severe symptoms of ulcerative colitis.
What Are the Forms & Strengths of Entyvio?
Entyvio is available in two different forms and strengths, each suited for different stages of treatment:
- Intravenous (IV) Infusion:
-
-
- Form: Liquid solution.
- Strength: 300 milligrams in 15 milliliters of solution (300 mg/15 mL).
- Usage: This is administered as an IV infusion, which means it is injected into your vein over a set period of time. This form is typically used for the initial doses.
-
- Subcutaneous Injection:
-
- Form: Liquid solution in a single-dose pen.
- Strength: 108 mg per 68 milliliters of solution (108 mg/0.68 mL).
- Usage: This is given as an injection under the skin, using a pen designed for single use. This form is generally used for ongoing maintenance doses after the initial IV infusions.
It is important to use the medication in the form and dosage prescribed by your healthcare provider to effectively manage your condition.
What Is the Typical Dosage of Entyvio?
The dosage of Entyvio varies depending on the specific health condition, its severity, and the form of the medication your healthcare provider prescribes.
Entyvio Dosing Schedule
- Initial Doses: You will start your treatment with two doses of Entyvio given as IV (intravenous) infusions. The first dose is given at the start of your treatment (week 0) and the second dose two weeks later (week 2). Each of these doses will be 300 mg.
- Third Dose Options (week 6): Depending on your doctor’s advice, you may continue with another IV infusion or switch to subcutaneous injections:
- Continuing with IV Infusions: If you stick with infusions, you’ll receive your third 300-mg infusion four weeks after your second dose. Afterwards, you will get an infusion every eight weeks.
- Switching to Subcutaneous Injections: If your doctor changes your treatment to injections, you’ll receive a 108-mg injection four weeks after your last infusion, and then every two weeks thereafter.
- Maintenance Dosing: After the initial six-week period, known as the induction phase, you’ll follow a maintenance dose schedule. During maintenance, you will receive Entyvio either every eight weeks if continuing with infusions, or every two weeks if using injections.
[Note: Remember, these recommendations may vary from person to person. Discuss it with your doctor, and they’ll customize your dosage accordingly.]
How Is Entyvio Given?
You will get your Entyvio infusions at your doctor’s office, a hospital, a clinic, or an infusion center. Each infusion session takes about 30 minutes. For the injections, a healthcare professional might give them to you, or you might learn to inject yourself.
Your doctor or another healthcare provider will teach you how to do your own injections safely. You can give yourself injections in your abdomen or thigh. If you have someone helping you, like a caregiver, they can also inject Entyvio into your upper arm.
How to Prepare for an Entyvio Infusion?
You might get your Entyvio intravenous (IV) infusions at your doctor’s office, a clinic, a hospital, or an infusion center.
-
- Before Your Appointment: Your doctor or nurse will tell you exactly what you need to do before your infusion, but here are a few general tips:
- Drink Plenty of Fluids: Make sure to drink lots of water a day or two before your appointment. Aim for 6 to 8 glasses each day. It’s best to limit caffeine as it can dehydrate you.
- Inform Your Doctor: If you feel unwell, like if you have a cough or fever, tell your doctor. Also, let them know if you’re on antibiotics. You might need to postpone your infusion.
- Arrive Early: If it’s your first infusion, arrive about 15 to 20 minutes early to fill out any necessary paperwork.
- Before Your Appointment: Your doctor or nurse will tell you exactly what you need to do before your infusion, but here are a few general tips:
- Come Prepared:
-
-
- Dress in Layers: Some people feel cold during their infusion.
- Bring Snacks: The infusion isn’t too long, but you might get hungry, especially if it’s around lunchtime.
- Entertainment: Bring something like your phone, headphones, or a book to keep you occupied.
- Plan Ahead: If you have plans or will be away soon, use this time to schedule your next appointments.
-
What to Expect?
- Initial Treatment
-
-
- During Your Appointment: You’ll get an IV in your vein, and the infusion usually takes about 30 minutes.
- After the Infusion: You can go back to work or your regular activities. Some people might feel a bit off after the infusion, experiencing things like:
- Soreness or a bruise where the IV was
- Cold symptoms
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Nausea
- Joint pain
- Rash
-
- Ongoing Treatment
-
- Method: Subcutaneous Injection
- Procedure: Starting from your fourth dose, you’ll switch to Entyvio injections, which are given under the skin. You’ll give yourself two injections in a row, using a new pen for each.
- Injection Sites: You can inject in your upper arm, thigh, or abdomen. If you use your upper arm, someone else should give you the injection. A healthcare professional will show you or someone who cares for you how to do this safely at home.
[Note: Some people might have allergic reactions or other reactions to Entyvio. If you have a severe reaction, the healthcare professional will stop the treatment right away.]
How Does Entyvio Work?
Entyvio is a medication used to treat ulcerative colitis (UC), a type of autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the large intestine. The drug works by targeting and blocking a specific protein involved in the inflammatory process within the body. By inhibiting this protein, Entyvio effectively reduces the inflammation associated with UC, helping to alleviate symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. If you have any questions about how Entyvio functions or its effects, it’s a good idea to discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist for more detailed information.
What Are the Important Safety Information for Using Entyvio?
What Are the Side Effects of Entyvio?
Entyvio, like all medications, can cause side effects that vary in severity. Here’s a straightforward breakdown of what you might experience:
Mild Side Effects of Entyvio: While using Entyvio, you may encounter some less serious side effects, which typically last only a few days to weeks. If these persist or become bothersome, it’s important to consult your doctor. Common mild side effects include:
- Headaches: A common discomfort that can occur with many medications.
- Injection Site Reactions: These can include hives, pain, or changes in skin color at the spot where the injection was given.
- Joint Pain: Discomfort or aches in the joints.
- Skin Rash: Noticeable changes or irritation on the skin’s surface.
- Mild Infections: Such as the common cold or herpes, which might present as cold sores or other symptoms.
- Mild Allergic Reactions: These could involve itching or mild swelling.
Serious Side Effects of Entyvio: Some side effects of Entyvio can be more severe and require immediate medical attention. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you experience any of the following, and if symptoms seem life-threatening, call 911 or your local emergency number:
- Serious Infections: These might include pneumonia or shingles, with symptoms such as fever, chills, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or a painful skin rash on one side of the body.
- Liver Damage: Signs of this could include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and dark-colored urine.
- Severe Allergic Reactions: These can manifest as intense swelling, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition.
It’s crucial to monitor how you feel while taking Entyvio and report any side effects to your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance on how to manage side effects or adjust your medication if necessary.
[Note: Remember, this list may not cover all possible side effects. Always consult with your healthcare giver for medical advice about side effects.]
Are There Any Warnings for Entyvio?
Before starting treatment with Entyvio, there are important considerations regarding pregnancy and breastfeeding that you should discuss with your healthcare provider. Here are the considerations for using Entyvio:
- Entyvio and Pregnancy: The effects of Entyvio during pregnancy are not fully understood. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or could become pregnant, it is crucial to discuss the potential risks and benefits of using Entyvio with your doctor. Additionally, if you are prescribed Entyvio while pregnant, you might consider joining the drug’s pregnancy registry. This registry collects data about the effects of Entyvio on pregnancy and can provide valuable information for other users. For more details or to enroll, speak with your doctor or call 800-545-5979.
- Entyvio and Breastfeeding: Similarly, it is not known whether Entyvio is safe to use while breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, consult your doctor before starting Entyvio to understand the possible risks and to decide the best course of action for you and your baby.
Ensuring that you discuss these important factors with your healthcare provider will help you make an informed decision about using Entyvio while considering your reproductive health and the well-being of your child.
What Are the FDA Boxed Warning for Entyvio?
Entyvio does not have an FDA boxed warning on its label; however, it is important to be aware of several precautions associated with its use. Entyvio may increase the risk of infections, hypersensitivity reactions, and liver damage (hepatotoxicity). For this reason, it should not be given to patients who have active tuberculosis. If you’re considering Entyvio or currently using it, make sure to discuss these potential risks with your healthcare provider to ensure it is safe for your specific health situation.
What Are the Entyvio Precautions?
Taking Entyvio requires careful consideration of your health history. Before you start treatment, it’s important to discuss your medical background with your doctor to determine if Entyvio is a safe option for you. Here are some specific precautions to keep in mind:
- Infections: If you currently have or have had serious infections in the past, such as tuberculosis (TB), you need to inform your doctor. Entyvio could potentially worsen these conditions.
- Allergic Reactions: Make sure to tell your doctor if you’ve had allergic reactions to Entyvio or similar medications before. This is crucial to avoid potential severe allergic responses.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits of using Entyvio with your healthcare provider. The impact of Entyvio on pregnancy is an important consideration.
- Breastfeeding: If you are breastfeeding, you should also consult with your doctor. Entyvio may pass into breast milk and could affect your baby.
By sharing your complete health history and current health status with your doctor, you can collaboratively make the best decision about using Entyvio safely and effectively.
What Are the Contraindications for Entyvio?
Before starting Entyvio, it’s crucial to be aware of certain conditions that could prevent you from using this medication safely. Here are the contraindications for Entyvio:
Entyvio should not be used by anyone who has previously experienced severe allergic reactions to its active ingredient, vedolizumab, or to any of the other components used in the medication. If you have a history of such hypersensitivity reactions, using Entyvio could be dangerous and is therefore strongly advised against.
What If You Miss a Dose of Entyvio?
If you miss a dose of Entyvio, it’s important to handle it correctly to maintain your treatment schedule. Here’s what to do if you miss a dose of Entyvio:
- For Infusions: If you miss a scheduled appointment for an Entyvio infusion, which is typically one of your first three doses, contact your doctor’s office immediately to arrange another appointment. It’s crucial to stay on schedule with these infusions for the treatment to be effective.
- For Injections at Home: If you miss an at-home dose of Entyvio, inject the missed dose as soon as you remember. After that, continue with your next scheduled dose four weeks later. This helps keep the medication’s levels consistent in your body.
If you’re unsure about what to do after missing a dose or how it might affect your treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor or pharmacist. They can provide guidance and ensure that you remain on track with your ulcerative colitis treatment.
[Note: If you have missed a dose of your medication and are unsure about when to take the next one, immediately consult your doctor or pharmacist.]
What Happens If You Take Too Much of Entyvio?
Taking more Entyvio than your doctor recommends can be dangerous. Here’s what you should do if you believe you’ve taken too much:
- Contact Your Doctor: If you accidentally inject more Entyvio than prescribed, it’s important to notify your doctor immediately. They can advise you on the next steps based on how much you took.
- Seek Immediate Help: For immediate guidance, you can contact America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use their online tool for assistance. They can provide quick advice on how to handle an overdose of medication.
- Emergency Services: If your symptoms become severe after taking too much Entyvio, call 911 or your local emergency number right away, or go directly to the nearest emergency room. Severe symptoms might require urgent medical attention to prevent serious complications.
[Note: If you consumed more than the recommended dose, get medical help right away, or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.]
How to Store Entyvio?
Proper storage of Entyvio is essential to maintain its effectiveness. Here’s how you should store your Entyvio Pens:
- Refrigeration: Keep your Entyvio Pens refrigerated at a temperature between 36ºF to 46ºF (2ºC to 8ºC). This is the ideal temperature range to ensure the medication remains effective.
- Room Temperature Storage: If necessary, you can store the Entyvio Pens at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. However, ensure the room temperature does not exceed 86°F (30°C).
- Disposal: If the Entyvio Pen has been kept at room temperature and not used within 2 weeks, it should be disposed of. Do not use the medication beyond this period as it may not be effective.
[Note: Discuss with your healthcare professional about the proper disposal of any unused medicine and any questions you may have regarding its storage.]
What Are the Interactions with Entyvio?
Understanding the potential interactions of Entyvio with other substances is crucial for ensuring your treatment is safe and effective. Here’s what you need to know:
- Medications, Herbs, and Supplements: Currently, Entyvio is not known to interact with other medications, herbs, supplements, or foods. However, it’s important to stay informed as new interactions could be identified in the future with the approval of new drugs. Always inform your doctor and pharmacist about all the medications, over-the-counter drugs, and any supplements or herbs you are taking. This helps prevent any unforeseen interactions.
- Vaccine Interactions: Entyvio may affect how some vaccines work, especially live vaccines like those for chickenpox (Varivax) or measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). These vaccines use weakened forms of viruses or bacteria, and Entyvio might influence your body’s response to them. It’s important to discuss any upcoming vaccinations with your doctor to ensure there are no conflicts with your Entyvio treatment.
- Alcohol Interaction: While alcohol doesn’t directly interact with Entyvio, it can exacerbate the symptoms of ulcerative colitis, the condition Entyvio is used to treat. Drinking alcohol while on Entyvio could obscure the effectiveness of your treatment, making it hard to determine if the medication is working. Discuss the safety of alcohol consumption with your healthcare provider during your treatment.
For any concerns or questions about how Entyvio might interact with other substances or activities in your life, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider or pharmacist for personalized advice.
[Note: This isn’t a complete list, and there could be other drugs that interact with Entyvio. Make sure to tell your doctor about any prescription, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products you’re taking.]
What Are the Entyvio Alternatives?
If you’re considering alternatives to Entyvio for treating moderate to severe ulcerative colitis, there are several other medications available that might be effective. It’s important to discuss these options with your doctor to find the best treatment for your specific condition.
Alternatives to Entyvio for Ulcerative Colitis
- Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Blockers: These drugs help reduce inflammation by blocking the activity of a protein in the immune system known as TNF. Examples include:
- Remicade (infliximab)
- Simponi (golimumab)
- Wezlana (ustekinumab)
- Hyrimoz (adalimumab)
- Stelara (ustekinumab)
- Simponi Aria (golimumab)
- Amjevita (adalimumab)
- Renflexis (infliximab)
- Humira (adalimumab)
- Inflectra (infliximab)
- Omvoh (mirikizumab-mrkz)
- Janus Kinase (JAK) Inhibitors: These medications work by blocking the Janus kinase enzymes, which are involved in the inflammation process. Examples include:
- Rinvoq (upadacitinib)
- Xeljanz XR (tofacitinib)
- Xeljanz (tofacitinib)
- Vedolizumab (Entyvio): This medication works by blocking the movement of certain immune cells into inflamed gastrointestinal areas, which helps reduce inflammation.
Before switching or starting any new medication, it’s essential to talk to your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance based on your medical history, current condition, and how you’ve responded to past treatments. This personalized approach helps ensure that you receive the most effective and suitable treatment for your ulcerative colitis.
[Note: Your doctor will choose what’s best for you. Don’t use any of these alternative medications without consulting your healthcare provider. Taking them by yourself may cause serious side effects.]
Entyvio Cost & Coupons
Entyvio, often prescribed for managing specific health conditions, can be expensive in the U.S., with costs adding up quickly for those without insurance coverage. To alleviate this financial strain, choose to buy Entyvio online from Canada through Polar Bear Meds. We specialize in providing Entyvio at significantly reduced prices, offering an economical solution for U.S. residents seeking affordable healthcare options. You can save much on your out of the pocket expenses when you buy Entyvio online with coupon code “WELCOMEPB10,” you’ll receive an extra 10% off your first order. Additionally, by participating in our referral program, you can save even more—up to $200 on your medication costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I need to use Entyvio long term?
Entyvio is generally used as a long-term treatment for ulcerative colitis. If you and your doctor find that Entyvio is safe and effective for managing your condition, you will likely continue using it over the long term. This ongoing treatment helps maintain control over your symptoms and manage the inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis.
How long does Entyvio take to work?
Entyvio starts working after the first dose. In clinical studies, some patients began to experience relief from their symptoms as soon as three weeks after beginning treatment. Throughout your treatment, your doctor will perform tests to monitor how well Entyvio is working and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the best results.
What is the difference between Humira and Entyvio?
Humira and Entyvio are both used to treat ulcerative colitis, but there are key differences between them:
- Humira is used to treat several other autoimmune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and plaque psoriasis. Entyvio, on the other hand, is specifically approved only for treating ulcerative colitis in adults.
- Target Conditions: This makes Humira a more versatile option for those who might be managing multiple autoimmune conditions, whereas Entyvio is focused specifically on ulcerative colitis.
Discussing these medications with your doctor will help determine which one might be more suitable for your specific health needs.
How is Entyvio administered?
Entyvio is administered in two phases: induction and maintenance.
- Induction Phase: Initially, Entyvio is given through an intravenous (IV) infusion. This involves a single dose vial containing 300 mg in 15 mL of solution. The infusion is administered by healthcare professionals in a medical facility. This method ensures that the medication is delivered directly into your bloodstream for fast action against the symptoms of ulcerative colitis.
- Maintenance Phase: After the induction phase, Entyvio is administered as a maintenance treatment through subcutaneous injections. These injections use a prefilled pen or syringe containing 100 mg/mL and are designed for one-time use. The transition to injections allows for more convenient administration compared to IV infusions, as it can be done at home or another suitable setting after proper training.
How long is an Entyvio infusion?
An Entyvio IV infusion typically takes at least 30 minutes to complete. During this procedure, a healthcare provider will insert a needle into a vein, usually in your arm, and the medication is slowly infused into your body. This method helps ensure that the medication is absorbed efficiently and begins to work as intended.
These phases of administration are designed to provide an effective approach to managing ulcerative colitis, ensuring that the medication can help reduce inflammation and ease symptoms. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and attend all scheduled appointments to receive your infusions or learn how to administer injections properly.
Does Entyvio hurt?
The experience with Entyvio can vary from person to person, but it’s helpful to know what you might expect. Common side effects reported by those taking Entyvio include upper respiratory tract infections and joint pain. You might also experience reactions at the injection site, such as redness or pain, along with headaches, rashes, and herpes viral infections. These side effects are typical reactions to the treatment and vary in intensity for each individual.
When does Entyvio start working?
Patients using Entyvio have reported seeing improvements at different times during their treatment. In clinical studies of Entyvio, some people noticed positive changes as early as three weeks after starting the medication. Others saw significant improvements by week 12, and continued benefits were observed at the one-year mark. These timelines can give you an idea of how Entyvio might begin to help manage symptoms, but the exact response time can vary based on individual factors and the severity of the condition.
If you’re considering Entyvio or have started treatment, it’s important to communicate with your healthcare provider about any side effects you experience and discuss the progress you’re making. This ongoing communication helps ensure your treatment plan is effective and adjusted as needed to suit your health needs.
Our Guarantee
At PolarBearMeds.com, we assure you the most affordable price to buy Entyvio online from Canada. Rest easy knowing that your order will be dispatched from a reputable Licensed Canada Pharmacy Online, adhering to the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our discounted medications are shipped directly from Canada to your doorstep, ensuring a swift and secure delivery experience. To conveniently buy Entyvio online for ulcerative colitis (UC) at a substantial cost, call us at 1-888-779-2193 toll-free.