What is it?: 

ENTYVIO is a prescription medicine used in adults with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. If you have moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease (CD), and one or more of the following is true, talk to your healthcare provider and ask if ENTYVIO may be right for you.

• ​Certain other ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease medicines have not worked well enough.

• Certain other ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease medicines cannot be tolerated.

• You rely on steroids to control flare-ups.

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Uses: 

A prescription medicine used in adults with:

• Moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC) when certain other UC medicines have not worked well enough ​or cannot be tolerated. ENTYVIO may help to: begin reducing some symptoms, induce and maintain remission, reduce or stop the use of corticosteroids, and improve the way the lining of your large intestine looks to your healthcare provider.

• Moderate to severe Crohn's disease (CD) when certain other CD medicines have not worked well enough or cannot be tolerated. ENTYVIO may help to: begin reducing some symptoms, achieve remission, and reduce or stop the use of corticosteroids.

• More - CLICK HERE to learn more on exactly how ENTYVIO works, and for important safety information regarding ENTYVIO. CLICK HERE to access the manufacturer's medication guide.

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Background: 

Some patients with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis benefit from an advanced medication that blocks a specific protein (integrin alpha-4-beta-7) controlling the movement of inflammatory white blood cells into the intestinal tract. When this medication (generic name vedolizumab or brand name Entyvio) binds integrin alpha-4-beta-7, it is more difficult for the inflammatory white blood cells to reach the intestinal tract, which may reduce inflammation in patients with Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis and thereby improve symptoms.

 

Entyvio must be given as an infusion via an intravenous catheter. When someone starts Entyvio, there are generally three initial infusions over a 6-week period. After this, Entyvio is infused once every 8 weeks. Infusions take approximately 30 minutes, plus time to be checked in and discharged. Entyvio may be combined with other Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis medications, if needed, or used as the only therapy. Most patients on Entyvio will have been unable to control their symptoms with other advanced medications, such as Remicade, Humira, Cimzia, or Simponi, that have a different method of reducing inflammation in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

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What To Expect:

Prior to you starting medications for Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, your physician will discuss your various therapy options with you in person, including the expected benefits and possible side effects. If you decide that Entyvio is right for you, your insurance company will be contacted for prior authorization, after which you will be scheduled for Entyvio infusions.

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We have prepared a Patient Welcome Letter to help you know how to prepare for Entyvio infusions. Note that we have WiFi available, so feel free to bring electronic devices (with headphones) to appointments.

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How To Prepare:

Starting advanced medications like Entyvio may raise many questions about benefits, risks, and financial implications. Prior to your first infusion, we ask that you review the risks outlined in the Informed Consent document, which we will ask you to sign at your first infusion appointment. These risks can be discussed further with your physician during a clinic visit, if needed. At your first infusion, you will also be asked to sign the Patient Financial Responsibility 

Form.  We strongly encourage all patients receiving Entyvio to apply for the Entyvio Connect patient assistance program though the manufacturer of Entyvio. If you have insurance that covers medication costs for Entyvio, Entyvio Connect may provide a rebate for your out-of-pocket expenses (e.g., deductibles, co-payments, and co-insurance) up to $6,500 every 12 months. After your first infusion, the infusion nurse will give you a Post-Infusion Instructions handout for your reference.