Entyvio

The usual adult dose of Entyvio (Vedolizumab) is 300 mg given by intravenous (into a vein) injection over 30 minutes. The first three doses are given with the first on week 0, then 2 weeks after the first dose, then 6 weeks after the first dose. After the first 3 doses, further treatments are given every 8 weeks.

All treatments are given in a hospital or similar setting with access to sterile equipment for preparation of the medication and facilities to treat medical emergencies, such as infusion reactions.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important Entyvio (Vedolizumab) be given exactly as recommended by your doctor. If you miss an appointment to receive Entyvio (Vedolizumab), contact your doctor as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment.

Entyvio (Vedolizumab) must be refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (do not freeze), protected from light, and kept out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause headaches; it may cause joint pain; it may cause unusual tiredness; it could make you more prone to respiratory infections; it may cause a fever; it may cause nausea or, rarely, vomiting. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

Each single-use vial containing a white-to-off-white cake contains 300 mg of Entyvio (Vedolizumab). Nonmedicinal ingredients: L-histidine, L-histidine monohydrochloride, L-arginine hydrochloride, sucrose, and polysorbate 80.

Do not take Entyvio (Vedolizumab) if you:

• are allergic to Entyvio (Vedolizumab) or any ingredients of the medication
• have severe, active infections such as blood infections
• have active infections that develop when your immune system is weakened such as Tuberculosis or cytomegalovirus

There may be an interaction between Entyvio (Vedolizumab) and any of the following:

• bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)
• Baricitinib
• Cladribine
• Denosumab
• echinacea
• Fingolimod
• Leflunomide
• Natalizumab
• Pimecrolimus
• Roflumilast
• Tacrolimus
• Tofacitinib
• Trastuzumab
• tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors (e.g., Adalimumab, certolizumab, Etanercept, Infliximab, Lenalidomide, thalidomide)
• vaccines

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Entyvio (Vedolizumab). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Entyvio (Vedolizumab).

Allergic reactions: In rare cases, some people may develop a severe allergic reaction to Entyvio (Vedolizumab). These reactions may not occur with the first infusion of the medication, and may happen with future doses of Entyvio (Vedolizumab). Your health care provider will monitor you while you are receiving Entyvio (Vedolizumab) by infusion. Signs of an allergic reaction include a severe rash, Hives, swollen face or throat, difficulty breathing, lightheadedness, or dizziness. If any of these occur, contact your doctor immediately.

Infections: Entyvio (Vedolizumab) may increase the risk of developing an infection, including serious infections such as sepsis, pneumonia, and tuberculosis. Before starting Entyvio (Vedolizumab) treatment, your doctor may test to see if you have tuberculosis. If you notice signs of an infection such as fever, chills, pain, swelling, coughing, or pus, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Entyvio (Vedolizumab) should also not be started while you have an active infection.

Liver function: Entyvio (Vedolizumab) can cause decreased liver function. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Entyvio (Vedolizumab) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Entyvio (Vedolizumab), and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML): Although there have not been reports of PML after using Entyvio (Vedolizumab), it has been reported with other medications in the same family. PML is a rare disorder that causes nerve damage in the brain. If you experience memory loss, vision loss, trouble thinking, or difficulty walking, contact your doctor immediately.

Vaccines: Live vaccines (e.g., BCG, yellow fever) are not recommended for people taking Entyvio (Vedolizumab). Talk to your doctor if you need any vaccinations while taking Entyvio (Vedolizumab).

Pregnancy: Entyvio (Vedolizumab) should not be used during pregnancy. If you are of childbearing age, effective birth control should be used while you are being treated with Entyvio (Vedolizumab) and for at least 18 weeks after your final treatment. If you become pregnant while taking Entyvio (Vedolizumab), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Entyvio (Vedolizumab) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Entyvio (Vedolizumab), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Entyvio (Vedolizumab) have not been established for children.

This drug is usually administered in a hospital or clinic setting by a health care professional. Specialists have established various protocols for the administration of this drug. The dose and method used to administer this drug have therefore been tailored to your specific medical condition.