23 Mar Everything You Need to Know About Entyvio
Everything you need to know about Entyvio
Entyvio is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are both forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affect the digestive tract. While they share some similarities in symptoms and treatment options, there are also several key differences between the two conditions.
One major difference between Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis is the location and extent of inflammation in the digestive tract. Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus, and can cause patches of inflammation separated by healthy tissue. Ulcerative colitis, on the other hand, primarily affects the large intestine (colon) and rectum causing continuous inflammation throughout the affected area.
Another difference between Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis is the pattern and severity of symptoms. Both conditions can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss, but the severity and frequency of these symptoms can vary greatly between individuals.
In general, Crohn’s disease tends to cause more severe and unpredictable symptoms, while ulcerative colitis is more consistent in its pattern of symptoms. Additionally, Crohn’s disease can cause complications such as fistulas and strictures, which are less common in ulcerative colitis.
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Blood in your stool
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Unitended weight loss
- Reduced appetite
How are Crohn’s and Colitis treated?
While Crohn’s and colitis has no cure, symptoms can be managed and remission can be achieved. Crohn’s disease first and foremost requires strict dietary and lifestyle changes to ensure a high quality of life. Doctors will often recommend nutritional therapy and eliminate foods from your diet that may be causing a GI upset.
Sometimes diet and lifestyle changes are not enough to mitigate the symptoms of Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available for IBD, one of which is Entyvio (vedolizumab). In this blog, we’ll explore how Entyvio works, how it’s used to treat Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and its potential side effects and benefits.
Entyvio is a biologic medication that works by targeting a specific type of immune cell called T-cells. These T-cells are responsible for causing inflammation in the digestive tract in people with IBD. Entyvio binds to a protein called integrin alpha4beta7 on the surface of T-cells, preventing them from entering the gut tissue and causing inflammation.
By selectively targeting these immune cells, Entyvio helps to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract without suppressing the entire immune system, which is a common side effect of other IBD medications.
How Is Entyvio Used to Treat Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis?
Entyvio is used to treat moderate to severe Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis in adults who have not responded well to other treatments or have experienced severe side effects from other medications. It is administered intravenously (IV) by a healthcare provider in a clinic setting.
Entyvio is typically given as an initial dose followed by additional doses at two and six weeks after the first infusion. After that, Entyvio is administered every eight weeks as a maintenance treatment.
What Are the Side Effects and Benefits of Entyvio?
- Headache
- Nausea
- Joint pain
- Fatigue
In rare cases, Entyvio can also cause severe allergic reaction of infections.
However, the benefits of Entyvio can outweigh the potential side effects for many people with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Clinical trials have shown that Entyvio can significantly reduce the symptoms of IBD and improve the quality of life for those who receive the medication.
Additionally, Entyvio has a lower risk of causing some of the more serious side effects associated with other IBD medications, such as increased risk of infection or cancer.
Entyvio is an effective and relatively safe medication for the treatment of moderate to severe Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. By targeting the specific immune cells responsible for inflammation in the digestive tract, Entyvio can help to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life for those with IBD. However, as with any medication, it’s important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider before starting treatment.
Is Entyvio Right for Me?
If you are considering taking Entyvio, it is important that you discuss your medical history with your doctor including:
- Any reoccurring infections you have or may have
- Liver problems
- If you have tuberculosis (TB) , have had close contact with anyone with TB, or if you are planning on receiving a vaccine for TB
- If you are or plant to be pregnant or breast feeding.
Where Can I get my Infusion?
Infusions of Entyvio are traditionally done in a hospital setting. However, reports have found that receiving treatment at a stand-alone or ambulatory infusion center (AIC) can reduce the cost of infusions by up to 53% while offering a more personalized and private experience.
Here at Pure Infusion Suites, we put our patients first. We offer flexible scheduling, co-pay assistance, and other financial aid programs, as well as private suites equipped with recliners, flatscreen TVs, and snacks and drinks for you and your loved ones to enjoy.
Pure Infusion Suites currently has locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. Our founders created Pure Infusion Suites to make the infusion process comfortable, streamlined, and affordable.
Our expertly trained staff will be with you throughout the infusion process to ensure easy referrals and insurance authorizations and reduce the cost of your infusion where we can. At Pure Infusion Suites, you will skip the long lines at the hospital and be provided with your suite, where you can enjoy your favorite shows, snacks, and food during your infusion appointment. If you have been prescribed Entyvio and are looking for a patient-focused infusion experience, call us at 855.550.3358
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