Entyvio

Follow up with your prescriber to talk about how Entyvio (vedolizumab) is working for you. If you don't start feeling better after about 3 months, your prescriber will stop the medication. They'll talk with you about other treatments you can try.

Entyvio (vedolizumab) can raise your risk of infection. Call your care team right away if you feel sick. Watch for signs like fever, cough, trouble breathing, weakness, sweating, and chills. If you're sick, you might have to take a break from treatment so your body can fight the infection.

It's a good idea to be up to date on all of your vaccines before starting Entyvio (vedolizumab). This might help lessen your risk of certain infections during treatment.

Before getting any vaccines, tell the healthcare professional (HCP) you're taking Entyvio (vedolizumab). They can check if the vaccine is safe for you. It's safe to get non-live vaccines, like most types of flu shots. For live vaccines, your HCP will decide if it's okay for you depending on the risks and benefits.

After the first couple doses, Entyvio (vedolizumab) IV infusions are given once every 2 months. Be sure to mark your infusion appointments on your calendar. This will help you remember to get your infusions on time.

Plan ahead for some time at the medical office or infusion center for your Entyvio (vedolizumab) IV infusions. The infusion itself takes about 30 minutes. But depending on how you tolerate it, it might take longer. Your care team might ask you to stay for observation to check for reactions to the medication.

Tell your care team if you have any reactions during or after your Entyvio (vedolizumab) infusions. These reactions can include itching, rash, headache, red or warm skin, or trouble breathing. Your care team can hep you feel better or suggest ways to manage these side effects.

Entyvio (vedolizumab) injections under the skin are given once every 2 weeks. Set reminders on your calendar or phone to help you remember when to inject it. If you miss a dose, inject the medication as soon as you can. Your next injection will be 2 weeks from then.

Your care team will show you how to use Entyvio (vedolizumab) for injections under the skin. They'll make sure you can do it on your own before you can inject at home. Carefully read the instructions for use for the prefilled syringe or prefilled pen. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist if you have any questions.

How to store Entyvio (vedolizumab) prefilled syringes and pens: Store the medication in the refrigerator, but don't let it freeze. Keep syringes and pens in the original carton to protect it from light. If needed, you can keep syringes and pens in their original box out of the fridge at temperatures up to 77ºF for up to 7 days. Don't use them if they've been out for more than 7 days.

Before injecting Entyvio (vedolizumab): When it's time for your dose, take a syringe or pen out of the refrigerator. Let it reach room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Don't warm up the medication any other way like with a microwave or under hot water because this could damage it. Wash your hands with soap and warm water. Clean the injection site with an alcohol pad.

Where to inject Entyvio (vedolizumab): Inject the medication under the skin into the front of the thigh or stomach area (at least 2 inches away from the belly button). If someone else is giving you the injection, you can also use the back of the upper arm. Choose a different spot each time to lessen skin irritation. Don't inject into moles, scars, or skin that's tender, hard, red, or damaged.

How to inject using the Entyvio Pen: Place the yellow end flat on your skin at a 90-degree angle, with the the viewing window facing you. Push the pen straight down to start the injection. Hold it in place for at least 10 seconds. You might hear 1 to 2 clicks, but they don't mean that the injection is done. Keep holding the pen with pressure until the window is completely purple. This is when your injection is done and you can lift the pen from the skin.

How to inject using the Entyvio syringe: Pinch your skin at the injection site. Then, insert the needle on the syringe at a 45-degree angle way the way into the pinched skin. Push the plunger all the way down until all the medication is injected. Then, let go of the plunger so the needle guard can cover the needle.

After injecting Entyvio (vedolizumab): Throw away each used syringe or pen by placing them in a sharps container. You can also use a heavy-duty plastic container like an empty milk carton or laundry detergent bottle. Don't throw them away in the trash. This helps keep you and others safe from getting needle sticks.

The area where you injected Entyvio (vedolizumab) might get red, itchy, swollen, or bruised. This usually goes away on their own in 1 or 2 days. In the meantime, you can use cold compresses to help relieve these reactions. But if they get worse or don't go away, tell your care team.