Drug Notes

Vedolizumab (By injection)

Vedolizumab (ve-doe-LIZ-ue-mab)

Treats Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis.

Brand Name(s):

Entyvio

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: You must use this medicine on a fixed schedule. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how vedolizumab works. Tell your doctor if you are using natalizumab or a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker such as adalimumab, certolizumab, etanercept, or infliximab.
• This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease or an infection.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Higher risk of infection (including bacteria, virus, or fungus infection)
  • Risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (brain disease)
  • Liver disease
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blurred vision, confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, or unusual tiredness or weakness
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, bloody or cloudy urine, painful urination
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• Fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and body aches

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache
• Joint pain

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017