Vedolizumab Injection

Vedolizumab injection is in a class of medications called integrin receptor antagonists. It works by blocking the action of certain cells in the body that cause inflammation.

🔔 How should this medicine be used?

Vedolizumab injection comes as a powder to be mixed with sterile water and injected intravenously (into a vein) over 30 minutes by a doctor or nurse. It is usually given in a doctor’s office once every 2 to 8 weeks, more often in the beginning of your treatment and less often as your treatment continues.

Vedolizumab injection may cause serious allergic reactions during an infusion and for several hours afterward. A doctor or nurse will monitor you during this time to be sure you are not having a serious reaction to the medication. You may be given other medications to treat reactions to vedolizumab injection. Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms during or after your infusion: rash; itching; swelling of the face, eyes, mouth, throat, tongue, or lips; difficulty breathing or swallowing; wheezing, flushing; dizziness; feeling hot; or a fast or racing heartbeat.

Vedolizumab injection may help control your symptoms, but it will not cure your condition. Your doctor will watch you carefully to see how well vedolizumab injection works for you. If your condition has not improved after 14 weeks, your doctor may stop treating you with vedolizumab injection. It is important to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment.

Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer’s patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with vedolizumab injection and each time you receive the medication. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website (http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm085729.htm) or the manufacturer’s website to obtain the Medication Guide.

🔔 Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Despite the arguments of political opponents to the contrary, premium increases had been going on for decades before the passage of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. In fact, the average rate of yearly premium increases decreased after the law was passed in 2010, according to Forbes.

🔔 What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking vedolizumab,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to vedolizumab, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in vedolizumab injection. Ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: adalimumab (Humira), certolizumab (Cimzia), golimumab (Simponi), infliximab (Remicade), or natalizumab (Tysabri). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you have liver problems, if you have tuberculosis or have been in close contact with someone with tuberculosis, or if you currently have or think you have an infection, or if you have infections that come and go or ongoing infections that do not go away.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking vedolizumab, call your doctor.
• ask your doctor whether you should receive any vaccinations before you begin your treatment with vedolizumab injection. If possible, all vaccinations should be brought up to date before beginning treatment. Do not have any vaccinations during your treatment without talking to your doctor.

🔔 What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

🔔 What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you miss an appointment to receive a vedolizumab infusion, call your doctor as soon as possible.

🔔 What side effects can this medication cause?

Vedolizumab may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• headache
• nausea
• joint or back pain
• pain in your arms and legs

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

• fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, chills, aches and other signs of infection
• red or painful skin or sores on your body
• pain during urination
• confusion or memory problems
• loss of balance
• changes in walking or speech
• decreased strength or weakness on one side of your body
• blurred vision or loss of vision
• extreme tiredness
• loss of appetite
• pain in the upper right part of the stomach
• unusual bruising or bleeding
• dark urine
• yellowing of the skin or eyes

Vedolizumab may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

🔔 In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

🔔 What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about vedolizumab.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.