Entyvio Infusion

Vedolizumab infusion is the intravenous administration of Entyvio, a gut-selective integrin antagonist (Vedolizumab is the generic name while Entyvio is the brand name made by Takeda). Vedolizumab infusion is FDA-approved for adults with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease (CD).

Vedolizumab and Entyvio can be administered by infusion or injection (using a pen). At least 2 Entyvio infusions are typically recommended before use of Entyvio pens for self-administration.

Please be aware that Entyvio pens may not be appropriate for some patients; in these cases, health care providers would prescribe ongoing Entyvio infusions.

Entyvio infusion works by selectively inhibiting the movement of white blood cells into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This process:

1. Reduces inflammation

2. Allows the gut lining to heal. 

Unlike systemic immunosuppressants, Entyvio’s gut-specific action can limit the risk of infections and side effects elsewhere in the body.

An Entyvio infusion takes about 30 minutes to administer.

Your entire visit to an Entyvio infusion center, however, will take longer and include:

• Checking in

• Setting up the IV

• Monitoring you afterward.

With that, you can generally expect to be at Entyvio infusion centers for 1 to 2 hours per visit.

The frequency of Entyvio infusions depends on the type of dose you’re receiving and whether the drug is administered via an Entyvio pen vs. infusion.

Specifically, Entyvio infusions can be administered as either:

• “Starter” doses: Patients starting Entyvio infusions will receive their first two doses within two weeks (i.e., at week 0 and week 2 of their treatment plan). Additional starter doses may be recommended after the first two, depending on a patient’s response.
  

• “Maintenance” doses: After completing a course of starter doses, patients will transition to maintenance doses. If patients are continuing Entyvio infusions, they will receive maintenance doses every 8 weeks. For those using Entyvio pens (i.e., Entyvio injections), maintenance doses will be self-administered via the pen every 2 weeks.

Most patients tolerate Entyvio infusion well. 

Some may experience mild and fleeting Entyvio infusion side effects, like (and not necessarily limited to):

• Headache

• Nausea

• Fatigue

• Joint pain

• Rash or itchiness

If you experience dizziness, trouble breathing, or symptoms of a severe allergic reaction after receiving an Entyvio infusion, inform your provider or seek emergency care. 

To minimize the risk of Entyvio infusion side effects, tell your healthcare provider about:

• All medications you take, particularly if you are on corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, or Tysabri (natalizumab)

• Any other medical conditions you have, including whether you have liver problems or tuberculosis

• Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or plans to become pregnant.

Mild colds may not require rescheduling an Entyvio infusion, but it’s still prudent to inform your provider ahead of time, so they can assess whether it’s safe to proceed.

If you have a fever or symptoms of a more serious infection, your infusion may be delayed or rescheduled.

FDA-approved infusions for ulcerative colitis are not limited to Entyvio infusions or vedolizumab infusions. Other options include (and are not exclusive to):

• Remicade® (infliximab)

• Simponi® (golimumab)

• Solu-Medrol® (methylprednisolone)

Your provider can determine your best option based on your symptoms, medical history, and treatment response.

In addition to Entyvio infusions, other infusions for Crohn's disease include (and are not exclusive to):

• Cimzia® (Certolizumab) 

• Remicade® (infliximab)

• Stelara® (ustekinumab)

• Tysabri (natalizumab)

Each infusion for Crohn's disease works uniquely, and different options may be better suited to address specific patient needs.

Entyvio infusions may be covered under Medicare Part B if:

1. The drug is deemed medically necessary by your provider.
   

2. The Entyvio infusion is administered by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting, including outpatient Entyvio infusion centers like LUX Infusion.

Please be aware that: 

• Even if Medicare or other insurance covers Entyvio infusions, there may still be out-of-pocket expenses.
  

• Supplemental plans or manufacturer support programs may help reduce costs.

The Patient Navigators at LUX Infusion can help you map out the financial side of your treatment, identifying programs to maximize the available benefits while reducing your financial obligation.

The cost of an Entyvio infusion can vary depending on:

• Your insurance coverage

• Whether you apply or qualify for any Entyvio financial support programs, like EntyvioConnect.

• Where you receive an Entyvio infusion, as facility fees can vary.

For some patients, the cost of Entyvio infusion can be as low as $5 per dose. To find out what an Entyvio infusion will cost you, contact LUX Infusion.

LUX Infusion offers Entyvio infusions at state-of-the-art clinics in Anchorage, Palmer, and Fairbanks, Alaska. While other outpatient infusion centers in Alaska may offer Entyvio infusions, their extremely limited availability can make it challenging to book appointments and maintain an infusion schedule. 

That’s not the case at LUX Infusion, where convenience meets clinical excellence. With multiple locations across Alaska, flexible scheduling, and a commitment to patient-first care, LUX Infusion makes it easier to stay on track with your Entyvio infusion schedule. Our experienced infusion nurses, modern amenities, and welcoming environment ensure that every visit is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

Whether you’re new to Entyvio or transferring from another clinic, LUX Infusion is here to support your treatment journey, every step of the way.

To find out more about scheduling an Entyvio infusion at LUX, simply contact us.