Vedolizumab
About
Vedolizumab belongs to the class of monoclonal antibodies which is used in the treatment of moderately to severe Crohn’s disease (a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects any part of the gastrointestinal tract, mainly small and large intestine) and ulcerative colitis (an inflammatory bowel disease that causes swelling in the digestive tract).
Vedolizumab consists of Vedolizumab, which belongs to the class of integrin receptor antagonists. It works by binding to the chemical substance called α4β7 integrin (present on the surface of the WBC that enters the gut), which is responsible for inflammation.
Vedolizumab may cause side effects such as nausea, headache, fever, joint pain, tiredness, cough, back pain, itching, dizziness, and injection site reactions. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention or resolve over time. However, if these side effects persist for longer, please consult your doctor on priority. Vedolizumab is a parenteral medicine. It will be administered by a trained healthcare doctor. Hence, do not self-administer.
Vedolizumab should be avoided if you are allergic to any of its components. Inform your doctor if you have any history of serious infections, tuberculosis, gastrointestinal disorders, liver or kidney diseases, or a weak immune system, as it can worsen your health condition. Vedolizumab may cause dizziness, so drive only if you are alert and focused. Vedolizumab should not be given to children below 18 years of age as safety has not been established. Consult the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Uses of Vedolizumab
Medicinal Benefits
Vedolizumab consists of Vedolizumab as an active ingredient, which belongs to the class of integrin receptor antagonists. It works by binding to the chemical substance called α4β7 integrin (present on the surface of the WBC that enters the gut), which is responsible for inflammation. This alters the gene expression of blood monocytes and thus helps reduce inflammation and is used in the treatment of moderately to severe Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Vedolizumab
- Shortness of breath
- Injection site reactions
- Headache
- Nausea
- Upper respiratory tract infections.
- Chest pain
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Tiredness
- Cough
- Back pain
- Itching
- blurred vision or loss of vision
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Vedolizumab should be avoided if allergic to it or any other components present. Inform your doctor if you have any history of serious infections, tuberculosis, gastrointestinal disorders, liver or kidney diseases, or a weak immune system, as it can worsen your health condition. Do not take live vaccines while being treated with Vedolizumab to prevent any serious consequences. Vedolizumab may cause serious reactions, including infusion-related or allergic reactions. It may also increase the risk of hepatotoxicity, serious infections and hypersensitivity reactions in some patients. Hence, patients should be carefully monitored for changes during and after the treatment. Hence, patients should be carefully monitored for changes during and after the treatment. Vedolizumab is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age as safety and efficacy are not established. Vedolizumab may cause dizziness, so drive only if you are alert and focused. This medicine can cause Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) in most patients with compromised immune systems. Hence, Vedolizumab is contraindicated in patients who have or had PML. Consult your doctor immediately if the patient develops confusion or problems thinking, loss of balance, change in the way you walk or talk, decreased strength or weakness on one side of the body, blurred vision, or loss of vision.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Vedolizumab may interact with live vaccines, Natalizumab, TNF blockers (infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab, golimumab), etc.
Drug-Food Interaction: Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Vedolizumab should be used with caution in patients with liver or kidney disease, weak immune systems, and serious infections.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid alcohol consumption, as it may worsen your existing stomach problems.
Pregnancy
cautionIf you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before receiving Vedolizumab. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionVedolizumab is known to pass in the breastmilk. Hence, if you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before receiving Vedolizumab. Your doctor may prescribe Vedolizumab only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
cautionVedolizumab may cause confusion, blurred vision or loss of vision. If you experience such symptoms after taking Vedolizumab, do not drive or do activities that require your clear vision and mental alertness.
Liver
cautionVedolizumab may cause liver problems in some patients. Hence, caution should be exercised. Inform your doctor if you observe any symptoms of tiredness, loss of appetite, dark urine, yellowing of the skin and eyes, or pain in the abdomen. Dose adjustment may be needed in patients with liver impairment.
Kidney
cautionVedolizumab should be used with caution if you have kidney disease. Dose adjustment may be needed in patients with kidney impairment.
Children
unsafeVedolizumab is not recommended in children below 18 years of age as the safety and efficacy are not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain a low-fat diet and eat foods rich in vitamin C, such as bell peppers, spinach, parsley and berries, which help heal faster.
- Eat more fibre-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables.
- Eat smaller meals all day and drink small amounts of water throughout the day.
- If you are intolerant to lactose, lower your intake of milk.
- Avoid foods high in sugar, fat, and processed foods, as these may cause inflammation.
- Try to avoid alcohol as it can affect your stomach and intestine and also limits the absorption of the important nutrients required by your body.
Special Advise
- It is advised to closely monitor the patient for infections like active tuberculosis during and after the treatment, though the patient gets a negative tuberculin test.
- It is essential to inform your doctor if you have any active viral, bacterial, and fungal infections before starting Vedolizumab.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Ulcerative colitis: Ulcerative colitis is a serious inflammatory bowel disease causing inflammation in the digestive tract. It produces ulcers on the inner lining of the large intestine, which may cause bleeding and discharge of pus and mucus. The common symptoms include bloody stools, stomach pain, rectal pain, diarrhoea, fever, or weight loss. Additionally, it may cause other problems such as joint pain or swelling, mouth sores, skin problems, decreased appetite, or nausea.
Crohn’s disease: Crohn’s disease is a type of chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from mouth to anus. But mostly occurs in the small intestine and large intestine. The symptoms include blood in stools, stomach cramps, tiredness, diarrhoea, fever, weight loss, or loss of appetite.
FAQs
Vedolizumab works by binding to the chemical substance called α4β7 integrin, which is responsible for inflammation. This alters the gene expression of blood monocytes and thus helps reduce inflammation.
Inform your doctor about your complete medical and medication history, especially if you have any history of serious infections, tuberculosis, gastrointestinal disorders, liver or kidney diseases, or a weak immune system, as it can worsen your health condition.
