Vedolizumab

What is this medication for?

Vedolizumab belongs to a class of medicines called biologics. It works by blocking certain inflammatory mediators (molecules released in the body in response to injury or infection) involved in inflammatory bowel disease and is used to treat both Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

Vedolizumab does not work immediately and it may take several weeks before you notice any improvement in symptoms.

How should I take or use this medication?

This medicine is administered by intravenous injection either by your doctor or nurse at scheduled intervals either at a clinic or hospitals.

Do not stop taking this medication without discussing it with your doctor.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you fail to have a dose administered on the scheduled time, inform your doctor as soon as possible to determine when the next dose can be administered.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professionals if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
  • Women of childbearing age are strongly recommended to use adequate contraception to prevent pregnancy and to continue its use for at least 18 weeks after the last treatment with vedolizumab due to a lack of data with respect to the use of vedolizumab in pregnancy.
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
• You have an active infection or history of chronic infections including but not limited to Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection and tuberculosis.
• You currently suffer from, or have a history of blood-related disorders including bleeding disorders or anaemia.
• You have cancer, or a history of cancer.

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

• Injection site reactions like swelling, itching or bruising which usually subside within a few days.
• Infections / increased risk of infection which may include symptoms of a fever, runny / blocked nose, sore throat.
• Gastrointestinal discomfort including nausea and constipation.
• Muscle and joint pain, spasms or weakness.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

This medication may rarely cause a neurological condition called Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. This may cause symptoms including confusion, altered mood, sight, speech, balanced and thought difficulty / changes.

This medication may cause liver injury. This may cause symptoms such as dark urine, light coloured stool, yellowing of the skin and eyes, abdominal discomfort and nausea and vomiting.

While this medication may increase the risk of an infection, in some cases this may be severe and present with symptoms of fever, sore throat or pain which are persistent or severe.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

Vedolizumab should not be used with other medications which may suppress the immune system including other biologics and some drugs used to treat cancer.

Furthermore, the body's response to some vaccines may be impaired while taking this medication. Inform your healthcare professional if you are going to receive a vaccine.

How should I store this medication?

Keep the vial in the outer carton in order to protect from light. Keep this medication away from children.

Store in the refrigerator between 2-8 degrees centigrade. Do not freeze. Each vial is for single use only.

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

Pack this medication into a black bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin. In the circumstances that this medication is administered at a clinic or hospital, the staff will dispose of the used injection appropriately.