Vedolizumab is used to treat inflammatory bowel diseases (long-term inflammation of the digestive tract), such as ulcerative colitis (a disease that causes inflammation and sores in the linings of the large intestine and rectum) or Crohn's disease (a long-term inflammatory disease of the digestive tract that usually affects the small intestine and colon).
Vedolizumab injection is to be given intravenously (into the vein) as an infusion. It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Vedolizumab.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Do not use Vedolizumab if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Alert your doctor if you have an active and/or worsening severe infection (e.g. TB [lung infection known as tuberculosis]), as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- liver problems
- long-term severe infection or history of recurrent infection
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with this medicine. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist.
Inform your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated. Do not receive any vaccinations without first asking your doctor.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Pregnancy tests and tuberculosis screening must be done before treatment, to know if this medicine is suited for you to use.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver function) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs or symptoms of hypersensitivity, infections, liver problems, and worsening brain or nerve function may also be needed.
Vedolizumab may cause mild dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, common cold, stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, constipation, bloated stomach, fever, fatigue, back pain, muscle or joint pain.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, wheezing, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
- weakness on one side of the body, vision problems, confusion, forgetfulness, changes in behaviour or personality
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are using medicines which may suppress your immune system e.g. natalizumab, infliximab.
Avoid vaccinations with live vaccines during treatment with Vedolizumab. Alert your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated or if you are planning to get vaccinated.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C.
Do not freeze Vedolizumab otherwise, it will no longer be effective and should not be used.
Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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