Anyone started vedolizumab yet?

I've been working on obtaining it for almost a month now. Still in my insurance's (Aetna) pre-authorization process. I am working with Entyvio Connect (the drug maker's patient support line) and they have been helpful.

So Kix2989 how was the process of stopping Humira and starting Vedo? Was there a time where you were on nothing? Just curious how the switchover goes.

First infusion was today! Not so simple to get, but easy infusion. I'll update folks on the UC board.

Scum1-doctors wanted me to stay on Humira till this came thru. So i got the call i was approved right around the time i was due for humira so i took 2 shots ( i was doing 2 shots every two wks) and 2 weeks later i had the first infusion. So i have to go back in another week then 6 more weeks to complete the loading dose then every 8. Doctors did not want me off humira or meds for any long period of time so i'm thinking the switchover may be the same for you or close to it.

Bania- i have BCBS of MA though i live in IL. My doctor petitioned hard once it got FDA approval--sent all my records etc. is your doc doing the same?

bania-that's a good idea to ask HR. I hope you get approved soon and that it works wonders for you!

I have Aetna also and my DR just started the process. There are so many different Aetna policies out there so some might take longer than others. In the meantime I am either flaring badly or have cdiff. I was running 102.8 today at work. Gi put me on Cipro and flagyl and ordered some test. I will see my GI on Wed this week and let everyone know how that goes. I kind of hope it is cdiff. That's better than the thought that my humira stopped working.

My daughter's first infusion was same day as UCHater, last Thursday. Insurance is BC/ BS PPO, and it is on their formulary. Call the Takada help center and they will fax the forms needed to the doc. I think they have been providing insurance companies information too. It seemed to speed things up. Also, if you can get somewhere where they did the trials, the medical codes for the drug will be already in the system. Some big hospitals can get at the drug, but their systems are slow to respond. There is good supply, good demand and poopy systems to get it out there!
Good luck- I am updating as needed on the UC board. No changes to report yet. Hopeful.

Hi,

I have taken Vedolizumab, recently taken off of it about 2 months ago. Was on it for almost 3 years, but have recently had an abscess/fistula that forced me to have a colonoscopy and was found that I have a stricture in my colon and need surgery. The Vedolizumab did work for me, in fact if I hadn't had the abscess I would probably still be on the drug and feeling like it was working as I felt very well! (Besides the abscess issue) It did take about 6 months or so to kick in for me. But after I had the colonoscopy I was told that the drug wasn't working anymore. I felt different but the stricture doesn't lie I guess... would definitely suggest thinking about taking it... although with so many things unknown about the drug (I took it on a "trial" drug basis, not yet approved in Canada) some of my issues may have been caused due to this drug.. but I cant know for sure. Good luck!

Yes, the stricture. The fistula I have and abscesses I have had, quite a few in the last year and a half while on the drug. I felt really good.. on the outside but on the inside things haven't been great, I didn't know this until resently. On the consignment form a very small %, said a side effect of the drug is abscesses and fistulas. Problem is, dont know for sure if drug is to blame. After my colonoscopy, my specialist told me he doesn't think the drug has been working for a while now. I was on vedo almost 3 yrs. The stricture is blocking a portion so I dont know what is going on past that point, having a CT scan to hopefully see what else may be going on and potentially what damage the drug did or didn't do.

Yea... rough road for me.I have had a lot issues with medications working, the big names such as Remicade and Humira etc did not work for me at all & but I hear amazing success stories for others on those, remission for years! As well, I was told so many people were doing well on Vedo, it did last me a bit longer than usual but not much. Doesn't mean it wouldn't work for you. Worth a shot maybe.

I just got insurance approval from Aetna to begin Entyvio. I'm working on scheduling my first infusion now, and that involves using Takeda's co-pay assistance program. The approval was for the first five infusions. If my doctor and I feel it's working we will have to get authorization for more infusions. I will keep you all posted.