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Please tell me about Entyvio.....

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 11/8/2017 1:40 AM (GMT 0)
My new GI suggested I get started on Entyvio. Is it a safe treatment, short term and long term? He said it's an infusion, but how often and where is the infusion done, in Dr.'s office or hospital? Is there a rest period, or is it done indefinitely? Someone left an message on my machine today saying they were from the Entvio program and they needed about 30 minutes of my time to apply for it. Any one here been through the process?

What questions do they ask so I will be prepared, apparently they will call back in the next day or so?
Thanks for your help.
Posted 11/8/2017 2:09 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Dorri. it is another biologic infusion. usually every 8 weeks, but they sometimes move it to every 6 weeks. if it works for you it would be long term treatment. treatments are done in an infusion center most of the time where the drug is mixed and then an iv placed in you arm or hand. t takes 30 mins or so once it starts. I have not been through the process as my GI office handled everything. But i have failed the drug after starting it back in Feb. so i will not be taking it any longer. good luck with it i hope it helps you
Posted 11/8/2017 2:12 AM (GMT 0)
I have no direct experience with Entyvio, but it's one of the newest drugs in the anti-TNF family. It's definitely a therapy for long term use. I'm not sure how often the infusions would be for Entyvio, but Remicade which is also done via infusion is usually every 8 weeks. The infusions are usually done at an infusion center. It will likely be administered by nurses. It's been reported that Entyvio usually takes somewhat longer to take effect than some of the other anti-TNF's. Hope you have good success with it.
Posted 11/8/2017 3:57 AM (GMT 0)
I've been on entyvio since August 2016. I think by January/February I started noticing some improving, and then continual improvement. I had a colonoscopy in June and for the first time since I was diagnosed I had no sign of active disease.

It's covered by my insurance, so I don't know what the entyvio program will ask you when you get in touch with them.

I go to an infusion center every 8 weeks, and a nurse there does the infusion. It takes about an hour total. They get me setup, then mix the drug and that takes about 20 minutes, and the infusion itself is about 30 minutes.

Good luck!! I hope it can bring you relief.
Posted 11/8/2017 4:38 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you. Since I had resections in Dec, I have no active crohn's or complications showing up, as seen by CT scan in Aug? Think the doctor wants to prevent future flares so how will I know if the treatment is working? Right now, even if the drug is covered, I don't even think we will be able to afford the deductible which will be around $3000 annually unless they can get it down some?
Posted 11/8/2017 12:11 PM (GMT 0)
so Dorri, i too had a resection in JUne and the CT scan showed everything was clear. However, the colonoscopy showed the ulcers and inflammation. the colonoscopy is the gold standard test. so it is quite possible that you do have activity. the program is also suppose to help with co-pays so ask them about it when they call back
Posted 11/8/2017 12:17 PM (GMT 0)
I checked their website & yes they do offer a patient assistance program. I suggest going to their website & checking out what they offer. That way you will have an idea about how it works.

Take care.
Posted 11/8/2017 1:48 PM (GMT 0)
dorri, I've been on Entyvio going on 2 years and it seems to be doing a good job. There was no active disease on my last scope a year ago.

Definitely call about the patient assistance. I have pretty good insurance but with assistance program I only pay $5.00 for the drug per infusion. My infusions are done at the dr. office as they have their own infusion center, I'm usually there for around an hour or so. The infusion itself only takes 30 minutes but they don't mix your drug until you are there so that adds a little time.

I haven't noticed any side effects (knock on wood).
Posted 11/8/2017 3:31 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all, you have been most helpful.
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