Entyvio, which is a brand of vedolizumab, is used to treat ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
Understanding Entyvio's Role
Entyvio is a prescription medication administered by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic setting through injection. Here's a breakdown of its uses:
Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD)
-
Ulcerative Colitis: Entyvio is specifically designed to help manage the inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis, a chronic disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the large intestine (colon) and rectum.
-
Crohn's Disease: This medication also plays a crucial role in treating Crohn's disease, an inflammatory condition that can affect any part of the digestive tract, causing inflammation, pain, and other complications.
How Entyvio Works
Entyvio, or vedolizumab, works by targeting a specific protein on the surface of certain immune cells. This protein is called α4β7 integrin. It helps these immune cells travel to the gut, where they contribute to the inflammation of the digestive tract in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Vedolizumab blocks this protein, thus reducing the number of inflammatory cells in the gut. This action helps to reduce inflammation.
Important Note
It's important to note that Entyvio treatment is administered by a healthcare professional in a clinical environment. This ensures that the medication is used safely and that patients are monitored for any potential side effects.
| Disease | Entyvio Usage |
|---|---|
| Ulcerative Colitis | Reduces inflammation in the colon and rectum. |
| Crohn's Disease | Helps manage inflammation in any part of the digestive tract. |
