On Xeljanz and doctor has asked me to switch to Entyvio...pros and cons??

Hi . The anxiety at switching medications is certainly understandable and I see that you have been there before. As you know, everyone's experiences with an IBD med can be different. I believe those reviews you read are true for those individuals, but it is also true that more people write about their negative experiences than the good. I want to share with you this previous Forum exchange on Entyvio where our patient leader Julie notes that she has had a great experience with Entyvio: https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/forums/entyvio-1. I have seen others comment that it did not control their IBD (see: https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/living/infusion-hangover). Hopefully others will chime in with their experiences. I also want to share this overview of the drug from our editorial team:
https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/treatment/medications/biologic-therapies . Of course, the final choice is yours and hoping, whatever you decide, you got relief. Please feel free, if you like, to keep us posted on how things are going. Best, Richard (Team Member)

Thank you for your question, . I see that informative resources were provided, so to add my own experience to that, I will say that I have had a positive response to Entyvio. I started it in 2016 and was soon declared in remission while taking it. I have taken it through all 3 of my pregnancies and continued to stay in remission while not seeing any adverse side effects from it (I had terrible skin infections from Humira and an allergic reaction to Remicade). I would say that for me, the biggest down side is that it is quite expensive especially compared to other drugs. It is also not as convenient as a self-administered injection like Humira or Stelara (and not as cheap) so I would say that if convenience and cost are high on your list of priorities, maybe this isn't for you, but from a physical standpoint, I have been healthy and happy with no side effects while taking Entyvio.
Best of luck in whatever you choose!


--Julie (Team Member)

Hi. I am 61 and been on Entyvio for over a year now. Prior to using that, I was never fully in remission for over 10 years. Since being on Entyvio, I have gained remission. I still have a few set backs now and again, but they only last a day or two. I can honestly say that I feel like I have a life back…hope this helps. Best.