Does Entyvio cause joint pain?
Yes, Entyvio (vedolizumab) may cause joint pain in some people, although this is uncommon. Generally, post-marketing reports indicate improvement in symptoms of pre-existing arthritis and joint pain (arthralgia) and a reduced incidence of new or worsening arthritis or arthralgia in patients who have received vedolizumab. There does seem to be an increased incidence of joint pain in people who are tapering corticosteroids at the same time as vedolizumab initiation (corticosteroids can mask ongoing joint pain). But there have also been anecdotal experiences and case reports of patients on vedolizumab who developed worse joint pain.1
Arthritis and sacroiliitis (an inflammation in the sacroiliac joint [the joint where the spine and pelvis connect]) were reported in a case series of five people (four of whom were women) who were receiving vedolizumab for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).2
Reactive arthritis was documented in a 28-year-old female who had recently started vedolizumab infusions. After each infusion, she experienced left knee pain and swelling that lasted for two to three days before resolving by itself.3
Conversely, not one person of a cohort of 53 patients receiving Entyvio for active spondyloarthritis associated with IBD reported flares in their arthritis, joint pain, or sacroiliitis. The authors concluded that vedolizumab is more likely to improve joint pain associated with IBD than worsen it.4
Larger cohorts are needed to determine the prevalence of joint pain with Entyvio and the underlying mechanism.
Entyvio (vedolizumab) is an integrin receptor antagonist that is usually given by IV infusion for the first 2 doses in your healthcare provider's clinic or office then by self-administered subcutaneous injection in your home. It is approved for use in moderate to severe ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease to reduce inflammation. It targets the gut specifically instead of the whole body which may reduce its systemic (body-wide) immunosuppressive effects, but it is still likely to increase a person's risk of infections.5
Related questions
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References
1. Rubin DT. Recent Research on Joint Pain and Arthritis in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2017;13(11):688-690.
2. Varkas G, Thevissen K, De Brabanter G, et alAn induction or flare of arthritis and/or sacroiliitis by vedolizumab in inflammatory bowel disease: a case series. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 2017;76:878-881.
3. Shah, Shalin MD1; Shamah, Steven MD2; Swaminath, Arun MD3 Vedolizumab-Induced Reactive Arthritis: A Clinical Vignette, American Journal of Gastroenterology: October 2016 - Volume 111 - Issue - p S812-S813
4. Orlando A, Orlando R, Ciccia F, et alClinical benefit of vedolizumab on articular manifestations in patients with active spondyloarthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 2017;76:e31.
5. Entyvio (vedolizumab) Injection. Updated 05/2024. Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. https://www.drugs.com/pro/entyvio-injection.html
Read next
How does Omvoh compare to Entyvio?
Omvoh (mirikizumab) and Entyvio (vedolizumab) work in different ways, but are both approved biologic medications for treating inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).
Continue reading
Can I drink alcohol while taking Entyvio?
Although there is no indication that alcohol and Entyvio (vedolizumab) have unsafe interactions, you should ask your doctor before drinking alcohol while taking Entyvio. Continue reading
Can I take antibiotics while on Entyvio?
The use of Entyvio (generic name: vedolizumab) is not recommended in patients with an active, severe infection until the infection is controlled. Your doctor may consider withholding your Entyvio treatment if you develop a severe infection while on treatment with Entyvio. Your doctor will be able to best decide if you need to take an antibiotic or stop Entyvio treatment. Do not stop taking Entyvio without speaking to your doctor. Continue reading
See also:
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Drug information
- Entyvio Information for Consumers
- Entyvio prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Entyvio (detailed)
- Entyvio user reviews (168)
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