Etrasimod

Generic name: etrasimod [ e-TRAS-i-mod ]
Brand name: Velsipity
Dosage form: oral tablet (2 mg)
Drug class: Selective immunosuppressants

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Dec 19, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is etrasimod?

Etrasimod is used to treat ulcerative colitis in adults.

Etrasimod may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Etrasimod side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. Your risk of infection could last for 5 weeks after you stop taking etrasimod. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• fever, cough, night sweats;

• tiredness, flu-like symptoms;

• pain and burning when you urinate; or

• signs of meningitis--headache, neck stiffness, increased sensitivity to light, nausea, vomiting, confusion, drowsiness.

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

• slow heartbeats, chest pain, shortness of breath, or feel like your heart is skipping beats;

• feeling light-headed, dizziness;

• new or worsening shortness of breath;

• sudden confusion, severe headache, vision loss, or a seizure;

• signs of high blood pressure--pounding in your neck or ears;

• liver problems--loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, tiredness, itching, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• severe vision problems--blurred vision, increased sensitivity to light, seeing an unusual color, or having a blind spot; or

• skin changes, a mole that has changed in color or size.

Your treatment may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.

Common side effects of etrasimod may include:

• headache;

• abnormal liver function tests; or

• dizziness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

You should not use etrasimod if you have had a serious heart problem especially a heart attack, chest pain, stroke, certain types of heart failure that required hospitalization in the last 6 months or a heart rhythm disorder (unless you have a pacemaker).

Etrasimod can slow your heart rate when you start taking it. Tell your doctor if you have slow heartbeats, chest pain, shortness of breath, or feel like your heart is skipping beats.

You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. Call your doctor if you have flu symptoms, cough, night sweats, neck stiffness, confusion, or vision problems. Your risk of getting an infection could last for 5 weeks after you stop taking this medicine.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use etrasimod if you have certain serious heart conditions, especially:

• recent (within the past 6 months) severe heart failure that required you to be in the hospital, heart attack, stroke, "mini-stroke" or transient ischemic attack (TIA), chest pain, or other serious heart problems; or

• irregular or abnormal heart rhythm (unless you have a pacemaker).

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• an active or chronic infection;

• a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine);

• heart rhythm disorder;

• slow heart rate

• heart problems, a heart attack, stroke, or chest pain;

• high blood pressure;

• history of fainting;

• sleep apnea or other breathing problems;

• skin cancer;

• chickenpox or received a vaccine for chickenpox;

• vision problems; or

• liver disease.

Make sure you are current on all vaccines before you start taking etrasimod. You should not receive "live" vaccines at least 4 weeks before starting etrasimod, during treatment, and for 5 weeks after you finish taking etrasimod.

Using etrasimod may increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Ask your doctor about your individual risk.

May harm an unborn baby. You may need a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant. Use effective birth control while using etrasimod and for at least 7 days after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of etrasimod on the baby.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using etrasimod.

How should I take etrasimod?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Your doctor will perform blood tests to make sure etrasimod is the right treatment for you.

Before your first dose, your heart function will be checked using an electrocardiogram or ECG (sometimes called an EKG).

Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.

Take etrasimod once a day with or without food.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.

You may need breathing tests during treatment with etrasimod.

You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. You will need frequent medical tests during and after treatment. Your risk of getting an infection could last for 5 weeks after you stop taking this medicine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Etrasimod dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Ulcerative Colitis:

Recommended dosage: 2 mg orally once daily

Comments:
-The tablet should be swallowed whole, with or without food.

Use: For the treatment of moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking etrasimod?

Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Avoid receiving a vaccine without asking your doctor. The vaccine may not work as well while you are using etrasimod. Receiving a "live" vaccine while using etrasimod may also cause you to develop an infection. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), polio, rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), zoster (shingles), and nasal flu (influenza) vaccine.

What other drugs will affect etrasimod?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines less effective.

Etrasimod can cause a serious heart problem. Your risk may be higher if you also use certain other medicines for infections, asthma, heart problems, high blood pressure, depression, mental illness, cancer, malaria, or HIV.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• drugs that weaken the immune system such as cancer medicine, steroids, and medicines to prevent organ transplant rejection;

• rifampin

• heart rhythm medication; or

• any other heart or blood pressure medication.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect etrasimod. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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