Etrasimod Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 19, 2025.

Applies to etrasimod: oral tablet.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant during treatment and for at least 1 week after your last dose. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.

This medicine may increase your risk of developing infections, including a serious brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections while you are using this medicine. Wash your hands often. Tell your doctor if you have lupus or if you have any kind of infection before you start using this medicine. Also tell your doctor if you have ever had an infection that would not go away or an infection that kept coming back.

Etrasimod may cause a rare condition called immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). This may occur after a person stops receiving this medicine after developing PML during treatment. Tell your doctor right away if you have an inflammatory reaction to an infection that includes mild burning, stinging, or tingling of the skin, or a feeling of heat, redness, or swelling of the skin.

Herpes zoster and other serious infections may occur while taking this medicine. Symptoms include painful blisters on the trunk of your body, itching skin, rash, or trouble breathing. These symptoms should be treated first before taking this medicine.

While you are being treated with etrasimod, and after you stop treatment with it, do not have any immunizations (vaccinations) without your doctor's approval. You should not receive live vaccines at least 4 weeks before starting treatment, during treatment, and for 5 weeks after treatment with this medicine. Etrasimod may lower your body's resistance and there is a chance you might get the infection the immunization is meant to prevent.

This medicine may cause heart rhythm problems. Tell your doctor right away if you get dizzy or lightheaded, have a fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat, or feel like fainting.

Check with your doctor right away if you have pain or tenderness in the upper stomach, pale stools, dark urine, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or yellow eyes or skin. These could be symptoms of a serious liver problem.

Check with your doctor immediately if blurred vision or any other change in vision occurs during treatment with this medicine. Your doctor may want you to have your eyes checked by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor).

This medicine may increase your risk of cancer (eg, skin cancer) and make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Tell your doctor right away if you have persistent non-healing sore, pink growth, reddish patch or irritated area, shiny bump, or white, yellow or waxy scar-like area. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.

Tell your doctor right away if you have seizures, headache, confusion, vision problems, unusual drowsiness, tiredness, or weakness. These could be symptoms of a serious nervous system problem called posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES).

Tell your doctor right away if you have a cough, trouble breathing, chest tightness, or any type of breathing problem with this medicine. These could be symptoms of a serious lung problem.

Your doctor will check your blood pressure on a regular basis while you are using this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you have a severe headache, lightheadedness, or changes in your vision.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects of etrasimod

Along with its needed effects, etrasimod may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking etrasimod:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to etrasimod: oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most common adverse events were lymphopenia, headache, elevated liver tests and dizziness.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypertension, bradycardia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Atrioventricular block (First or second degree Mobitz type I atrioventricular block)^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Gastrointestinal disorders (12.5%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, ulcerative colitis, abdominal pain, hemorrhoids^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infections^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very common (10% or more): Lymphopenia (11%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Anemia, blood and lymphatic system disorders, decrease of lymphocyte counts to less than 0.2 x 10(9)/L, neutropenia^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Common (1% to 10%): Elevated liver tests^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypercholesterolemia^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Arthralgia^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, headache^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Decrease in visual acuity
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Macular edema^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Infections (25%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Herpes viral infection, pyrexia^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Lower respiratory tract infection, COVID-19^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Etrasimod side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer