What is Velsipity prescribed for?
Velsipity is prescribed to treat moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis in adults.
What is the name of the drug and what does it do?
Velsipity, pronounced Vel-sip-itee, (generic name: etrasimod) is a new medication approved by the FDA to treat adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis, a form of inflammatory bowel disease that causes long-lasting inflammation and sores in the digestive tract.
Velsipity helps reduce inflammation and the symptoms associated with this condition.
How does Velsipity work?
Velsipity works by blocking certain receptors in the immune system known as sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptors.
Think of S1P receptors as gates that control the flow of immune cells in the body. In ulcerative colitis, too many immune cells rush into the gut, causing inflammation.
Velsipity works by locking these gates, preventing too many immune cells from entering the gut. This helps reduce inflammation and eases symptoms of the disease.
What did the research discover?
Clinical trials for Velsipity showed that it is effective in improving symptoms and quality of life for patients with ulcerative colitis.
For example, in one of the studies, after 12 weeks of treatment, 27% of patients receiving Velsipity achieved clinical remission compared to only 7% of those taking a placebo.
At 52 weeks, the rate of clinical remission increased to 32% among Velsipity-treated patients.
These studies confirm that Velsipity can significantly improve both short-term and long-term outcomes for patients.
What are some of the side effects?
The side effects listed are from the product manufacturer. As health scientists, we share this information to keep you informed without causing undue worry. Many side effects diminish over time, and not all patients experience them. If prescribed medication, take it as directed and consult your healthcare professional if you have any concerning side effects.
- Headache
- Elevated liver tests
- Dizziness
- High blood pressure
- Urinary tract infections
- Nausea
- Increased cholesterol levels
What are the dosage recommendations and how is it prescribed?
Velsipity is available in 2 mg tablets and should be taken orally once daily.
It can be taken with or without food, and it’s important to follow the dosage instructions provided by your healthcare provider to achieve the best results and minimize side effects.
Source:
- Highlights of Prescribing Information. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/216956s000lbl.pdf. Accessed 17 July 2024.
