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) was approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC).
UC is a type of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that primarily affects the lining of the colon which develops tiny sores or ulcers.
How does it work?
Velsipity functions as a sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator.
This means it interacts with specific receptors involved in the immune response and lymphocyte (a type of white blood cell) trafficking.
By modulating these receptors, Velsipity prevents lymphocytes from exiting lymph nodes and entering the bloodstream, reducing their presence in the gut where they can cause inflammation.
What did the research discover?
Research has shown that Velsipity effectively reduces symptoms of ulcerative colitis, including rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, and frequent bowel movements.
Clinical trials demonstrated that patients taking Velsipity experienced significant improvements in clinical remission rates compared to those on placebo.
These benefits were observed as early as the first few weeks of treatment and were sustained throughout the study period.
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.
- Headaches
- Elevated liver enzymes, which can indicate liver damage
- Dizziness
- Increased blood pressure
- Respiratory effects such as a decrease in lung function
It’s important for patients to monitor for any signs of these side effects and report them to their healthcare provider.
What are the dosage recommendations and how is it prescribed?
Velsipity is prescribed as a 2 mg tablet taken orally once daily. It can be taken with or without food.
Before starting Velsipity, patients should undergo certain health assessments, including blood tests and heart monitoring, to ensure they are suitable candidates for the treatment.
Source:
Highlights of Prescribing Information for VELSIPITY. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2024/216956s001lbl.pdf Accessed 15July2024.
