Interactions at Velsipity: Discussing alcohol, dietary supplements, and additional topics
Velsipity, a medication used to treat moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis, comes with certain drug interactions that patients should be aware of. As a sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator, Velsipity affects immune cell trafficking, which can lead to interactions with other drugs.
One significant concern is the combined use of Velsipity with immunosuppressive drugs or biologics, such as adalimumab. This combination may increase the risk of infections or additive immunosuppression, requiring careful monitoring.
Another key consideration is the potential interaction with drugs that affect heart rhythm. Etrasimod, the active ingredient in Velsipity, carries risks of heart problems, and concomitant use with medications that also affect cardiac conduction or rhythm may increase the risk, necessitating monitoring.
Velsipity may also cause liver damage, and co-administration with other hepatotoxic drugs could increase this risk, warranting liver function monitoring.
Women who can become pregnant are advised to use effective birth control during and for one week after stopping Velsipity due to potential risks during pregnancy. It's not known whether it's safe to take Velsipity while breastfeeding.
Certain cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, can weaken the immune system, and doctors typically won't prescribe Velsipity for people who have had cardiovascular problems in the past six months.
Doctors typically won't prescribe Velsipity if you have certain problems with the electrical signaling in your heart, unless these problems are managed with a pacemaker.
Your doctor should be informed about all medications you take before starting treatment with Velsipity to prevent possible interactions. Examples of immune system-weakening drugs that may interact with Velsipity include adalimumab (Humira), azathioprine (Imuran), infliximab (Remicade), methotrexate (Trexall, others), and tofacitinib (Xeljanz).
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice might interact with Velsipity in some people, potentially causing Velsipity to build up in your body, which can increase your risk of side effects from Velsipity.
Velsipity can interact with certain beta-blockers, certain calcium channel blockers, drugs that weaken the immune system, and certain antifungals, potentially causing increased risks of side effects or infections.
It's essential to avoid or limit alcohol consumption during Velsipity treatment due to potential worsening of side effects or increased risk of liver problems.
Velsipity is not safe to take during pregnancy. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor before starting Velsipity. They can advise you on the right treatment plan for you.
Rifampin can make Velsipity less effective. If you have questions about taking Velsipity with drugs that weaken your immune system, talk with your doctor.
In summary, close medical supervision is recommended when combining Velsipity with other treatments for ulcerative colitis or systemic drugs affecting immune or cardiac systems. Patients should discuss any medications they are taking with their doctor and pharmacist before starting treatment with Velsipity to prevent possible interactions.
- Abbvie's Velsipity, a drug used for ulcerative colitis, may interact with immunosuppressive drugs like adalimumab, increasing infection risks or additional immunosuppression.
- Colitis patients on Velsipity should be cautious with drugs that affect heart rhythm, as the active ingredient, etrasimod, poses heart risks, potentially elevating risks further.
- Medical-conditions like liver disease and pregnancy contraindicate the use of Velsipity, as it may cause liver damage and is not safe during pregnancy.
- In health-and-wellness matters, women are advised to use birth control during and after ceasing Velsipity due to potential risks during pregnancy, and its safety while breastfeeding remains unknown.
- Science has also shown that Velsipity can interact with certain drugs like cbd, grapefruit, some beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, antifungals, and drugs that weaken the immune system, potentially causing increased risks of side effects or infections. Avoiding alcohol is also recommended during treatment to avert worsening side effects or increased liver problems.
