Velsipity (Etrasimod)

Description

Velsipity (etrasimod) is an oral tablet for adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis is a long-term condition that causes inflammation and sores in the large intestine and rectum. Symptoms may include bloody diarrhea, increased urgency, and stomach cramps. Etrasimod works by keeping certain white blood cells inside the lymph nodes so fewer of them travel to the bowel, which can help reduce inflammation.

Directions

Take one 2 mg tablet by mouth once daily, at around the same time each day. Swallow it whole, with or without food. If you miss a dose, take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses at once.

Before you start Velsipity, a healthcare provider may check your blood counts, heart rhythm, liver function, eyes, and prior vaccinations. If you need a live vaccine, get it at least four weeks before starting treatment. Continue taking Velsipity as prescribed even if you feel better, and do not stop it without first talking with your healthcare provider.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in Velsipity is etrasimod. Inactive ingredients may include magnesium stearate, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, and sodium starch glycolate, along with a film coating that contains FDandC Blue No. 1 aluminum lake, FDandC Blue No. 2 aluminum lake, FDandC Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine) aluminum lake, polyethylene glycol 3350, polyvinyl alcohol, talc, and titanium dioxide.

Cautions

• Before using this medication, you may want to consult a healthcare provider about the following:
  • Any existing health conditions
  • Any allergies
  • A list of all medications currently being taken
• Velsipity lowers the number of immune cells in the blood, which may increase the risk of infections during treatment and for about five weeks after the last dose. Report fever, chills, body aches, or any other sign of infection right away.
• Live vaccines should be avoided during treatment and for five weeks afterward, and any planned immunizations should be given at least four weeks before starting.
• Heart rate may temporarily drop when treatment starts, so an ECG is usually done beforehand. Anyone with a slow heart rate or a conduction problem and those who take other medications that slow the heart may need to consult a cardiologist before treatment.
• Liver enzymes may increase, so liver blood tests are checked before starting. Report nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, unusual tiredness, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or dark urine.
• Swelling at the back of the eye, called macular edema, can occur. An eye exam is needed near the start of treatment and any time vision changes, and the risk is higher for people with diabetes or a history of uveitis.
• Blood pressure may increase, so it should be checked regularly during treatment.
• Skin cancers have been reported with this class of medication. A skin exam is recommended around the start of treatment and periodically after, and it helps to limit sun exposure and use sun protection.
• Velsipity can harm an unborn baby, so people who can become pregnant should use contraception during treatment and for one week after the last dose.
• A rare but serious brain condition called posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome has been reported. Sudden severe headache, confusion, seizures, or loss of vision need urgent medical attention.
• Breathing tests may be needed if shortness of breath develops, since this medication can cause a small decline in lung function.

Contraindications

Avoid taking or using this medication if any of the following apply:

• A heart attack, unstable angina (chronic chest pain), stroke, mini-stroke, heart failure that required a hospital visit, or Class III or IV heart failure within the last 6 months
• A history or presence of Mobitz type II second-degree or third-degree AV block, sick sinus syndrome, or sino-atrial block, unless a working pacemaker is in place

Side Effects

Common side effects of Velsipity include:

• Headache
• Increased liver enzymes on blood tests
• Dizziness
• Increased blood pressure
• Urinary tract infection
• Increased cholesterol on blood tests
• Herpes viral infections, such as cold sores or shingles
• A slower heart rate in the first few days of treatment

Get medical help for signs of a serious infection, such as a high fever, chills, a persistent cough, or a headache with a stiff neck. Blurred vision, a blind spot in the center of vision, or any sudden change in eyesight should be checked due to the risk of macular edema. Contact a healthcare provider about nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, unusual tiredness, loss of appetite, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes, which may indicate liver injury. Sudden severe headache, confusion, seizures, or vision loss require immediate medical attention.

References

• Velsipity Prescribing Information. New York, NY: Pfizer Labs, Division of Pfizer Inc; 2025.
• Velsipity Drug Label Information. New York, NY: Pfizer Labs, Division of Pfizer Inc; 2025.

About Dr. Gerardo Sison (Page Author)

An honors graduate of the University of Florida, Dr. Sison started his pharmacy career in a community setting, extending his services to hospitals and clinics over time. He has also worked in medication therapy management, advising patients on proper medication use for their chronic health conditions. Read More....