Entyvio vs Remicade For Crohn’s: What's The Difference?

Better understand the differences between Entyvio and Remicade to make an informed decision about which treatment option is best for you.

Entyvio and Remicade are two effective medications to manage  Crohn's disease symptoms and achieve remission. 

However, understanding the differences between these two biological therapies is crucial to making an informed decision about which treatment option is best suited for your unique needs.

Entyvio vs Remicade: top-line differences 

Entyvio  (vedolizumab) is an integrin receptor antagonist that reduces inflammation associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) like Crohn's disease, as well as ulcerative colitis. It specifically targets the gut (rather than the entire body), which may lessen its systemic immunosuppressive effects.

Janssen Biotech-manufactured Remicade (infliximab) is an FDA-approved biologic medication that treats certain autoimmune diseases, like Crohn’s disease, moderate to severely active ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and severe plaque psoriasis. 

Entyvio and Remicade are biosimilars, meaning they are highly similar biological medications (although they belong to different drug classes). Entyvio is a brand name prescription medication that belongs to a drug class called integrin receptor antagonists, while Remicade belongs to a drug class called tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha inhibitors.

Efficacy: Does Entyvio work as well as Remicade?

The effectiveness of Remicade and Entyvio hasn’t been directly compared in clinical studies. 

The American Gastroenterological Association recommends using Entyvio or Remicade for inducing and maintaining remission in adults with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis.

The American College of Gastroenterology also recommends both medications for treating adults with moderate to severe active Crohn’s disease.

What is the cost difference between Remicade and Entyvio?

The cost of Remicade can range between $3k-$12k per treatment, depending on your dose, health insurance, and where you receive treatment.

READ MORE: How Much Does Remicade Infusion Cost?

A dose of Entyvio, which is typically given every 8 weeks after the loading dose, costs around $4,380.01. For patients with health insurance that covers infusion medications, or for those eligible for a co-pay card, the cost may be different. The actual cost of Entyvio also depends on where you receive treatment. 

How long does it take Remicade and Entyvio to work?

How long it takes Remicade to work, and whether or not it will work, varies for each person. Some people may see improvement in symptoms after a few days, others may see improvement six weeks after their first infusion. If you don't respond to Remicade at 5 mg/kg, your healthcare provider may consider increasing your dosage to 10 mg/kg. If you don't respond by week 14, your doctor may want to have a discussion with you about other treatment options.

READ MORE: How Long Does It Take For Remicade Infusions To Work?

Clinical trials show that some patients may feel a benefit within 2-3 weeks of receiving Entyvio via infusion therapy. It usually takes up to 6-8 weeks to experience the benefits of Entyvio for patients with ulcerative colitis and 10-14 weeks for patients with Crohn’s disease. 

Side effects of Entyvio and Remicade

Side effects of Entyvio

Entyvio may cause mild or rare, serious side effects. These can vary and usually depend on factors like your age, other health conditions, your immune system, and other medications you might be taking. 

Common mild side effect of Entyvio: 

• Common cold
• Headache
• Joint pain
• Nausea
• Fever
• Infections of the nose and throat
• Tiredness
• Cough
• Bronchitis
• Flu
• Back pain
• Rash
• Itching
• Sinus infection
• Throat pain

Although uncommon, some have developed infusion-related or allergic reactions to Entyvio.  This is usually uncommon and can be treated with steroids and antihistamines. 2% of patients being treated with Entyvio may develop an infusion reaction like fever, rash, trouble breathing, and chest pain. Patients may also develop an allergic reaction like a rash, itching, swelling of your lips, tongue, throat, or face, shortness of breath or trouble breathing, wheezing, dizziness, feeling hot, or palpitations. As with other biologic medications that act on the immune system, Entyvio can increase your risk of infection.

Side effects of Remicade 

The most common side effects of Remicade include:

• Respiratory infections (sinus infections, sore throats, etc)
• Headache
• Coughing 
• Abdominal pain

Other side effects include: 

• Serious infections (like TB, blood infections, and pneumonia)
• Reactivation of HBV
• Lymphoma, or any other cancer in adults and children
• Skin cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Heart failure
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling of ankles or feet
• Sudden weight gain
• Liver injury—jaundice 
• Lupus-like syndrome

Remicade may cause allergic reactions during or after infusion, including hives, difficulty breathing, chest pain, high or low blood pressure, and fever or chills. Patients may also experience delayed allergic reactions, which may show up 3-12 days after infusion (fever, rash, headache, sore throat, muscle or joint pain, and swelling of the face and hands). 

Refer to the prescribing information and medication guide for Remicade for more side effects.

READ MORE: Remicade Infusion: What To Expect & How To Prepare 

Additional treatment options for Crohn’s

Below are additional treatment options for Crohn’s  that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Anti-interleukin-12 and interleukin-23 therapy: Stelara (ustekinumab)

Stelara (ustekinumab) is a human monoclonal immunoglobulin antibody. By targeting interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-23, it reduces the inflammation brought on by Crohn's disease.

Anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-tnf): Humira (adalimumab)

Humira (adalimumab) is an monoclonal antibody and TNF inhibitor used for patients with IBD. It is approved by the FDA to be used for adults and pediatric patients over the age of 6 who have ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. Common side effects include headaches, rashes, and nausea.

While using adalimumab, you should tell your healthcare professional about prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbal products, and nutritional supplements you are taking or intend to take. Your healthcare professional may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.

Anti-integrin therapy: Tysabri (natalizumab)

Tysabri (natalizumab) belongs to a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. It functions by preventing specific immune system cells (white blood cells) from harming the brain, spinal cord, or digestive tract.

READ MORE: Is Tysabri An Immunosuppressant? What You Need To Know

Interested in learning more about Crohn’s treatment at Local Infusion? 

Local Infusion offers modern, state-of-the-art centers with private suites, designed with your comfort in mind.

From questions on what to expect in your first treatment to providing financial guidance and support, a dedicated Infusion Guide works with you and your physician to provide clear answers and assistance every step of the way. Plus, we take care of everything having to do with prior authorization. 

We’ll reach out within hours of a physician referral and get you digitally on board in less than two minutes, allowing our staff more time to focus on you.

Should you have questions regarding pricing and insurance, our team will work with you to provide financial assistance support, minimize costs, and provide a simple and stress-free experience.