If you’re a football enthusiast, you might find the unpredictable nature of ulcerative colitis (UC) strikingly familiar. Much like how a football team’s performance can shift dramatically from week to week, individuals dealing with UC often experience fluctuating symptoms that can change from day to day, presenting unexpected hurdles. One moment you might feel perfectly fine, and the next, you’re confronted with discomfort and uncertainty.
Dr. Zuri Murrell, a colorectal surgeon based in Los Angeles, often draws comparisons between managing UC and his own experiences with football, both as a player and an avid fan.
Understanding Ulcerative Colitis
“I played football during my junior high years, and it quickly became clear to me how much preparation goes into stepping onto the field,” Dr. Murrell shares. “This is equally true for managing UC. Having a solid understanding of your condition can significantly ease the challenges associated with it.”
Symptoms of UC can vary widely, from urgent bathroom trips to the presence of blood in the stool, often interspersed with periods of remission. While there is currently no cure for UC, effective management can be achieved through medications or surgery when necessary.
Distinct from other colon disorders, UC specifically targets the colon and rectum, affecting around 1.25 million individuals in the United States. If not properly managed, UC can lead to serious complications, including ulcers and an elevated risk of colon cancer.
Dr. Murrell underscores that while UC is a chronic condition, recent advancements in treatment options, including medications like VELSIPITY® (etrasimod), have made it increasingly manageable for patients.
For full Prescribing Information, including the Medication Guide, visit velsipityPI.com. VELSIPITY is a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator indicated for the treatment of moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis in adults. VELSIPITY is not suitable for patients with specific cardiac conditions such as prior heart attacks, chest pain, strokes, heart failure, or a history of uncorrected arrhythmias. Serious side effects can include infections (some potentially life-threatening) and bradyarrhythmia, a condition characterized by a slow heart rate.
For additional information regarding serious side effects, refer to the Important Safety Information provided below.
Strategies for Managing UC
Collaborating with your healthcare provider to determine the most suitable treatment plan is vital. Alongside this, Dr. Murrell offers three essential strategies to enhance the management of UC.
1. Foster Trust in Your Team
Establishing a reliable support network is crucial for managing UC, much like how a football team thrives on trust and collaboration. Maintaining open lines of communication with your healthcare team is fundamental to discovering effective treatment options.
Resilience plays a key role in overcoming challenges, whether on the field or while navigating UC. Just as setbacks in sports do not dictate the final score, the same holds true for managing UC. Keeping a detailed log of symptoms and remaining flexible with treatment plans can lead to better management outcomes.
2. Cultivate Resilience
Resilience is paramount in managing UC, akin to how athletes face their own challenges. Maintaining a positive mindset, leaning on your support system, and staying committed to effective treatment strategies are all integral to your journey.
3. Monitor Your Symptoms and Be Ready to Adapt
Keeping track of your symptoms and remaining open to modifying your treatment plan are essential aspects of managing UC. A symptom log can empower you and assist healthcare providers in tailoring treatments to fit your unique needs.
By implementing these strategies and collaborating closely with healthcare professionals, those living with moderate to severe UC can enhance their symptom management and overall quality of life.
Important Safety Information and Indication
Do not take VELSIPITY if you:
- have experienced a heart attack, unstable angina, stroke, or certain types of heart failure requiring hospitalization within the last six months
- have a history of irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia) that cannot be corrected with a pacemaker
Consult your healthcare provider before starting VELSIPITY if you have any of these conditions or are unsure whether you have them.
VELSIPITY can lead to serious side effects, including:
- Infections: VELSIPITY may heighten the risk of serious infections, some of which can be life-threatening. It can reduce the number of lymphocytes in your blood, typically returning to normal within four to five weeks after discontinuation. Your healthcare provider will conduct blood tests prior to initiating treatment and may delay treatment if an infection is present. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience symptoms of infection during treatment or within five weeks after stopping VELSIPITY, such as fever, painful or frequent urination, flu-like symptoms, or confusion.
- Bradyarrhythmia: A slower heart rate may occur when starting VELSIPITY, especially after the first dose. An electrocardiogram (ECG) will be conducted to monitor your heart’s electrical activity prior to starting treatment. Seek medical attention if you experience dizziness, lightheadedness, or any other symptoms related to slow heart rate.
Before taking VELSIPITY, inform your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you:
- have a chronic infection or one that doesn’t improve
- are immunocompromised
- have received a vaccine recently or are scheduled for one. Ensure you are up-to-date with all necessary vaccines before starting VELSIPITY, as it may affect vaccine efficacy.
- have or had chickenpox or received the chickenpox vaccine; a blood test may be necessary
- have a slow heart rate or an irregular heartbeat
- have heart disease or a history of high blood pressure
- have experienced a stroke or ministroke
- have experienced repeated fainting spells
- have liver issues or a history of skin cancer
- have untreated sleep apnea or other breathing problems
- are pregnant or planning to become pregnant; VELSIPITY may affect the unborn child.
- are breastfeeding; it is unknown if VELSIPITY passes into breast milk.
Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements. Combining VELSIPITY with other medications can result in serious side effects. Specifically, inform your healthcare provider if you are taking:
- heart rhythm medications (antiarrhythmics), beta blockers, or calcium channel blockers
- medications that affect your immune system
- strong inhibitors of CYP2C9 and CYP3A4, such as fluconazole or rifampin, as these should not be taken with VELSIPITY.
Avoid receiving live vaccines at least four weeks prior to starting VELSIPITY, during treatment, and for five weeks after stopping the medication. Discuss vaccination plans with your healthcare provider during and after treatment.
Did you know that vaccines might not work as effectively when taken during VELSIPITY treatment? This medication can lead to serious side effects, including:
– Liver issues: Regular monitoring of liver function is necessary, and if you experience symptoms such as nausea or jaundice, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
– Increased blood pressure: Your blood pressure should be regularly checked during treatment to ensure it stays within a healthy range.
– Vision changes: VELSIPITY may cause macular edema, so monitor your vision and report any changes.
– Skin cancer: Protect your skin from UV exposure, and inform your healthcare provider of any skin changes.
– Brain vessel issues: Seek medical attention if you experience severe headaches or confusion, which could indicate Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES).
– Breathing difficulties: Notify your healthcare provider of any new or worsening respiratory symptoms.
Common side effects of VELSIPITY may include headaches, dizziness, and elevated liver tests. If you have any concerns regarding VELSIPITY or experience side effects, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Remember to report any side effects to the FDA or Pfizer.
VELSIPITY is intended for adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis and is not approved for use in children. Stay informed and prioritize your health while undergoing treatment with VELSIPITY.
