Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Etrasimod arginine may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
for
Velsipity contains the active substance etrasimod, which belongs to a group of medicines known as sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulators. Velsipity is used in adults and adolescents aged 16 years and older for the treatment of moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC). Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease of the large bowel. If you have ulcerative colitis you will first be given other medicines. If you do not respond well enough or cannot take these medicines, you may be given Velsipity to reduce the signs and symptoms of the disease. The active substance in Velsipity, etrasimod, prevents lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) from travelling from the lymph nodes (part of the body's immune system that contains lymphocytes) into the blood. These lymphocytes are involved in the inflammation that is linked to the development of ulcerative colitis. By reducing the number of lymphocytes circulating in the blood surrounding the large bowel, etrasimod helps to reduce bowel inflammation and the symptoms associated with the disease. 2.
e Velsipity
Do not take Velsipity • if you are allergic to etrasimod or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6); • if your healthcare professional has told you that you have a severely weakened immune system; 1
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if you have had a heart attack, unstable angina pectoris (chest pain caused by interruptions in the heart's blood supply that occurs at rest or without an obvious trigger), stroke, transient ischaemic attack (TIA, also known as a mini-stroke) or certain types of severe heart failure in the last 6 months; if you have certain types of arrhythmia (irregular or abnormal heartbeat) – your doctor will check your heart before starting treatment; if you have a severe active infection or active chronic infection, such as hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) or tuberculosis; if you have cancer; if you have severe liver problems; if you are pregnant or a woman of childbearing potential not using effective contraception.
Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor or, pharmacist before taking Velsipity if: • you have a slow heart rate or you are taking or have recently taken medicines that slow your heart rate (such as beta blockers or calcium channel blockers); • you have ever had a stroke or other diseases related to blood vessels in the brain; • you have problems with your liver; • you have an infection; • you have low levels of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell); • you have recently had or are planning to have a vaccination; • you have ever had problems with your vision or other symptoms of build-up of fluid in the back of the eye; • you have inflammation of the eye; • you have diabetes (which can cause problems with your eyes); • you have high blood pressure; • you have severe lung disease, such as pulmonary fibrosis (lung damage with tissue scarring and thickening), asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (a type of lung disease marked by permanent damage to lung tissues). Slow heart rate and irregular heart rhythm Before you start taking Velsipity, your doctor will check your heart using an electrocardiogram (ECG; a test of the heart's electrical activity). This is because Velsipity can cause a temporary decrease in heart rate and other heart rhythm disorders when starting treatment. When this happens, you may feel dizzy or tired or be consciously aware of your heartbeat, or your blood pressure may drop. If these effects are severe, tell your doctor, because you may need treatment right away. If you restart treatment again after stopping for 7 or more days in a row, your doctor may re-check your heart using an ECG. If you have certain heart conditions, your doctor will also monitor you for at least the first 4 hours after your first dose. Your doctor will ask you to stay at the hospital or clinic for 4 hours and will measure your pulse and blood pressure every hour after taking the first dose of Velsipity. You should have an ECG performed before the first dose of Velsipity and after the 4-hour monitoring period. If after the 4-hour period you have a very slow or decreasing heart rate, or if your ECG shows abnormalities, you may need to be monitored for a longer period until these have resolved. High blood pressure As Velsipity can increase your blood pressure, your doctor may want to check your blood pressure regularly. Infections Velsipity lowers the levels of white blood cell in your blood (particularly the lymphocyte count). White blood cells fight infection. While you are taking Velsipity (and for up to about 2 weeks after you stop taking it), you may be more likely to get infections, and any infection that you already have may get worse. Talk to your doctor if you develop an infection. If you think you have an infection, 2
have a fever, feel like you have the flu, have shingles or have a headache accompanied by a stiff neck, with sensitivity to light, nausea, rash, and/or confusion or seizures (fits) (these may be symptoms of meningitis and/or encephalitis caused by a fungal or herpes viral infection), contact your doctor straight away, because it could be serious and life-threatening. Cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) have been reported with medicines similar to Velsipity. PML is a rare viral brain infection that may lead to severe disability or death. PML symptoms include disturbance of vision, progressive weakness, clumsiness, memory loss or confusion. If you develop any of these symptoms, speak to your doctor straight away. Your doctor will consider performing further tests to evaluate this condition and will stop your treatment with Velsipity if PML is confirmed. Macular oedema Velsipity can cause a problem with your vision called macular oedema (swelling of the macula, the central part of the retina at the back of the eye). The risk of developing macular oedema is higher if you have diabetes, uveitis (inflammation of the uvea, the layer beneath the white of the eyeball), or certain other eye problems. If you have any of these conditions, your doctor will check your vision before you start taking Velsipity and regularly during treatment. If you do not have these conditions, your doctor will check your vision within 3-4 months after starting treatment. Tell your doctor about any changes in your vision while on Velsipity. Call your doctor straight away if you have any of the following: • blurriness or shadows in the centre of your vision; • a blind spot in the centre of your vision; • sensitivity to light; • unusually coloured (tinted) vision. Cancer Velsipity weakens your immune system. This increases your risk of developing cancers, in particular skin cancers. Skin cancers have been reported with medicines similar to Velsipity. Talk to your doctor straight away if you notice any skin nodules (e.g., shiny pearly nodules), patches or open sores that do not heal within weeks. Symptoms of skin cancer may include abnormal growth or changes of skin tissue (e.g., unusual moles) with a change in colour, shape, or size over time. Since there is a risk for skin cancer, you should limit your exposure to sunlight and UV (ultraviolet) light by wearing protective clothing and regularly applying sunscreen (with high sun protection factor). Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a condition where the brain swells. PRES symptoms include headache, changes in vision, reduced awareness, confusion, and seizures (fits). If you develop any of these symptoms, speak to your doctor straight away. Vaccinations If you need to receive a vaccine, seek your doctor's advice first. Vaccines may not work as well as they should during your treatment with Velsipity. You are advised to make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date before you start treatment. So-called live vaccines may trigger the infection that they are supposed to prevent and should therefore be given at least 4 weeks before you start treatment, or at least 2 weeks after you stop taking Velsipity. Liver function tests Velsipity may affect your liver function. Tell your doctor straight away if you develop any of the following symptoms: yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, abnormally dark urine (brown coloured), pain on the right side of your stomach area (abdomen), tiredness, feeling less hungry than usual or unexplained nausea and vomiting. Before, during and after the treatment, your doctor will request blood tests to monitor your liver function. 3
Lung problems Velsipity may have an effect on the lung function. Patients with severe lung problems have a higher chance of developing these side effects. Other treatments for ulcerative colitis Your doctor will usually advise that you stop other treatments for ulcerative colitis with the exception of corticosteroids (like cortisone), and mesalazine. Some medicines for ulcerative colitis may also be used for other conditions. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you take. When switching from the previous treatment, because of the risk of additive immunosuppressive effects, the risk of infection may be increased for some time. Do not take any other immunosuppressive products unless your doctor has told you to do so. Women of childbearing potential If used during pregnancy, Velsipity can harm the unborn baby. Before you start treatment with Velsipity, your doctor will explain the risk to you and ask you to do a pregnancy test in order to ensure that you are not pregnant. Your doctor will give you a patient card which explains why you should not become pregnant while taking Velsipity. It also explains what you should do to avoid becoming pregnant while you are taking Velsipity. You must use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 14 days after stopping treatment (see "Pregnancy, contraception, and breast-feeding" in section 2). If any of these apply to you, tell your doctor or pharmacist before taking Velsipity. Children and adolescents Do not give this medicine to children and adolescents aged under 16 years. This is because Velsipity has not been studied in this age group. Other medicines and Velsipity Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medicines. This is because Velsipity can affect the way some other medicines work. Also, some other medicines can affect the way Velsipity works. In particular, before taking Velsipity, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any of the following medicines: • Medicines to control your heart rate and blood pressure (beta blocker medicines and calcium channel blocker medicines); use of these medicines could strengthen the effect of Velsipity on irregular heartbeat. • Medicines to control your heart rhythm (antiarrhythmics), or heartbeat. • Medicines that affect your immune system; use of these medicines with Velsipity could weaken the immune system. • Vaccines; if you need to receive a vaccine, talk to your doctor. You should not take Velsipity for at least 2 weeks before a vaccination. You should not take Velsipity for at least 4 weeks after receiving a live vaccine. • Fluconazole (an anti-fungal treatment) and certain other medicines can increase the levels of Velsipity in the blood, which increases the risk of side effects with Velsipity. It is recommended that you do not take these while also taking Velsipity and your doctor will advise you on this. • Rifampicin, enzalutamide, and certain other medicines can decrease the levels of Velsipity in the blood, reducing its effectiveness. It is recommended that you do not take these while also taking Velsipity and your doctor will advise you on this. Velsipity may slightly increase the levels of hormones released from some contraceptive pills. You will still be protected from pregnancy, but your chances of side effects from contraceptive pills may be higher. If you have any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
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Pregnancy, contraception, and breast-feeding If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine. Pregnancy and contraception Do not use Velsipity during pregnancy, if you are trying to become pregnant, or if you are a woman who could become pregnant and you are not using effective contraception. If Velsipity is used during pregnancy, there is a risk of harm to the unborn baby. If you are a woman who could become pregnant, your doctor will inform you about this risk before you start treatment with Velsipity and will ask you to do a pregnancy test in order to ensure that you are not pregnant. You must use effective contraception while taking Velsipity and for at least 14 days after you stop taking it. Ask your doctor about reliable methods of contraception. Your doctor will give you a patient card which explains why you should not become pregnant while taking Velsipity. If you do become pregnant while taking Velsipity, tell your doctor straight away. Your doctor will likely stop treatment (see "If you stop taking Velsipity" in section 3) and pre-natal checks will be performed to monitor the health of the unborn baby. Breast-feeding You should not breast-feed while you are taking Velsipity. This is to avoid a risk of side effects for the baby since Velsipity may pass into breast milk. Driving and using machines Velsipity is not expected to have an influence on your ability to drive and use machines. You may, however, feel dizzy after taking Velsipity. If this happens, do not drive or use machines. Velsipity contains tartrazine (E102) The colouring agent in Velsipity contains tartrazine (E102), which may cause allergic reactions. Velsipity contains sodium This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per tablet, that is to say essentially 'sodiumfree'. 3.
How to take Velsipity
Velsipity will be started under the supervision of a doctor who is experienced in treating ulcerative colitis. Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
• The recommended dose of Velsipity is one 2 mg tablet taken once daily. • Take Velsipity with food for the first 3 days. After this, you can take Velsipity each day with or without food. • Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not split, crush, or chew the tablet before swallowing as it may change how much medicine gets into your body. If you take more Velsipity than you should If you have taken more Velsipity than you should, call your doctor straight away or go to a hospital straight away. Take the medicine pack and this package leaflet with you. If you forget to take Velsipity If you forget to take a dose of Velsipity, take the next dose at your usual time. Do not double the dose.
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If you stop taking Velsipity Do not stop taking Velsipity or change your dose without talking to your doctor first. If your doctor decides to pause your treatment for 7 days or more in a row, the medicine must be taken with food for the first 3 days after you restart taking Velsipity. After that you can take Velsipity with or without food. If you restart Velsipity after stopping your treatment for 7 days or more in a row, the effect on heart rate that may be seen when treatment is first started may re-occur and you may need to be monitored at the hospital or clinic. Do not restart Velsipity after stopping it for more than 7 days without seeking advice from your doctor. Velsipity will stay in your body for up to 14 days after you stop taking it. Your white blood cell count (lymphocyte count) may remain low for up to about 2 weeks and side effects described in this leaflet may still occur (see "Possible side effects" in section 4) during this period. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 4.
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Serious side effects Tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you notice any of the side effects listed below, which could become serious: Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) • bradycardia (slow heart rate) • hypertension (high blood pressure) • urinary tract infection (infection of the parts of the body that collect and pass out urine) • lower respiratory tract infection (infection of the lower airways or lungs) Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) • atrioventricular block (a type of heart rhythm disorder) • macular oedema (swelling in the macula, the central part of the retina at the back of the eye) Other side effects Tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you notice any of the following side effects: Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people) • lymphopenia (low levels of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell) Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) • hypercholesterolaemia (high blood cholesterol levels) • headache • feeling dizzy • increased liver enzyme levels in blood tests, which can be a sign of problems with your liver function • neutropenia (low levels of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell) • visual impairment Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme
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at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. 5.
Velsipity
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Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the bottle, blister, and carton after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. This medicine does not require any special temperature storage conditions. Store in the original package in order to protect from moisture. Do not use this medicine if you notice any damage or signs of tampering with the pack. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.
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6.
What Velsipity contains • The active substance is etrasimod. Each film-coated tablet contains etrasimod arginine equivalent to 2 mg etrasimod. • The other excipients are: Tablet core Magnesium stearate (E470b), mannitol (E421), microcrystalline cellulose (E460i), sodium starch glycolate (Type A) Tablet coating Brilliant blue FCF aluminium lake (E133), indigo carmine aluminium lake (E132), tartrazine aluminium lake (E102), macrogol 4000 (E1521), poly(vinyl alcohol) (E1203), talc (E553b), and titanium dioxide (E171) What Velsipity looks like and contents of the pack Velsipity 2 mg is a green, round, film-coated tablet of approximately 6 mm diameter with "ETR" on one side and "2" on the other side. Pack sizes: • Bottle of 30 film-coated tablets • Blisters of 28 film-coated tablets • Blisters of 98 film-coated tablets Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder Pfizer Limited Ramsgate Road Sandwich Kent CT13 9NJ United Kingdom Manufacturer Penn Pharmaceuticals Services Limited Unit 23-24, Tafarnaubach Industrial Estate Tafarnaubach, Tredegar NP22 3AA, United Kingdom 7
For any information about this medicine, please contact: Medical Information, Pfizer Ltd, Walton Oaks, Dorking Road, Tadworth, Surrey, KT20 7NS. Telephone 01304 616161. This leaflet was last revised in 07/2025. Ref: VL 4_1
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Velsipity 2 mg film-coated tablets comes as tablet containing 2mg. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
The active substance in Velsipity 2 mg film-coated tablets is etrasimod arginine.
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Velsipity 2 mg film-coated tablets, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
Velsipity is indicated for the treatment of patients 16 years of age and older with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) who have had an inadequate response, lost response, or were intolerant to either conventional therapy, or a biological agent.
Treatment should be initiated under the supervision of a physician experienced in the management of ulcerative colitis.
Posology
The recommended dose is 2 mg etrasimod taken once daily.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, the prescribed dose should be taken at the next scheduled time; the next dose should not be doubled.
Dose interruption
If treatment is interrupted for 7 or more consecutive days, it is recommended to resume treatment with food for the first 3 doses.
Special populations
Elderly
No dose adjustment is needed in patients over 65 years of age (see section 5.2).
Etrasimod should be used with caution in elderly patients over 65 years of age, given the limited data available and potential for an increased risk of adverse reactions in this population.
Renal impairment
No dose adjustment is needed for patients with renal impairment (see section 5.2).
Hepatic impairment
No dose adjustment is needed for patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment. Etrasimod should not be used in patients with severe hepatic impairment (see sections 4.3 and 5.2).
Paediatric population
The safety and efficacy of etrasimod in children and adolescents less than 16 years of age have not yet been established. No data are available.
Given the limited data in adolescents aged 16 and over, etrasimod should be used with caution especially when body weight is less than 40 kg due to the potential for increase in exposure (see section 5.2).
Method of administration
Oral use.
It is recommended that etrasimod be administered with food for the first 3 days to attenuate potential transient heart rate lowering effects related to initiation of treatment (see section 4.4). Etrasimod can then be taken with or without food (see section 5.2).
Tablets should be swallowed whole with water and not be split, crushed or chewed because these methods have not been studied in clinical trials.
• Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
• Immunodeficient state (see section 4.4).
• Patients who in the last 6 months experienced myocardial infarction, unstable angina pectoris, stroke, transient ischaemic attack (TIA), decompensated heart failure requiring hospitalisation, or New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III/IV heart failure.
• Patients with history or presence of Mobitz type II second-degree or third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block, sick sinus syndrome, or sino-atrial block, unless patient has a functioning pacemaker.
• Severe active infections, active chronic infections such as hepatitis or tuberculosis (see section 4.4).
• Active malignancies.
• Severe hepatic impairment.
• During pregnancy and in women of childbearing potential not using effective contraception (see sections 4.4 and 4.6).
Bradyarrhythmia and atrioventricular conduction delays
Treatment initiation with etrasimod
Prior to treatment initiation with etrasimod, an electrocardiogram (ECG) should be obtained in all patients to assess for pre-existing cardiac abnormalities. In patients with certain pre-existing conditions, first dose monitoring is recommended (see below). When reinitiating treatment after an interruption of 7 or more consecutive days, consideration may be given to repeating the baseline ECG and/or monitoring depending on the results of the first evaluation, change in patient characteristics, and duration of interruption.
Initiation of etrasimod may result in a transient decrease in heart rate and AV conduction delays (see sections 4.8 and 5.1).
Caution should be applied when etrasimod is initiated in patients receiving treatment with a beta-blocker because of the potential additive effects on lowering heart rate. Similar caution should be applied if patients receive calcium channel blockers, QT prolonging medicinal products, Class Ia and Class III anti-arrhythmic substances (see section 4.5), since co-administration of these substances with etrasimod may lead to additive effects.
Temporary interruption of the beta-blocker treatment may be needed prior to initiation of etrasimod, depending on the resting HR before initiation of etrasimod (see also section below and section 4.5).
If interruption is deemed necessary, treatment with a beta-blocker can be reinitiated depending on the time of reaching the baseline heart rate. Beta-blocker treatment can be initiated in patients receiving stable doses of etrasimod.
Cardiologist advice should be obtained before initiation of etrasimod to determine overall benefit risk and the most appropriate monitoring strategy in patients with the following conditions:
• Significant QT prolongation (QTcF ≥ 450 msec in males, ≥ 470 msec in females).
• Arrhythmias requiring treatment with Class Ia or Class III anti-arrhythmic medicinal products.
• Unstable ischaemic heart disease, history of cardiac arrest, cerebrovascular disease (occurring more than 6 months prior to treatment initiation), or uncontrolled hypertension.
• History of symptomatic bradycardia, recurrent cardiogenic syncope, or severe untreated sleep apnoea.
First dose monitoring in patients with certain pre-existing cardiac conditions
Due to the risk of transient decreases in heart rate with the initiation of etrasimod 4-hour monitoring for signs and symptoms of symptomatic bradycardia after the first dose is recommended in patients with resting heart rate < 50 bpm, second-degree [Mobitz type I] AV block, or a history of myocardial infarction or heart failure (see section 4.3).
Patients should be monitored with hourly pulse and blood pressure measurement during this 4-hour period. An ECG prior to and at the end of this 4-hour period is recommended.
Additional monitoring is recommended in patients, if at the end of 4-hour period:
• Heart rate is < 45 bpm.
• Heart rate is the lowest value post dose, suggesting that the maximum decrease in heart rate may not have occurred yet.
• ECG shows evidence of a new onset second-degree or higher AV block.
• QTc interval is ≥ 500 msec.
In these cases, appropriate management should be initiated, and observation should continue until the symptoms/findings have resolved. If medical treatment is required, monitoring should be continued overnight, and a 4-hour monitoring period should be repeated after the second dose of etrasimod.
Infections
Risk of infections
Etrasimod causes a mean reduction in peripheral blood lymphocyte count ranging from 43 to 55% of baseline values over 52 weeks because of reversible sequestration of lymphocytes in lymphoid tissues (see section 5.1). Etrasimod may, therefore, increase the susceptibility to infections (see section 4.8).
Before initiating treatment, a recent complete blood count (CBC), including lymphocyte count (i.e., within the last 6 months or after discontinuation of prior UC therapy), should be obtained.
Assessments of CBC are also recommended periodically during treatment. Absolute lymphocyte counts < 0.2 x 109/L, if confirmed, should lead to interruption of etrasimod therapy until the level reaches > 0.5 x 109/L when re-initiation of etrasimod can be considered (see section 4.2).
The initiation of etrasimod in patients with any active infection should be delayed until the infection is resolved (see section 4.3).
Patients should be instructed to promptly report symptoms of infection to their physician. Effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies should be employed in patients with symptoms of infection while on therapy.
If a patient develops a serious infection, interruption of etrasimod should be considered.
As residual pharmacodynamic effects, such as lowering effects on peripheral lymphocyte count, may persist up to 2 weeks after discontinuation of etrasimod, vigilance for infection should be continued throughout this period (see section 5.1).
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)
PML is an opportunistic viral infection of the brain caused by the John Cunningham virus (JCV) that typically occurs in patients who are immunocompromised, and that may lead to death or severe disability. Typical symptoms associated with PML are diverse, progress over days to weeks, and include progressive weakness on one side of the body or clumsiness of limbs, disturbance of vision, and changes in thinking, memory, and orientation leading to confusion and personality changes.
PML has been reported in multiple sclerosis patients treated with sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulators and has been associated with some risk factors (e.g., immunocompromised patients, polytherapy with immunosuppressants). Physicians should be vigilant for clinical symptoms or unexplained neurologic findings that may be suggestive of PML. If PML is suspected, treatment with etrasimod should be suspended until PML has been excluded by an appropriate diagnostic evaluation.
If PML is confirmed, treatment with etrasimod should be discontinued.
Prior and concomitant treatment with anti-neoplastic, immune-modulating, or non-corticosteroid immunosuppressive therapies
In clinical studies, patients who received etrasimod were not to receive concomitant treatment with anti-neoplastic, immune-modulating, or non-corticosteroid immunosuppressive therapies used for the treatment of UC. In clinical studies, concomitant use of corticosteroids was allowed; however, long-term data on concomitant use of etrasimod and corticosteroids are limited (see section 5.1).
Caution should be used when co-administering etrasimod and anti-neoplastic, immune-modulating, or immunosuppressive (including corticosteroid) therapies to patients, because of the risk of additive immune system effects during such therapy (see section 4.5).
When switching to etrasimod from immunosuppressive therapies, the duration of effects and mechanism of action should be considered to avoid unintended additive immune system effects. An appropriate washout period may need to be applied.
Vaccinations
No clinical data are available on the safety and efficacy of vaccinations in patients taking etrasimod. Vaccinations may be less effective if administered during etrasimod treatment. If live attenuated vaccine immunisations are required, these should be administered at least 4 weeks prior to initiation of etrasimod. The use of live attenuated vaccines during and for at least 2 weeks after treatment with etrasimod should be avoided (see section 5.1).
It is recommended to update immunisations in agreement with current immunisation guidelines prior to initiating etrasimod therapy.
Liver injury
Elevations of aminotransferases may occur in patients receiving etrasimod (see section 4.8). Recent transaminase and bilirubin levels (i.e., within last 6 months) should be available before initiation of treatment with etrasimod.
In the absence of clinical symptoms, liver transaminases and bilirubin levels should be monitored at months 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 on therapy and periodically thereafter.
Patients who develop symptoms suggestive of hepatic dysfunction, such as unexplained nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, anorexia, or jaundice and/or dark urine, should have hepatic enzymes checked. Etrasimod should be discontinued if significant liver injury is confirmed (for example, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) exceeds 3-fold the upper limit of normal (ULN) and total bilirubin exceeds 2-fold the ULN).
Resumption of therapy will be dependent on whether another cause of liver injury is determined and on the benefits to patient of resuming etrasimod therapy versus the risks of recurrence of liver dysfunction. Although there are no data to establish that patients with pre-existing liver disease are at increased risk of developing elevated liver function test values when taking etrasimod, caution should be exercised in patients with a history of significant liver disease.
Increased blood pressure
In clinical studies, hypertension was more frequently reported in patients treated with etrasimod than in patients treated with placebo (see section 4.8). Blood pressure should be monitored during treatment with etrasimod and managed appropriately.
Women of childbearing potential
Based on animal studies, etrasimod may cause foetal harm (see sections 4.6 and 5.3). Due to the risk to the foetus, etrasimod is contraindicated during pregnancy and in women of childbearing potential not using effective contraception (see sections 4.3 and 4.6). Before initiation of treatment, women of childbearing potential must be informed about this risk to the foetus, must have a negative pregnancy test, and must use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 14 days after treatment discontinuation (see section 4.6).
Macular oedema
S1P receptor modulators, including etrasimod, have been associated with an increased risk of macular oedema. Macular oedema with or without visual symptoms has been reported in 0.3% of patients treated with Velsipity.
Patients with a history of diabetes mellitus, uveitis, and/or underlying/co-existing retinal disease, are at increased risk of macular oedema during etrasimod therapy (see section 4.8). It is recommended that these patients undergo an ophthalmic evaluation prior to treatment initiation with etrasimod and have follow-up evaluations while receiving therapy.
In patients without the risk factors above, an ophthalmic evaluation of the fundus, including the macula, is recommended within 3-4 months after starting etrasimod treatment (cases reported with etrasimod occurred within this timeframe) and at any time if there is a change in vision while taking etrasimod.
Patients who present with visual symptoms of macular oedema should be evaluated and, if confirmed, treatment with etrasimod should be discontinued. A decision on whether etrasimod should be re-initiated after resolution needs to take into account the potential benefits and risks for the individual patient.
Malignancies
Cases of malignancies (including cutaneous malignancies) have been reported in patients treated with S1P receptor modulators. If a suspicious skin lesion is observed, it should be promptly evaluated.
Since there is a potential risk of malignant skin growths, patients treated with etrasimod should be cautioned against exposure to sunlight without protection. These patients should not receive concomitant phototherapy with UV-B-radiation or PUVA-photochemotherapy.
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES)
Rare cases of PRES have been reported in patients receiving S1P receptor modulators. Should an etrasimod-treated patient develop any neurological or psychiatric symptoms/signs (e.g., cognitive deficits, behavioural changes, cortical visual disturbances, or any other neurological cortical symptoms/signs), any symptom/sign suggestive of an increase of intracranial pressure, or accelerated neurological deterioration, the physician should promptly schedule a complete physical and neurological examination and should consider an MRI. Symptoms of PRES are usually reversible but may evolve into ischaemic stroke or cerebral haemorrhage. Delay in diagnosis and treatment may lead to permanent neurological sequelae. If PRES is suspected, treatment with etrasimod should be discontinued.
Interaction with other medicinal products, CYP2C9 polymorphism
Etrasimod should not be co-administered with a therapeutic agent or a combination of agents that are moderate to strong inhibitors of two or more of the following CYP enzymes (CYP2C8, CYP2C9, and CYP3A4) due to the risk of increased exposure to etrasimod (see section 4.5).
The use of etrasimod is not recommended when co-administered with a therapeutic agent or a combination of agents that are moderate to strong inducers of two or more of the following CYP enzymes (CYP2C8, CYP2C9, and CYP3A4) due to the risk of decreased exposure to etrasimod (see section 4.5).
The use of etrasimod is not recommended in patients who are known or suspected to be CYP2C9 poor metabolisers (< 5% of the population) and who take medicinal products that are moderate or strong inhibitors of CYP2C8 and/or CYP3A4 due to the risk of increased exposure of etrasimod (see section 4.5).
Respiratory effects
Reductions in absolute forced expiratory volume over 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were observed in patients treated with S1P receptor modulators, including etrasimod.
Etrasimod should be used with caution in patients with severe respiratory disease (e.g., pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
Excipients
Tartrazine
This medicinal product contains tartrazine (E102) which may cause allergic reactions.
Sodium content
This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per tablet, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'.
Effect of inhibitors of CYP2C8, CYP2C9, and CYP3A4 on etrasimod
The co-administration of etrasimod with steady state fluconazole (moderate CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 inhibitor) increased exposure (AUC) of etrasimod by 84%. Co-administration of etrasimod with a therapeutic agent or a combination of agents that are moderate to strong inhibitors of two or more of the following CYP enzymes (CYP2C8, CYP2C9, and CYP3A4) (e.g., fluconazole) increases the exposure of etrasimod and is not recommended (see section 4.4).
Effect of inducers of CYP2C8, CYP2C9, and CYP3A4 on etrasimod
The co-administration of etrasimod with rifampicin (strong CYP3A4, moderate CYP2C8, and CYP2C9 inducer) decreased exposure (AUC) of etrasimod by 49%. Co-administration of etrasimod with a therapeutic agent or a combination of agents that are moderate to strong inducers of two or more of the following CYP enzymes (CYP2C8, CYP2C9, and CYP3A4) (e.g., rifampicin, enzalutamide) decreases the exposure of etrasimod and is not recommended (see section 4.4).
Effect of CYP2C9 polymorphism
Due to the potential for increased exposure of etrasimod, co-administration of etrasimod in patients who are known or suspected to be CYP2C9 poor metabolisers (< 5% of the population) and who take medicinal products that are moderate or strong inhibitors of CYP2C8 and/or CYP3A4 is not recommended (see section 4.4).
Beta blockers and calcium channel blockers
The initiation of a beta blocker with stable treatment of etrasimod has not been studied.
The effect of co-administration of etrasimod and a calcium channel blocker has not been studied.
Caution is recommended for patients receiving medicinal products that slow heart rate or atrioventricular conduction because of the potential additive effects on lowering heart rate (see section 4.4).
Anti-arrhythmic medicinal products, QT prolonging medicinal products, medicinal products that may decrease heart rate
Etrasimod has not been studied in patients taking QT prolonging medicinal products.
Class Ia (e.g., quinidine, procainamide) and Class III (e.g., amiodarone, sotalol) anti-arrhythmic medicinal products have been associated with cases of Torsades de Pointes in patients with bradycardia. If treatment with etrasimod is considered in patients on Class Ia or Class III anti-arrhythmic medicinal products, advice from a cardiologist should be sought (see section 4.4).
Due to the potential additive effects on heart rate, if treatment initiation with etrasimod is considered in patients on QT prolonging medicinal products, advice from a cardiologist should be sought (see section 4.4).
Anti-neoplastic, immune-modulating, or non-corticosteroid immunosuppressive therapies
Etrasimod has not been studied in combination with anti-neoplastic, immune-modulating, or non-corticosteroid immunosuppressive therapies. Caution should be used during concomitant administration because of the risk of additive immune system effects during such therapy and in the weeks following administration (see section 4.4).
Vaccination
Vaccinations may be less effective if administered during and for up to 2 weeks after discontinuation of treatment with etrasimod. The use of live attenuated vaccine may carry the risk of infection and should therefore be avoided during etrasimod treatment and for at least 2 weeks after discontinuation of treatment with etrasimod (see section 4.4).
Oral contraceptives
No clinically significant differences in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of an oral contraceptive containing 30 mcg ethinyl oestradiol and 150 mcg levonorgestrel were observed when co-administered with etrasimod. Co-administration of etrasimod with an oral contraceptive containing ethinyl oestradiol and levonorgestrel increases AUC values of the ethinyl oestradiol and levonorgestrel by approximately 24% and 32%, respectively.
Paediatric population
Interaction studies have only been performed in adults.
Women of childbearing potential/Contraception in females
Velsipity is contraindicated in women of childbearing potential not using effective contraception (see section 4.3). Therefore, before initiation of treatment in women of childbearing potential, a negative pregnancy test result must be available and counselling should be provided regarding the serious risk to the foetus. Due to the time it takes to eliminate etrasimod from the body after stopping treatment, the potential risk to the foetus may persist and women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during etrasimod treatment and for at least 14 days after treatment discontinuation (see section 4.4).
Specific measures are also included in the Healthcare Professional checklist. These measures must be implemented before etrasimod is prescribed to female patients and during treatment.
Pregnancy
There is a limited amount of data from the use of etrasimod in pregnant women. Studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3). Clinical experience with another sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulator indicated a 2-fold higher risk of major congenital malformations when administered during pregnancy compared with the rate observed in the general population. Based on human experience etrasimod may cause congenital malformations when administered during the first trimester of pregnancy. The limited human data available for etrasimod also suggest an increased risk of abnormal pregnancy outcomes. Consequently, Velsipity is contraindicated during pregnancy (see section 4.3).
Etrasimod should be stopped at least 14 days before a pregnancy is planned (see section 4.4). If a woman becomes pregnant during treatment, etrasimod must be immediately discontinued. Medical advice should be given regarding the risk of harmful effects to the foetus associated with treatment and follow-up examinations should be performed.
Breast-feeding
It is unknown whether etrasimod is excreted in human milk. A study in lactating rats has indicated excretion of etrasimod in milk (see section 5.3). A risk to newborns/infants cannot be excluded. Etrasimod should not be used during breast-feeding.
Fertility
The effect of etrasimod on human fertility has not been evaluated. In animal studies, no adverse effects on fertility were observed (see section 5.3).
Etrasimod has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
However, patients who experience dizziness after taking etrasimod should refrain from driving or using machines until the dizziness resolves (see section 4.8).
Summary of the safety profile
The most common adverse reactions are lymphopenia (11%) and headache (7%).
Tabulated list of adverse reactions
The adverse reactions observed in patients treated with etrasimod are listed below by system organ class (SOC) and frequency category. Within each SOC and frequency grouping, adverse reactions are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.
Frequencies are defined as: very common (≥ 1/10); common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10); uncommon (≥ 1/1 000 to < 1/100); rare (≥ 1/10 000 to < 1/1 000).
Table 1: Adverse reactions
System organ class (SOC)
Very common
Common
Uncommon
Infections and infestations
Urinary tract infectiona, lower respiratory tract infectionb
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
Lymphopeniac
Neutropenia
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Hypercholesterolaemiad
Nervous system disorders
Headache, dizziness
Eye disorders
Visual impairment
Macular oedema
Cardiac disorders
Bradycardiae
Atrioventricular blockf
Vascular disorders
Hypertension
Hepatobiliary disorders
Hepatic enzyme increased
a Urinary tract infection includes urinary tract infection and cystitis.
b Lower respiratory tract infection includes bronchitis and pneumonia.
c Lymphopenia includes lymphopenia, lymphocyte count decreased, and lymphocyte percentage decreased.
d Hypercholesterolaemia includes hypercholesterolaemia and blood cholesterol increased.
e Bradycardia includes bradycardia and sinus bradycardia. See “Description of selected adverse reactions” below.
f Atrioventricular block includes first- or second-degree Mobitz type I. See “Description of selected adverse reactions” below.
Description of selected adverse reactions
Bradyarrhythmia
In ELEVATE UC 52 and ELEVATE UC 12, bradycardia was reported as an AE on the day of treatment initiation in 1.5% of patients treated with etrasimod. On Day 2, bradycardia was reported as an AE in 0.4% of patients treated with etrasimod. Bradycardia was recorded more frequently on ECG monitoring (see section 5.1).
In ELEVATE UC 52 and ELEVATE UC 12, on the day of treatment initiation, events of first- or second-degree Mobitz type I AV blocks were reported as an AE in 0.6% of patients treated with etrasimod. Events of AV block were mostly transient and asymptomatic. PR interval prolongation was recorded more frequently on ECG monitoring (see section 5.1).
Infections
In ELEVATE UC 52 and ELEVATE UC 12, the overall rate of infections and rate of serious infections in patients treated with etrasimod was comparable to that in patients who received placebo (18.8% vs 17.7% and 0.6% vs 1.9%, respectively). Etrasimod increased the risk of urinary tract infections and lower respiratory tract infections (see Table 1).
Blood lymphocyte count and neutrophil count reduction
Etrasimod partially and reversibly blocks the capacity of lymphocytes to egress from lymphoid organs, reducing the number of lymphocytes in peripheral blood (see section 5.1). The proportion of patients treated with etrasimod who experienced lymphocyte counts less than 0.2 x 109/L was 3.5% in ELEVATE UC 52 and ELEVATE UC 12. These events did not lead to treatment discontinuation.
Etrasimod caused a reversible decrease in neutrophil count; the proportion of patients treated with etrasimod who experienced neutrophil counts less than 0.5 x 109/L was 0.2% in ELEVATE UC 52 and ELEVATE UC 12. These events did not lead to treatment discontinuation.
Elevated hepatic enzymes
In ELEVATE UC 52 and ELEVATE UC 12, elevations of ALT to 5-fold and 3-fold the ULN or greater occurred in 0.9% and 4.0% of patients treated with etrasimod, respectively.
The majority (75%) of patients with ALT greater than 3-fold the ULN continued treatment with etrasimod with values returning to less than 3-fold the ULN while on treatment.
Overall, the percentage of discontinuation because of elevations in hepatic enzymes was 0.4% in patients treated with etrasimod.
Hepatic enzyme increased includes events of gamma glutamyl transferase increased, alanine aminotransferase increased, aspartate aminotransferase increased, hepatic enzyme increased, hepatic function abnormal, liver disorder, liver function test abnormal, and transaminases increased (see Table 1).
Increased blood pressure
In ELEVATE UC 52 and ELEVATE UC 12, patients treated with etrasimod had an average increase of approximately 1 to 4 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure and approximately 1 to 2 mm Hg in diastolic blood pressure. The increase was first detected after 2 weeks of treatment and remained within the specified average range in blood pressure increases throughout treatment. Hypertension was reported as an adverse reaction in 2.1% of patients treated with etrasimod. All the events were mild to moderate in severity.
Macular oedema
In ELEVATE UC 52 and ELEVATE UC 12, macular oedema was reported in 0.4% of patients treated with etrasimod.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
In patients with overdose of etrasimod, signs and symptoms of bradycardia should be monitored, which may include overnight monitoring. Regular measurements of heart rate, blood pressure, and ECGs should be performed. There is no specific antidote to etrasimod available. The decrease in heart rate induced by etrasimod can be reversed by parenteral atropine.
Medicines sold in Romania with the same active substance: Cunoscut în România ca
Same active substance. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Romanian medicines in the UK →
Medicines sold in Poland with the same active substance: W Polsce znany jako
Same active substance. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Polish medicines in the UK →
Ask anything about Velsipity 2 mg film-coated tablets. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
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