Ulcerative Colitis and Liver Disease - The Connection Explained

Understanding Entyvio Connect and the Enrollment Form

Entyvio (vedolizumab) is a prescription medication used to treat adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis or Crohns disease. It is part of a class of drugs known as integrin receptor antagonists and works by blocking white blood cells from causing inflammation and damage in the digestive tract.

Entyvio is administered by intravenous infusion, meaning it must be given directly into a vein. Infusions are done at a doctors office, hospital, or infusion center and take 30-60 minutes to complete. Treatment usually starts with 3 induction doses given several weeks apart, followed by maintenance doses given every 8 weeks thereafter.

Like other specialty medications, Entyvio can be expensive, with costs ranging from $2,500 to $4,000 per infusion. However, the Entyvio Connect program from Takeda Pharmaceuticals offers resources to help patients save money and receive assistance.

What is Entyvio Connect?

Entyvio Connect is a support program for people taking Entyvio. It offers personalized insurance benefits checks, financial assistance options, injection training, medication reminders, a nurse counselor, and more. These services aim to help patients start and stay on track with Entyvio treatment.

Enrollment in Entyvio Connect is free and many of the resources are provided at no cost. Some key features include:

• Benefits investigation to determine insurance coverage for Entyvio
• $0 co-pay program for eligible uninsured or underinsured patients
• Nurse counseling for injection training and education
• Medication reminders and support
• Pharmacy coordination for timely drug shipments
• Financial assistance resources and information

Why Enroll in Entyvio Connect?

There are many advantages to enrolling in the Entyvio Connect program. Key benefits include:

• Checking your insurance coverage - Entyvio Connect can verify what your health plan covers related to Entyvio, including your out-of-pocket costs, prior authorization requirements, and any restrictions.
• Financial assistance - Eligible patients can receive co-pay assistance to reduce out-of-pocket medication costs to $0. Other financial help may be available for uninsured/underinsured patients.
• Easy access to Entyvio - The program coordinates prescription fulfillment, manages prior authorizations, and arranges medication shipment to your preferred location.
• Injection training - A nurse can provide guidance on properly injecting Entyvio using demo devices and educational materials.
• Ongoing support - You get access to nurse counselors who can answer questions about your Entyvio treatment plan.

Overall, Entyvio Connect streamlines and simplifies getting started on Entyvio while offering financial assistance and injection training. Using the program helps ensure you can continue treatment in the long run.

How to Enroll in Entyvio Connect

Enrolling in Entyvio Connect is easy and straightforward. You can sign up in 3 ways:

• Online - Visit www.entyvioconnect.com and click on Get Started. You'll need to create an account and provide some basic information.
• By phone - Call 1-855-ENTYVIO (1-855-368-9846) and speak with a program representative to enroll.
• With an enrollment form - Your doctors office may provide you with an Entyvio Connect enrollment form that you fill out and submit.

Once enrolled, you can take advantage of the programs offerings and resources. Be sure to activate your online account to access the full range of services.

Completing the Enrollment Form

If enrolling by paper with the Entyvio Connect enrollment form, be prepared to provide the following information:

• Your name and contact details like address, email, and phone number
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Emergency contact name and phone
• Name of your gastroenterologist
• Health insurance details, including member info
• Household size and income details
• Signatures from you and your doctor

Providing accurate details on the form ensures your enrollment can be processed without delay. The income questions relate to potential eligibility for financial assistance programs.

Once completed, you can submit the Entyvio Connect enrollment form by fax, email, or mail. Contact details are provided on the form. Be sure to make a copy for your records too.

Services After Enrolling

After successfully enrolling, Entyvio Connect provides services and resources to help you start and stay on Entyvio treatment. Here are some of the key offerings:

• Benefits investigation - Available within 1 business day to detail your coverage for Entyvio costs.
• Co-pay assistance program - If eligible, receive Entyvio at $0 out-of-pocket copay that is reimbursed directly to your provider.
• Entyvio injections training - Optional injection training is available from a dedicated nurse.
• Prescription and delivery coordination - The Entyvio Connect team manages the prescription process and ships medication quickly.
• Medication reminders - Opt in for text, email, or phone reminders when its time for your next Entyvio dose.
• Nurse support - Access nurses who can answer questions about Entyvio treatment.

In addition, you gain access to an online account and mobile app for accessing information about your Entyvio treatment. This includes the ability to chat with a nurse counselor, view educational content, and find financial support resources.

Getting the Most From Entyvio Connect

Here are some tips for getting the full value from the Entyvio Connect program after enrollment:

• Actively use your online account and mobile app for managing treatment
• Schedule an injection training session if desired
• Sign up for medication reminders to stay on schedule
• Talk to a nurse counselor if you have questions
• Update your program with any changes to insurance, income, etc.
• Alert Entyvio Connect if you have any issues getting Entyvio shipments
• Use co-pay assistance if eligible and accepted
• Browse educational resources in your account to learn more

Staying engaged with Entyvio Connect means you can take an active role managing your treatment. Be proactive about utilizing the services available to help ensure you get the most value.

Renewing and Applying for Assistance Annually

Most of the services offered through Entyvio Connect are available on an ongoing basis. However, financial assistance like the co-pay program requires annual renewal.

Each year, youll need to reapply and have your eligibility redetermined based on things like income, insurance status, and number of household members. Be on the lookout for renewal notices by email or mail.

To complete renewal, youll once again need to provide details like:

• Household size and income
• Insurance information
• Prescription details
• Healthcare provider information

Keep your details up to date in the Entyvio Connect program. Alert your program representative if anything changes related to your income, prescription, or health insurance coverage.

By renewing financial assistance annually, you can continue accessing options like the $0 copay program without interruption. Renewal only takes a few minutes but offers another year of savings.

The Link Between Ulcerative Colitis and Liver Conditions

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes long-lasting inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract. It affects the innermost lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum.

One of the extraintestinal manifestations of UC is that it can impact organs other than the intestines. In particular, there is a strong association between UC and certain liver conditions.

Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

The most common liver condition linked to ulcerative colitis is primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). This progressive disease causes inflammation, scarring, and narrowing of the bile ducts inside and outside the liver.

Bile becomes blocked by the damaged ducts, leading to further liver damage. Without treatment, PSC can ultimately cause permanent liver damage and failure.

Estimates indicate PSC occurs in 3-7% of people with UC. Men are more often affected than women. Many people with PSC also have inflammatory bowel disease like UC.

Symptoms of PSC include:

• Itching
• Fatigue
• Jaundice
• Abdominal pain
• Fever
• Nausea

Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and slowing progression. Ursodeoxycholic acid (ursodiol) may help improve liver function. In severe cases, a liver transplant may be needed.

Autoimmune Hepatitis

Autoimmune hepatitis is a condition where the immune system attacks and damages the liver. It causes inflammation that can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure if untreated.

Some research indicates there may be a link between autoimmune hepatitis and inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis. One study found 7% of autoimmune hepatitis patients also had UC.

Symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis include:

• Fatigue
• Joint pain
• Jaundice
• Abdominal discomfort
• Nausea
• Itching

Treatment involves medications to suppress the overactive immune system, such as corticosteroids and azathioprine. A liver transplant may be necessary for advanced liver failure.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

NAFLD refers to excess fat buildup in the liver that is unrelated to alcohol use. It ranges from simple steatosis (fat accumulation) to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with liver inflammation.

Studies report that NAFLD is more common in IBD patients compared to the general population. One analysis found a NAFLD prevalence of 39% in UC patients.

Possible reasons for higher NAFLD risk with UC include malnutrition, obesity, inflammation, gut microbiome changes, and steroid treatments.

Symptoms of NAFLD often dont appear until significant liver damage occurs. But some possible signs include:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Weight loss
• Jaundice
• Itching
• Abdominal pain

Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise helps manage NAFLD. Specific medications or surgery may be recommended in more severe cases.

Other Liver Conditions

Some other liver conditions have also been associated with ulcerative colitis, but the links are not as strong as with PSC, autoimmune hepatitis, and NAFLD.

These other possible liver diseases include:

• Granulomatous hepatitis
• Cirrhosis
• Hepatic steatosis
• Cholangiocarcinoma

The risk of developing serious forms of liver disease remains relatively low for most people living with ulcerative colitis. Staying on top of UC treatment and getting regular liver function testing can help detect problems early.

Consult your gastroenterologist if you have ongoing elevated liver enzymes or concerning symptoms that could indicate liver injury. They can recommend the proper diagnostic tests and treatment steps based on your specific condition.

The Takeaway

There is a clear association between ulcerative colitis and certain liver diseases like PSC, autoimmune hepatitis, and NAFLD. Exactly how these conditions are interconnected is still being researched.

The most important thing if you have UC is to have regular labwork to monitor liver function. Be alert for any symptoms that could signal a problem. Work closely with your gastroenterologist to manage both your UC and any accompanying liver conditions.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.