Why is Entyivo Prescribed So Much More Than Hydroxychloroquine for Autoimmune Diseases?

ByPrimary Researcher

Executive Summary

  • Entyivo is far more frequently prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.
  • This article questions why this is.

Introduction

Entyivo is a far more frequently prescribed drug for autoimmune diseases than hydroxychloroquine. This article compares these two drugs and their effect on autoimmune diseases.

How Widely Prescribed is Entyivo?

Entyivo is a very financially successful drug. The following shows the number of reviews for Entyivo on the website Drugs.com.

Even though HCQ is a drug used for Crohn’s disease, neither HCQ nor its brand name Plaquenil is listed on the Drugs.com website as a drug for Crohn’s. 

The Similarities in Use of Entyivo and HCQ or Planquenil

Both Entyivo and HCQ or Planquenil are used to treat autoimmune disorders. However, Entyivo must be administered with an IV at a medical center by a healthcare professional and has much worse side effects. Here are a few comments on Entyivo from Drugs.com.

Comment #1: Had to Call 911?

“Started Entyvio for Crohn’s disease (CD)- first drug I had tried. It worked very slowly, but I did experience slight improvement. Made it to my 3rd dose. Within 9 mins of my drip for my 3rd dose my throat closing, face got very hot turned bright red, heart beat went faint and had the sensation of passing out (maybe I did, don’t remember it all). Definitely felt like I was dying. 911 had to be called. 2-3 hrs after the second dose I had the same reaction at home with heavy palpitations, but it would come and go. First dose I had a really weird sore throat.”

This is a constant issue with this category of drug. The side effects of Entyivo are both serious and very common.

Comment #2: Allergic Reaction?

“Never again..severe allergic reaction to 2nd Entyvio iv. I’ve had Crohn’s for 30 years and taken many different meds. I was recently diagnosed with liver cirrhosis F4 and had to stop methotrexate. I also take Apriso. My GI dr said I should start Entyvio. First infusion went fine. 2 weeks later I had my 2nd infusion. Within 2-3 minutes my chest tightened, throat started closing up, my face got extremely hot and throbbing and was swelling quickly. The whites of my eyes turned completely blood red. The IV was immediately stopped and flushed with saline. Tried again with med going in slower. Immediately I started having the same symptoms. 3 weeks later I was given my first iv infusion of Stelara. Within 1 minute of the IV being started I had the same reactions but worse. I thought I was going to die. I refuse to take any more iv’s.”