Posted 8/22/2016 3:18 PM (GMT -5)
As you've already gotten a partial response to simponi, I'd likely add 6mp to see if the both together improves your symptoms. As often a combined therapy of biologics and immunomodulators is used for the best results with uc.
Generally, your choice of biologics is simpomi, remicade, and humira which are all similar anti-tnf class biologics. We have a number of folks here who are on one of those. Entyvio is newer, so we don't have as many regular posters on it, it's an interesting medication that is gut-specific. All of the other biologics are systematic. So, entyvio should provide less side effects as a whole. As I said, biologics are often combined with biologics.
If the combination of 6mp + simponi doesn't work then you could certainly try entyvio out. Either that or remicade.
As far as "how long is an entyvio infusion?" goes, the actual IV infusion is 30 minutes. You'll be at the infusion center longer though, as you still have to wait in the reception area, they still have to mix the medication, go though all of the paperwork, etc. I'd plan on a couple hours total. Infusions are boring and uneventful. They set the IV with a tiny needle prick, you wait for the medication to finish, they remove the IV, put on a bandaid and away you go. There's generally no sensation before, during, or afterwards. Oh and bring a book, iPad or other entertainment because its waaay boring.
6MP is an oral pill. about 20 percent experience nausea when first starting 6MP. So, it's a good idea to start it before bedtime with a snack. It helps mitigate the odds of nausea.