etrasimod arginine at a glance
Medicine class
Selective sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulator and immunosuppressant
Licensed role
Moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis in people aged 16 years and over after an inadequate response, loss of response or intolerance to conventional therapy or a biological agent
Administration
Swallow the film-coated tablet whole with water; do not split, crush or chew it
Important checks
Heart rhythm, blood counts, liver function, blood pressure, infection risk and eye health may need assessment
What is etrasimod arginine used for?
The selected UK product is licensed for:
Moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis in people aged 16 years and over whose disease has responded inadequately, stopped responding or proved intolerant to conventional therapy or a biological agent.
How does etrasimod arginine work?
Etrasimod selectively binds to S1P receptors 1, 4 and 5. It reversibly keeps some lymphocytes within lymphoid tissue, reducing the number reaching inflamed bowel tissue.
etrasimod arginine preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 2 mg
How to take etrasimod arginine
Food is recommended when treatment is started or restarted after a prolonged interruption to lessen the temporary heart-rate effect. It may subsequently be taken with or without food.
Swallow the tablet whole with water.
Do not split, crush or chew it.
Do not drive or use machinery if it causes dizziness.
etrasimod arginine side effects
Common or expected effects
- Reduced lymphocyte count
- Headache
- Urinary or lower respiratory tract infection
- Reduced neutrophil count
- Dizziness
- Raised cholesterol
- Slower heart rate
- Raised blood pressure
- Visual impairment
- Raised liver enzymes
Get urgent medical advice
- Serious or opportunistic infection
- Marked slowing of the heart or atrioventricular block
- Macular oedema causing altered or blurred vision
- Significant liver injury
- Progressive neurological changes suggestive of PML
- Severe headache, confusion, seizures or visual disturbance suggestive of PRES
- Severe allergic reaction
etrasimod arginine in pregnancy
Etrasimod is contraindicated during pregnancy and in anyone who could become pregnant but is not using effective contraception. A negative pregnancy test is required before treatment. If pregnancy occurs, treatment must be stopped and prompt specialist advice arranged.
etrasimod arginine while breastfeeding
Etrasimod should not be used while breastfeeding. It is unknown whether it enters human milk, and a risk to the breastfed infant cannot be excluded.
etrasimod arginine interactions
The specialist and pharmacist should review prescription, non-prescription and herbal products before treatment.
Fluconazole or combined moderate-to-strong inhibitors of CYP2C8, CYP2C9 and CYP3A4
Inhibition of two or more relevant enzymes can increase etrasimod exposure, so combined use is not recommended.
Rifampicin, enzalutamide or combined moderate-to-strong CYP enzyme inducers
Induction of two or more relevant enzymes can reduce etrasimod exposure and is not recommended.
Beta blockers, rate-limiting calcium-channel blockers and medicines that prolong QT or slow cardiac conduction
Heart-rate and conduction effects may be additive; treatment review and sometimes cardiology advice are needed.
Common questions about etrasimod arginine
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Who may be offered etrasimod arginine for ulcerative colitis?
People aged 16 years and over with moderately to severely active disease when conventional treatment or a biological medicine has not worked adequately, has stopped working or cannot be tolerated.
Does etrasimod arginine increase infection risk?
It can increase susceptibility to infection by lowering circulating lymphocytes. Report symptoms such as fever, cough or sore throat promptly.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.