Entyvio is given in two ways: as an IV infusion at a clinic or as a subcutaneous (under-the-skin) injection you can do at home. Everyone starts with IV infusions during an initial loading phase, and then either continues with IV infusions or switches to self-administered injections for ongoing maintenance.
The IV Induction Phase
Regardless of which long-term method you end up using, treatment begins with three IV infusions at a clinic or infusion center. Each infusion delivers 300 mg over approximately 30 minutes. The schedule follows a specific pattern: your first infusion at week 0, a second at week 2, and a third at week 6.
The actual chair time is typically longer than 30 minutes. Staff will check you in, set up the IV line, and monitor you during and briefly after the infusion. Plan for roughly 60 to 90 minutes total per visit. After the third infusion at week 6, you and your doctor will decide whether to continue with IV maintenance or transition to subcutaneous injections.
IV Maintenance Schedule
If you stay on IV infusions, the ongoing schedule is 300 mg every 8 weeks. The infusion itself remains about 30 minutes, and you’ll continue visiting an infusion center each time. For many people this rhythm works well, especially if they prefer having a healthcare team handle the process. The trade-off is the regular clinic visits, which need to be scheduled and can mean time away from work or other commitments.
Subcutaneous Injections at Home
The at-home option uses a prefilled pen or prefilled syringe containing 108 mg of Entyvio. You inject it under the skin once every 2 weeks. This is a maintenance-only option, meaning you still need to complete the IV induction phase first.
The recommended injection sites are the front of your thighs or your stomach area, staying at least 2 inches away from your belly button. If a caregiver is giving the injection, the back of the upper arms can also be used. Rotate your injection site every time. Don’t inject into the same spot you used last time, and avoid areas with moles, scars, bruises, or skin that is tender, hard, red, or damaged.
Most people find the injection itself takes only a few seconds once the pen or syringe is in position. A homecare nurse will typically visit your home to walk you through the process, and they can come back two or three times until you feel confident doing it yourself.
Switching From IV to Subcutaneous
The timing is straightforward: your first subcutaneous injection should happen 8 weeks after your last IV infusion. So if your most recent infusion was at week 6 (the final induction dose), you would begin injecting at home at week 14, then continue every 2 weeks from that point forward.
Some people switch after completing just the induction phase, while others may be on IV maintenance for months or even years before their care team recommends transitioning. The clinical goal is the same either way: sustained, consistent delivery of the medication to keep inflammation controlled.
What the Two Methods Feel Like
IV infusions involve a needle placed in a vein, usually in the arm or hand, followed by a half-hour of sitting while the medication drips in. Some people read, watch something on their phone, or nap. Infusion reactions are possible but uncommon.
Subcutaneous injections feel like a quick pinch. The prefilled pen is spring-loaded, so you press it against your skin and click a button. The medication volume is small (less than 1 mL), so the injection finishes quickly. Mild redness or irritation at the injection site can happen, especially in the first few weeks, but typically fades as you get used to the process.
Storing the Subcutaneous Pen or Syringe
The prefilled pens and syringes need to be kept refrigerated until you’re ready to use them. Before injecting, take the pen or syringe out and let it reach room temperature naturally. Don’t try to warm it with a microwave, hot water, or direct sunlight. Using it cold can make the injection more uncomfortable. Keep unused pens in the refrigerator and away from light, and never freeze them. If a pen has been dropped, damaged, or looks cloudy or discolored, don’t use it.