Alternatives to Entyvio If You Can't Fill Your Prescription

Updated:

March 13, 2026

Author:

Peter Daggett

Summarize this blog with AI:

Can't find Entyvio? Learn about the best alternatives for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, including Humira, Stelara, Skyrizi, and Rinvoq.

Alternatives to Entyvio If You Can't Fill Your Prescription

If you've been prescribed Entyvio (Vedolizumab) for ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease and you can't get it filled — whether due to supply issues, insurance denials, or cost — you may be wondering what your options are.

The good news is that there are several effective alternatives available in 2026. While no two biologics work exactly the same way, your gastroenterologist can help you find a treatment that manages your IBD effectively while you wait for Entyvio to become available, or as a long-term alternative.

Important: Never stop or switch your medication without talking to your doctor first. This article is for educational purposes and is not medical advice.

What Is Entyvio and How Does It Work?

Entyvio is a biologic medication made by Takeda Pharmaceuticals. Its generic name is Vedolizumab, and it belongs to a class of drugs called integrin receptor antagonists.

What makes Entyvio unique is its gut-selective mechanism. It works by blocking a protein called integrin α4β7 on immune cells, preventing those cells from traveling to the gastrointestinal tract and causing inflammation. This targeted approach means Entyvio reduces inflammation in the gut without broadly suppressing the entire immune system.

Entyvio is FDA-approved for:

  • Moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) in adults
  • Moderately to severely active Crohn's disease (CD) in adults

It's available as a 300 mg IV infusion (administered every 8 weeks after induction) and as a 108 mg subcutaneous injection via the Entyvio Pen (every 2 weeks for maintenance). For more details, read our full guide on what Entyvio is and how it's used.

Why Might You Need an Alternative?

There are several reasons patients look for alternatives to Entyvio:

  • Supply issues: Entyvio is a specialty biologic with a single manufacturer and no biosimilar. Availability can fluctuate.
  • Insurance barriers: Prior authorization denials, step therapy requirements, or formulary changes can delay or block access.
  • Cost: Without insurance, Entyvio costs approximately $9,882 per IV dose or $3,500 per SC pen — making it one of the most expensive IBD treatments.
  • Side effects or lack of response: Some patients don't respond to Entyvio or experience side effects that require a switch.

Whatever the reason, it's important to work with your gastroenterologist to choose the right alternative based on your specific condition, treatment history, and overall health. You can also use Medfinder to search for medications in stock near you.

Alternative 1: Humira (Adalimumab) and Biosimilars

What It Is

Humira is one of the most widely prescribed biologics in the world. It's a TNF-alpha inhibitor that works by blocking tumor necrosis factor, a protein that drives inflammation throughout the body.

How It's Given

Humira is a subcutaneous injection that patients can self-administer at home, typically every two weeks.

Key Considerations

  • Biosimilars available: Multiple FDA-approved biosimilars (like Hadlima, Hyrimoz, and Cyltezo) are available at significantly lower cost — often 50-85% less than brand Humira.
  • Broad approval: Approved for UC and CD in both adults and children (ages 5+).
  • Systemic immunosuppression: Unlike Entyvio's gut-selective approach, Humira suppresses the immune system broadly, which may increase the risk of infections and other side effects.
  • Convenient: At-home injection with no infusion center required.

Alternative 2: Stelara (Ustekinumab)

What It Is

Stelara is an IL-12/23 inhibitor. It targets interleukins 12 and 23, proteins that play a key role in the inflammatory immune response in IBD.

How It's Given

Stelara starts with a single IV infusion for induction, followed by subcutaneous injections every 8 weeks for maintenance.

Key Considerations

  • Different mechanism: Targets a completely different inflammatory pathway than Entyvio, making it a good option for patients who haven't responded to integrin or TNF therapies.
  • Well-tolerated: Generally considered to have a favorable safety profile.
  • Approved for UC and CD in adults.
  • Biosimilars emerging: Stelara biosimilars are beginning to enter the market, which may lower costs over time.

Alternative 3: Skyrizi (Risankizumab)

What It Is

Skyrizi is a newer IL-23 inhibitor that specifically targets interleukin-23, one of the key drivers of gut inflammation in IBD.

How It's Given

Skyrizi begins with IV infusions for induction, then transitions to subcutaneous injections every 8 weeks for maintenance.

Key Considerations

  • Strong efficacy data: Clinical trials have shown impressive response and remission rates for both UC and CD.
  • Newer option: FDA-approved for CD in 2023 and UC in 2025, with growing real-world experience.
  • Targeted approach: Like Entyvio, Skyrizi has a relatively targeted mechanism, though it acts on a different pathway.
  • Cost: Similar pricing to other branded biologics; manufacturer savings programs available through AbbVie.

Alternative 4: Rinvoq (Upadacitinib)

What It Is

Rinvoq is a JAK inhibitor (Janus kinase inhibitor) — and notably, it's an oral medication, not an injection or infusion.

How It's Given

Rinvoq is taken as a once-daily pill. The typical dose is 45 mg daily during induction, then 15 mg or 30 mg daily for maintenance.

Key Considerations

  • Oral dosing: No needles, no infusion centers. This is a major convenience advantage for patients who want to avoid injections.
  • Boxed warning: Rinvoq carries an FDA boxed warning for serious risks including heart attacks, blood clots, cancer, serious infections, and death. These risks should be carefully discussed with your doctor.
  • Approved for UC and CD in adults.
  • Cost: List price is approximately $7,090 per month (2026). Manufacturer copay programs may reduce out-of-pocket costs.

How to Choose the Right Alternative

Choosing an Entyvio alternative is a decision you should make with your gastroenterologist. Key factors include:

  • Your diagnosis: UC vs. CD (some drugs work better for one than the other)
  • Treatment history: Which medications you've already tried and how you responded
  • Administration preference: Oral pills vs. self-injection vs. IV infusion
  • Safety profile: Your individual risk factors and health conditions
  • Insurance coverage: Which alternatives your plan covers and at what cost
  • Availability: Whether the alternative is in stock and accessible in your area

Final Thoughts

If you can't fill your Entyvio prescription, you're not out of options. Humira (and its affordable biosimilars), Stelara, Skyrizi, and Rinvoq are all effective alternatives for managing ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Each works through a different mechanism, so there's a good chance one of them will work well for you.

Before making any changes, talk to your gastroenterologist. And if you're still hoping to find Entyvio, try Medfinder to check real-time availability at specialty pharmacies near you.

Related reading:

What is the closest alternative to Entyvio?

There is no exact equivalent to Entyvio because its gut-selective integrin mechanism is unique. However, Stelara (Ustekinumab) and Skyrizi (Risankizumab) are often considered next-line options because they also target specific inflammatory pathways rather than broadly suppressing the immune system like TNF inhibitors.

Can I switch from Entyvio to Humira?

Yes, switching from Entyvio to Humira (or a Humira biosimilar) is a common treatment change. Your gastroenterologist will determine the appropriate timing and dosing for the switch. There is generally no required washout period between the two medications.

Is there a pill form alternative to Entyvio?

Yes. Rinvoq (Upadacitinib) is an oral JAK inhibitor approved for both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. It's taken as a once-daily pill, making it the most convenient option for patients who want to avoid injections or infusions. However, it does carry a boxed warning for serious side effects.

Are Entyvio alternatives less expensive?

Some alternatives can be significantly cheaper. Humira biosimilars, for example, may cost 50-85% less than brand-name Entyvio. Rinvoq has a list price of about $7,090 per month. However, actual out-of-pocket costs depend on your insurance coverage and eligibility for manufacturer savings programs.

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