I have a new client that came to me for other health issues, but has also been managing ulcerative colitis for about 5 years with immune suppressant drugs, specifically Entyvio (vedolizumab). I obviously cannot suggest or recommend any changes to her doctor's regiment, but she has indicated that she does not want to be using this long term, and is interested in discovering some other options. I have some ideas already about supporting her GI tract for UC, but am wondering if herbal protocols might conflict with this immune suppressant? As a person that has dealt with this in a milder form, I am aware of some very successful combinations, however I have never personally been on these kinds of drugs while doing so, and I am concerned about possible conflicts. My husband is an NP so I have great support for my practice related to medications, but this seems like a more complex situation than most of the clients that I have, so I would appreciate some input. So to sum this up, I am not asking for any protocols for this specific person, since I have not even provided all their complete info, but what I am asking is whether it is possible to sucessfully work with someone with herbs that has UC, but that is on immune suppressant drugs? Thank you!

i have not seen herbs negatively effect immunosuppressive medications including biologics like Entyvio.  I cannot say it is impossible, but there is nothing in the literature (beyond theoretical cautions) and no clinicians I know has seen it either. What would be challenging is trying to wean her off the Entyvio and use herbs instead, herbs do not work as well in most cases.

Thank you!