Vedolizumab was first approved for medical use on 20th May 2014 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to manage moderate to severe cases of ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and chronic pouchitis in adults.

It is used as a second line of treatment option for adults dealing with moderate to severe cases of ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the large bowel), crohn's disease (inflammation affecting the digestive system), and chronic pouchitis (inflammation of the lining of a pouch created during surgery to treat ulcerative colitis) to help alleviate the signs and symptoms of these conditions.

Vedolizumab is available as a 300mg injection. It is given only in a hospital setup by a healthcare provider. It is infused directly into your veins by your physician. Your physician will decide the dosage and frequency of this injection based on the severity of your disease and other factors.

Vedolizumab can cause some side effects like any other drug. The most common side effects are headaches, joint pain, and cold. Some of the serious side effects are allergic reactions (wheezing or difficulty breathing, hives, itching of the skin, swelling, feeling sick, pain at the infusion site, redness of the skin), serious infections (chills, shivering, high fever, or rash), progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy - PML (a rare fatal opportunistic infection of the central nervous system) and severe liver injury.

Do not take this medication if you are under 18 or have allergies to vedolizumab or its components. Additionally, it is essential to avoid this medication if you have an active severe infection, such as tuberculosis (TB), blood poisoning, severe diarrhea and vomiting (gastroenteritis), or a nervous system infection. Another critical point is that you should not take this medication with other biological medicines that suppress your immune system such as natalizumab or rituximab.

Seek medical attention immediately if you ever experience symptoms suggestive of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), such as blurred vision, loss of vision, double vision, speech difficulties, weakness in an arm or leg, changes in your gait or balance, persistent numbness, decreased sensation, or memory issues, during the treatment with vedolizumab.

It is essential to inform your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or intending to get vaccinated. If you are a woman of reproductive age, use reliable contraception during the treatment and for four and half months following the last infusion.

Vedolizumab injection is intended exclusively for in-hospital use and administered only by a healthcare provider. Regarding the safety and effectiveness of vedolizumab, there aren't any significant differences between elderly patients and younger adults. However, elderly patients should still undergo close monitoring. If you ever experience symptoms suggestive of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), such as blurred vision, loss of vision, double vision, speech difficulties, weakness in an arm or leg, changes in your gait or balance, persistent numbness, decreased sensation, or memory issues, it is crucial to inform your healthcare provider immediately. 

Vedolizumab may take up to 14 weeks to show its full effect in some patients with very active crohn's disease. So, inform your doctor if you do not notice any improvement in your condition. Make sure to stick to your scheduled doses throughout your treatment. Take the mediterranean diet of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, lean meats, fish, beans, and eggs to boost your immunity. To embrace a healthier lifestyle, avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.

1. Takeda Pharma A/S, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [Revised on April 2022] [Accessed on 22nd Sep 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/5442/pil
2. Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), [Issued on May 2014] [Accessed on 22nd Sep 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/125476s000lbl.pdf
3. Goodman and Gilman’s The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Pharmacology of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, 13th Edition, 2018, 950-951

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.