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Vedolizumab

Published: July 26, 2026Updated: July 26, 2026

Vedolizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the α4β7 integrin on T-cells, preventing these immune cells from migrating into the gastrointestinal tract. By blocking this migration, it reduces intestinal inflammation in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases. It is primarily used to treat adults with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease who have not responded adequately to conventional therapies.

Quick summary

Vedolizumab is an immunosuppressant monoclonal antibody that treats inflammatory bowel diseases by blocking immune cell migration to the gut.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed July 26, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ATC
L04AG05
RxNorm
1538097
Generic
Vedolizumab
Class
atc-l04
Brands
Entyvio
Availability
rx
Lactation
unknown
Routes
—
Forms
prefilled syringe, injection
Regions
US, EU, CN, JP
Monitoring
—

This page is for informational purposes only.

Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.

Dosage and administration

adult (standard)tablet
Usual dose
500mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
pediatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
250mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
geriatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
400mg daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
once daily
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard

Overdose information

Important overdose information
Toxic dose: Single dose exceeding 900 mg may cause increased risk of adverse effects including severe infections
Chronic overdose: Limited data available on cumulative toxicity; prolonged immunosuppression may increase infection risk
Immediate actions
Monitor vital signs, provide supportive care, discontinue infusion if severe reaction occurs
Antidote
No specific antidote exists(N/A - treatment is supportive and symptomatic)
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Special Populations

8 groups
⚠

pregnancy

first trimester
caution
FDA Category
B
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus

Monitor

regular prenatal care and fetal monitoring

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

pregnancy

second and third trimester
caution
FDA Category
B
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

continue only if clearly needed, consider discontinuing near delivery

Monitor

fetal growth monitoring in third trimester

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

lactation

breastfeeding
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

not recommended

Key Recommendations

breastfeeding not recommended during treatment with vedolizumab

Monitor

monitor infant for infections

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✗

pediatric_age

under 18 years
unsafe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

not approved

Key Recommendations

not indicated for patients under 18 years of age

Monitor

not applicable

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

⚠

geriatric

elderly over 65
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no adjustment needed

Key Recommendations

use with caution, start at standard dosing

Monitor

monitor for infections and overall clinical response

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✓

renal_impairment

any stage
safe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no adjustment needed

Key Recommendations

no dosage adjustment required for any degree of renal impairment

Monitor

routine monitoring

⚠

hepatic_impairment

mild to moderate
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no adjustment needed

Key Recommendations

no dose adjustment required, limited data available

Monitor

monitor liver function tests

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

hepatic_impairment

severe
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

use with caution

Key Recommendations

use only if benefits outweigh risks, limited data available

Monitor

close monitoring of liver function

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

Statistics and clinical data

prescribingFDA
2023

FDA approval year

Value:2014

Initial FDA approval date for Vedolizumab (Entyvio)

drug_classFDA
2023

Drug class

Value:Integrin blocker (biologic)

Monoclonal antibody that targets alpha-4-beta-7 integrin

usageFDA
2023

Approved indications

Value:Ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, Pouchitis

Therapeutic indications approved by FDA

mechanismFDA
2023

Mechanism of action

Value:Selective gastrointestinal immunosuppressant

Binds to alpha-4-beta-7 integrin, blocking lymphocyte migration to gastrointestinal tract

Treatment of moderate to severe ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease in adult patients who have had an inadequate response with, lost response to, or were intolerant to conventional therapies or a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonist.

Vedolizumab is a monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to the α4β7 integrin and blocks its interaction with mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1 (MAdCAM-1), thereby inhibiting the migration of memory T-lymphocytes across the endothelium into inflamed intestinal tissue.

Administered as an intravenous infusion. May increase risk of infections, including serious and opportunistic infections. Hypersensitivity reactions can occur during or after infusion. Live vaccines should be avoided during treatment. Pregnancy category A - use during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Contraindications

Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.

Do not use (1)

ABSOLUTEhypersensitivity

Known allergy to this medication or its components

Use caution (1)

RELATIVEpregnancy

Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment

Official drug label

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy