About this leaflet

This information leaflet has been written to help you to understand more about your Vedolizumab medication and to help answer some of your questions. We also recommend you read the information leaflet enclosed with your medication for more detail.

What is Vedolizumab?

Vedolizumab is a biologic medicine used to treat inflammation in the bowel.

It is commonly prescribed for people with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, especially when other treatments have not worked well.

Vedolizumab helps reduce inflammation in your digestive tract, improving symptoms like:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhoea
  • Fatigue

How is Vedolizumab given?

Vedolizumab is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion, which means it’s slowly injected into a vein in your arm over about 30 minutes.

After each infusion, you’ll be observed for a short time to check for any immediate side effects.

What is the treatment schedule?

You’ll start with a series of 3 infusions:

  • First dose – Week 0
  • Second dose – Week 2
  • Third dose – Week 6

After that, your healthcare team will assess your response to the medication. If it’s helping, you may continue with maintenance infusions, usually every 8 weeks.

When will I notice improvement?

Response times vary between people.

Many patients feel better within a few weeks, though some may notice improvement within days.

Will I need any tests before treatment?

Yes, your healthcare team may carry out the following tests:

  • Chest imaging (X-ray or CT scan) – to check for any underlying lung infections.
  • Blood tests – to screen for infections or assess general health.

These are important to ensure Vedolizumab is safe and appropriate for you.

What are the benefits of Vedolizumab?

Vedolizumab helps to reduce and control bowel inflammation, improving symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and fatigue. It is particularly beneficial for patients whose symptoms have not responded well to other therapies.

Are there any possible side effects?

Side effects are generally uncommon and mild, often occurring during the infusion or within a few days afterward.

The most frequently reported side effects include:

  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Joint pain
  • Headaches

As Vedolizumab can suppress the immune system, it is important to monitor for signs of infection, such as:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Feeling generally unwell

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider or triage service promptly.

In rare cases, patients may have an allergic reaction to the infusion. If this occurs, the infusion will be stopped immediately and appropriate medical care will be provided.

Important information about taking Vedolizumab

If you feel unwell at any time while taking Vedolizumab, please contact the The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre's 24-hour Patient Hotline on 0800 169 5555 for support and advice.

Vaccination advice

Vedolizumab may affect your body’s response to vaccines. Live vaccines should be avoided during treatment.

Live vaccines can include but are not limited to:

  • BCG Vaccine
  • Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine (Priorix, MMRVaxPro)
  • Rotavirus vaccine (Rotarix)
  • Shingles vaccine (Zostavax)
  • Oral typhoid vaccine (Ty21a)
  • Varicella vaccine (Varilrix and Varilvax)
  • Yellow fever vaccine

If you are offered any vaccine, it is important to inform the vaccinator that you are taking Vedolizumab, so they can ensure the vaccine is suitable for you.

Pregnancy and fertility

Vedolizumab is not recommended if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Please discuss your individual circumstances with your healthcare team.

If you are sexually active, it is advised that you use effective contraception while undergoing treatment.

Things to remember while taking Vedolizumab

  • Vedolizumab is used when other treatments haven’t helped your bowel condition
  • It is given by IV infusion, usually every 8 weeks after the first few doses
  • Most people tolerate it well, but contact your team if you feel unwell
  • Always tell healthcare professionals that you are on Vedolizumab
  • Avoid live vaccines and do not use during pregnancy unless advised

If you feel unwell or have concerns, call the 24-hour Patient Hotline: 0800 169 5555.

Cancer Voices logo

This information has been reviewed by Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Voices to check it is easy to understand. Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Voices is a panel of cancer patients who volunteer to read NHS information to make sure it makes sense to people. They have been brought together by Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance.