Key takeaways
Vedolizumab (Entyvio) and adalimumab (Humira) are both Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) used to treat autoimmune conditions like Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). However, they belong to different medication classes. Vedolizumab is an integrin antagonist, while adalimumab blocks tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Vedolizumab is available as an intravenous infusion or a subcutaneous injection, whereas adalimumab is only given as a subcutaneous injection. Vedolizumab is typically administered every 2 months as an infusion or every 2 weeks as an injection for maintenance, while adalimumab is usually given every 2 weeks. Adalimumab is approved for a wider range of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and plaque psoriasis, and can be used in children for some conditions. Common side effects of vedolizumab include headache and joint pain, while adalimumab can cause injection-site reactions and upper respiratory infections. Both medications can increase the risk of infections, but adalimumab also carries a risk of certain cancers and heart failure.
