Key takeaways
Vedolizumab (Entyvio) and risankizumab (Skyrizi) are both medications used to treat Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, but they belong to different drug classes. Vedolizumab is an integrin antagonist, while risankizumab is an interleukin antagonist. Both are injectable, biologic medications. Risankizumab is also approved for plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, whereas vedolizumab is not. Vedolizumab is typically given as an intravenous infusion every two months or as a subcutaneous injection every two weeks, while risankizumab is administered as an injection every 2 or 3 months after initial doses. Common side effects of vedolizumab include headache and joint pain, while risankizumab may cause joint pain and upper respiratory infections. Both medications can increase the risk of infections, but vedolizumab also carries a risk of serious liver problems and brain infections.
