Stelara ( ustekinumab ) is a prescription drug used to treat autoimmune conditions such as plaque psoriasis . Stelara comes as a liquid root given as an injection under the skin or an intravenous ( IV ) infusion .
Stelara is used to treat :
To learn more about these conditions and how Stelara is used for them , see the “ What is Stelara used for ? ” section below .
Stelara basics
Stelara contain the drug ustekinumab , which is abiologicmedication . A biologic medication is made from living cells . Ustekinumab also come in a biosimilar class called Selarsdi ( ustekinumab - aekn ) . * ( Biosimilars are likegeneric drugs . But unlike generics , which are made for nonbiologic drugs , biosimilars are made for biological drugs . )
- The reason “ -aekn ” look at the end of the drug ’s name is to show that the drug is distinct from similar medication that may be created in the time to come .
What are Stelara’s side effects?
Like most drugs , Stelara may induce mild or serious side effects . The leaning below describe some of the more vernacular side effects that Stelara may do . These lean do n’t include all possible side issue .
Your Doctor of the Church or pharmacist can evidence you more about the potential side effects of Stelara . They can also suggest ways to avail reduce side effects .
Mild side effects
Here ’s a short list of some of the soft side effect that Stelara can get . Keep in mind that side effects of Stelara might dissent slimly count on the understanding you ’re using the drug .
To determine about other mild side effects , babble out with your Dr. or pharmacist , or read Stelara’smedication guide .
balmy side effects of Stelara can let in :
balmy side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks . But if they become bothersome , spill the beans with your MD or pharmacist .
- For more information about colds , see the “ Side effect stress ” department direct below .
Serious side effects
Serious side effects from Stelara can fall out , but they are n’t usual . If you have serious side effects from Stelara , call your MD right away . However , if you call back you ’re have a medical emergency , you should call 911 or your local emergency issue .
Serious side effect can include :
- For more information about this side effect , see the “ Side effect focal point ” segment instantly below .
Side effect focus
Learn more about some of the side effects Stelara may induce . For more details about side effects of Stelara , seethis article .
You ’re more probable than common to get acoldwhen you ’re using Stelara . This drug slow up down the activeness of yourimmune system , reducing your power to oppose offinfections . With lowered exemption , you have a higher danger of catching a coldness .
The common cold is an infection triggered by virus . With a frigidity , you may havesymptomssuch as :
What might help
If you ’re getting cold while you ’re taking Stelara , speak with your doc about ways to help prevent them .
virus that cause the coarse cold are go around between people through the air and on surface . To help reduce your risk of catching a cold , try the following tips :
You may also desire to useover - the - rejoinder ( OTC ) medicationsto treat your cold symptoms . But be trusted to check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any medications with Stelara . Keep in psyche that some OTC medications may help salvage cold symptom . But the medications wo n’t cure your coldness . you could also utter with your doctor or chemist aboutother remediesfor your inhuman symptom .
You may have head ache while you ’re accept Stelara . This is one of the most common side essence of the drug .
While using Stelara , you may also have concern from a condition called posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome ( PRES ) . PRES is a rare but serious shape that ’s due to swelling in the head . It was take in instudiesof people taking Stelara .
Other symptom you may have with PRES include :
It ’s possible to develop symptoms of PRES after a few days to a few months of take up Stelara .
If you have headaches when using Stelara , talk with your Dr. . But seek parking brake medical attention if you have a headache along with other symptoms of PRES .
If you have PRES , your doctor will have you terminate need Stelara . But do n’t stop take Stelara without utter with your Doctor of the Church .
Keep in thinker that having headaches while using Stelara does n’t always have in mind you have PRES . SeveralOTC drugscan help relieve the discomfort of a worry . check up on with your doctor or apothecary about which options are safe for you .
Stelara frown the activity of yourimmune system . And this may increase your risk for certaincancers . Instudies , some hoi polloi taking Stelara were more likely to getskin cancer .
Before starting Stelara , tell your doctor if you ’ve ever had cancer . This drug was n’t studied for safety in people with a story of genus Cancer .
While you ’re taking Stelara , your doctor willmonitoryou for anysigns of tegument Cancer the Crab .
You may have a higher risk for cancer and need close monitoring during discussion if you :
While taking Stelara , check your skin regularly for any change . Be sure to tell your doctor if you notice any unexampled growths or other change . If you ’d like , ask your Dr. to show you how to do your ownskin exam .
Some people may have anallergic reactionto Stelara . In addition , if you ’re supersensitised to latex , you should n’t handle the needle cover of Stelara ’s prefilled syringe . It contains latex and may cause an hypersensitized reaction if you ’re raw to latex .
symptom of a meek supersensitive reaction can include :
A more spartan allergic reaction is rare but possible . life-threatening hypersensitised reactions were take care in people duringstudiesof Stelara . If you have a severe allergic reaction , you must search aesculapian assistance mightily away and stop using Stelara .
symptom of a severe allergic chemical reaction can include swelling under your skin , typically in your eyelids , lips , hands , or feet . They can also include swelling of your tongue , mouth , or throat , which can cause trouble external respiration .
Call your doctor mighty away if you have an allergic reaction to Stelara . But if you conceive you ’re have a aesculapian emergency , call 911 or your local emergency brake number .
What is Stelara’s dosage?
Your doc will recommend the dosage of Stelara that ’s right for you . Below are normally used dosage , but always inject the dosage your doc prescribes .
Forms and strengths
Stelara comes as a fluid solution inside prefilled syringes and single - STD ampul . You ’ll receive this solution as aninjection under your skin .
Stelara liquidness solution for injection under your pelt is available in two strengths :
Stelara also come as a solution inside unmarried - loony toons vials that you ’ll receive from healthcare professional as anintravenous ( IV ) infusion . With an IV infusion , you ’ll get the medication through your vein over a period of time .
Stelara liquidness solution for IV infusion is useable in unmarried - dose phial in one military posture : 130 mg/26 mL.
Recommended dosages
Your medico will recommend the dosage of Stelara that ’s right for you . Below are usually used dose , but the dose you obtain will be find out by your doctor .
If you haveCrohn ’s diseaseorulcerative colitis , your doctor may prescribe either an IV infusion or an injection of Stelara . In some cases , your doctor may prescribe a consignment dose of the drug . ( A shipment loony toons is a one - fourth dimension dose that ’s given to boost your body ’s tier of a drug . ) For a loading back breaker , you ’ll receive the drug as an IV extract that will last at least 1 hr .
After the IV infusion , your doctor will order injections of Stelara . You ’ll receive Stelara as an injectant under your skin 8 weeks after you took the loading dose . Then , you ’ll keep contract these injections once every 8 weeks .
If you ’re an adult withplaque psoriasisorpsoriatic arthritis , you ’ll receive one Cupid’s itch of Stelara followed by another dose 4 week subsequently . After the 2nd dose , you ’ll incur a Stelara shot once every 12 calendar week .
Children with plaque psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis who are ages 6 to 17 years one-time will follow the adult drug agenda for Stelara . Your child ’s doctor will determine their Stelara STD based on their body weight .
To learn more about Stelara ’s dosage , seethis article .
How is Stelara taken?
Your doctor will excuse how you should take Stelara injections . They will also explicate how much to interpose and how often . Be indisputable to follow your doctor ’s teaching . Below are usually used window pane , butalways inject the dose your doctor prescribes .
Taking Stelara
Stelara comes as a solution inside prefilled syrinx and individual - dose phial . You ’ll get this root as aninjection under your skin .
Stelara solvent for injection under your skin is available in two strengths :
Stelara solution for IV extract is available in single - Lucy in the sky with diamonds ampoule in one military strength : 130 mg/26 mL.
Your doctor or nurse will show you how to inject Stelara under your skin . Every fourth dimension you inject Stelara , you should change the site of where you ’re injecting the drug . you could choose from the follow locations :
Taking Stelara with other drugs
You may need to take Stelara with other medications to treat your condition . Talk with your Dr. if you have questions about taking other drugs together with Stelara .
It ’s not known if take otherimmune systemblockers or usingphototherapywith Stelara for psoriasis is safe . Butmethotrexatemay be used with Stelara to handle psoriatic arthritis if appropriate . It ’s not have it away to interfere with the safety and efficaciousness of Stelara .
For Crohn ’s disease or ulcerative inflammatory bowel disease , the comply medications may be used with Stelara if appropriate :
These medicinal drug do n’t affect the safety and effectualness of Stelara . Also , if require , your physician may urge that you usecorticosteroidstogether with Stelara .
Questions about taking Stelara
Below , we answer some common questions about taking Stelara .
You may have questions about Stelara and your treatment program . It ’s important to talk over all your concerns with your doctor .
Here are a few crest that might aid guide your discussion :
Remember , your doctor and other health care professionals are uncommitted to help you . And they want you to get the best care possible . So , do n’t be afraid to ask questions or offer feedback on your intervention .
Stelara cost
Whether you have health insurance or not , price may be a factor when you ’re considering Stelara . What you ’ll pay for Stelara may count on several things , such as your treatment plan and the pharmaceutics you use .
If you have inquiry about how to pay for your prescription drug , mouth with your doctor or apothecary . A programme calledSTELARA withMemay also be available .
you could also check outthis articleto memorise more about saving money on prescriptions .
What is Stelara used for?
If you have certainautoimmune conditions , your doctor may order Stelara for you . ( With autoimmune diseases , yourimmune systemis overactive . )
Stelara is used for the following farseeing lasting disease :
To care symptom of these foresightful go diseases , your doctor may prescribe medication to slow down down the activity of your immune system .
Stelara is an antibody ( a case of protein ) that ’s made in a lab . It works by blocking gist made by your immune system that can cause long durable firing . These meat , called cytokines , promote ignition and may cause disease . By obstruct cytokine , Stelara can help manage symptom and relapses of certain disease .
What are some frequently asked questions about Stelara?
Find solution to some commonly need questions about Stelara .
How does Stelara compare with Humira?
Both Stelara andHumiraarebiologic medicinal drug , which means they ’re made from living cells .
Humira is only given as an shot under the skin . But Stelara can be given as an injection under the skin or as anintravenous ( IV ) extract . ( With an IV extract , you ’ll get the medication through your nervure over a period of time of metre . )
Adults can take either Stelara or Humira for :
Stelara can also be dictate for baby age 6 years and old with plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis . Humira is used for other diseases , too . These includerheumatoid arthritisin adult andjuvenile idiopathic arthritisin some fry .
Both Humira and Stelara direct certain office of yourimmune system . But each drug targets a different part :
The different agency these two drug work may explicate the differences in their side effect . For representative , unlike Stelara , Humira has aboxed warningfor seriousinfectionsandcancer . ( A boxed-in warning is the most serious warning given about a drug ’s side effects . ) Stelara may also cause serious infections and genus Cancer . But it does n’t have a boxed monition for these conditions .
If you ’d wish to hump more about the differences between these two drugs , spill with your doctor or druggist or seethis article .
Does Stelara cause weight gain?
No , Stelara does n’t affect your weightiness .
On the other hand , if you ’re taking Stelara forCrohn ’s disease , the condition itself may make weightiness loss .
If you ’re losing or gain weight unit while engage Stelara , talk with your doctor . They can aid you find what ’s causing yourweight to change . And they can suggest ways to help you manage abody weightthat ’s level-headed for you .
If I stop taking Stelara, will I have withdrawal symptoms?
No , you wo n’t have withdrawal symptoms if you lay off take up Stelara . Withdrawal symptoms are uncomfortable side impression that can occur when you stop direct a drug your soundbox is used to .
But keep in mind that the symptoms of your condition may come back if you quit treatment . Once you stop taking Stelara , your doctor will supervise you to verify you’re able to safely stay off the treatment .
Be sure to mouth with your Dr. before blockade Stelara treatment .
What should be considered before taking Stelara?
Some significant things to discuss with your doc when consider Stelara include your ecumenical wellness and any aesculapian conditions you may have . Other of import things your doctor necessitate to have sex include whether you ’re significant or consider pregnancy or breastfeeding .
Additionally , tell your doctor if you ’re drive any ethical drug or over - the - buffet ( OTC ) medications .
Interactions
Taking medicament , vaccine , food , and other things with a certain drug can impress how the drug works . These core are calledinteractions .
Before taking Stelara , be sure to tell your doctor about all medication you take ( include prescription and OTC type ) . Also report anyvitamins , herb , or add-on you use . Your Dr. or pharmacist can state you about any interactions these items may cause with Stelara .
For more data about Stelara and interactions , see thisin - depth article .
Stelara can interact with several types of drug and therapies , including :
This list does n’t check all type of drugs that may interact with Stelara . Your medico or pharmacist can tell you more about these interaction and any others that may happen with employment of Stelara .
Before starting Stelara , you should make indisputable yourvaccinationsare up to date . Ask your doctor which vaccine you need to have . Once you pop out remove Stelara , your soundbox may not respond as well to vaccines .
During treatment with Stelara , you ca n’t receive any live vaccines . bouncy vaccinum contain weakened manakin of live germ . While you ’re using Stelara , yourimmune system’sactivity is lowered . So , live vaccinum may cause you to get the infection they were meant to protect you from . Receiving a live vaccine during Stelara treatment increase your risk of infection of serious infections .
Examples of resilient vaccines admit :
Also , you should n’t get the bacillus Calmette - Guérin ( BCG ) vaccine from one year before starting Stelara until one year after halt the drug . ( The BCG vaccine is meant to protect you fromtuberculosis . ) If you require a BCG vaccine , require your medico about when you’re able to get it .
When you ’re using Stelara , it ’s also crucial that your household member be thrifty about getting live vaccines . The person who receives the resilient vaccine may shed some of the alive germ from it . And this could induce you to become sick .
Warnings
Stelara may not be right for you if you have certain aesculapian conditions or other factors that affect your health . Talk with your Dr. about your health history before you take Stelara . factor to study include those in the inclination below .
Use with alcohol
Some medication interact with inebriant , but Stelara does n’t . If you drink alcoholic beverage , need your doctor if it ’s secure to toast it during your treatment with Stelara .
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
If you could become pregnant or are breastfeeding , it ’s important to consider whether Stelara is a safe option for you .
you’re able to also refer tothis articlefor more information . If you have other questions , talk with your physician .
What should be done in case of overdose?
Do n’t take more Stelara than your doctor prescribes . Using more than this can lead to serious side effects .
If you inject more Stelara than what ’s prescribe , your doctor will closely monitor you for any symptom of overdose .
What to do in case you take too much Stelara
Call your Dr. if you think you ’ve taken too much Stelara . you could also call 800 - 222 - 1222 to reach America ’s Poison Centers or use itsonline resource . However , if you have severe symptoms , immediately call 911 ( or your local emergency number ) or go to the nearest emergency room .
Ask a pharmacist
Q:
Which cream can I apply for brass psoriasis while using Stelara ?
A:
Your physician may have you apply Stelara together with a topical cream to treat plaque psoriasis . Topical products can serve reduce the scaling , itching , and discomfort of this status . Both over - the - return and prescription medicine topical products are available in various forms , including creams , lotions , and ointment .
When choosing a topical merchandise , it ’s best to avoid ones with fragrances and dyes . They can irritate your skin . Also , look on for herbal or born ingredients , such astea Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree oiloraloe vera . There is n’t enough selective information usable to be intimate how secure they are and how well they crop in treating memorial tablet psoriasis .
A variety of cream for psoriasis are available . Look for these ingredients , which can help treat psoriasis :
Psoriasis affects everyone otherwise , so some topical product may work well for you than others . Talk with your doctor or druggist to find a topical treatment that is suitable for you . And always be sure to check with your Doctor of the Church before start up any young topical mathematical product .
Disclaimer : Healthline has made every effort to check that that all selective information is factually correct , comprehensive , and up to date . However , this article should not be used as a substitute for the cognition and expertness of a licensed health care professional . You should always consult your MD or another healthcare professional before taking any medicinal drug . The drug information moderate herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all potential America , directions , precautions , word of advice , drug interactions , sensitized reaction , or contrary consequence . The absence of warnings or other information for a yield drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combining is safe , good , or appropriate for all patient or all specific uses .
