What is Stelara?
Stelara is an immunosuppressant that acts by lowering the effects of a chemical compound in the body that triggers inflammation. Stelara is a drug that is used to treat plaque psoriasis in adults and children aged 6 and up. It's also used to treat adults with psoriatic arthritis, and it's often combined with another drug named methotrexate. Stelara is a drug used to treat moderately to seriously active Crohn's disease in adults after all drugs have failed. Adults with moderately to seriously active ulcerative colitis are treated with Stelara.
Stelara Uses
Stelara is used for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis in adults and children. It's safe to use for people who may benefit from phototherapy (light therapy) or systemic therapy (drugs taken by mouth or through an injection). Stelara is used for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis in adults. This can also be used alone or in combination with other drug called methotrexate. The medication is also used for the treatment of moderate to severe Crohn’s disease in adults who’ve already tried certain other drugs which didn’t work to treat the condition or which has caused serious side effects which cannot be managed.
Side effects:
Some of the common side effects of Stelara are:
- Headache
- Upper respiratory infections
- Fatigue
- Redness at the injection site
- Vaginal yeast infections
- Itchy skin
- Urinary tract infection
- Vomiting
Some of the serious side effects of Stelara are:
- Pneumonia
- Appendicitis
- Cholecystitis
- Osteomyelitis
- Gastroenteritis
- Diverticulitis
- Cellulitis
- Tuberculosis
Keep in mind that your doctor approved this drug because he or she feels the value to you outweighs the risk of side effects. The majority of people who take this drug do not experience any significant side effects. If you experience symptoms of infection when taking this medicine, such as a persistent sore throat, persistent cough, fever, chills, night sweats, difficulty breathing, painful or repeated urination, irregular vaginal discharge, or white patches in your mouth, contact your doctor right away.
How to take Stelara?
You should get tuberculosis (TB) skin test before starting this medicine to rule out a form of tuberculosis that isn't causing any symptoms (latent TB). If you have been diagnosed with tuberculosis, you must first be treated for it before beginning ustekinumab to avoid severe infection. The dosage is determined by your weight, medical condition, and treatment reaction. If you're giving this drug to yourself at home, make sure you understand all of the planning and usage instructions from your doctor. The solution should not be shaken. Normally, the solution is colourless or light yellow. It may have a few tiny white protein particles in it
Dosage of Stelara
- Stelara comes in the form of a liquid solution that contains the active drug ustekinumab. This comes in various forms, which include
- Single-dose, prefilled syringe which holds 0.5mL of the solution and that contains 45 mg of ustekinumab
- Single-dose, prefilled syringe which holds 1 mL of solution and that contains 90 mg of Ustekinumab
- Single-dose which holds 0.5mL of the solution and that contains 45 mg of ustekinumab
- Stelara is delivered as a subcutaneous injection (a subcutaneous injection). It may be administered to the upper arms, legs, stomach, or buttocks. Stelara injections can be administered to you at a medical clinic by your healthcare provider. They can even teach you how to inject Stelara yourself at home.
Missed dose
It's important to keep your Stelara injection appointments with your healthcare provider. Call your doctor's office right away if you miss an appointment. They have the right to reschedule your meeting.
If you're taking Stelara at home and forget to take a dose, take it right away. Taking more than one dose at a time is not recommended. This could put you at risk for severe side effects. Talk to your doctor if you miss any of the doses.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Stelara tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Warnings for some Serious Health Conditions:
Pregnant
Stelara can only be used during breastfeeding if absolutely necessary, according to the manufacturer. Stelara is not considered to be safe to take during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning to pregnant then talk with your doctor before taking Stelara.
Breast feeding
According to the drug's maker, you cannot breastfeed when taking Stelara. Stelara may be passed on to a breastfed infant by human breast milk. However, there isn't enough information to decide if the sum is safe or could hurt the child. Consult your doctor if you intend to breastfeed or are actually doing so. They will advise you on how to feed your child properly and what care options are available.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach. Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Stelara vs Humira
Stelara |
Humira |
|---|---|
| Stelara (ustekinumab) is an immunosuppressant that acts by lowering the effects of a chemical compound in the body that triggers inflammation. | Humira (adalimumab) is a tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor that decreases the inflammatory effects of a substance in the body. |
| Stelara is used for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis in adults and children. It's safe to use for people who may benefit from phototherapy or systemic therapy. | Humira is used to relieve the pain and swelling associated with many forms of arthritis. |
Some of the common side effects of Stelara are:
|
Most common side effects of Humira are
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