Stelara is an immunosuppressant biologic medicine that helps reduce inflammation in autoimmune conditions. It works by targeting and blocking specific proteins in the immune system that cause chronic inflammation. Stelara is prescribed for conditions like psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis, especially when other treatments have failed. Its effectiveness lies in its targeted action with less frequent dosing compared to other biologics.
What is Stelara?
Stelara (generic name: ustekinumab) is a monoclonal antibody that blocks interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interleukin-23 (IL-23)-proteins that play a key role in the inflammatory and immune responses seen in certain autoimmune diseases.
What are the Benefits and Uses of Stelara?
Stelara is a prescription medicine used to treat certain inflammatory conditions like psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. It helps reduce inflammation and improve symptoms over time.
Stelara is beneficial in:
Reducing skin inflammation and scaling in plaque psoriasis
Managing joint pain and swelling in psoriatic arthritis
Controlling bowel inflammation in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
Improving the quality of life by reducing flare-ups and symptoms
Conditions Stelara Treats
Stelara is FDA-approved for:
Plaque psoriasis (in adults and children aged 6 years and older)
Psoriatic arthritis (in adults, alone or with methotrexate)
Moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (in adults)
Secondary Uses of Stelara
There are no widely accepted off-label uses. Stelara is typically reserved for the above conditions after other treatments have failed or caused side effects.
How Does Stelara Work?
Stelara works by:
Targeting IL-12 and IL-23, two key proteins involved in inflammation and immune system overactivity
Suppressing immune overreaction, which is at the root of autoimmune diseases like psoriasis and Crohn's
In simple terms, Stelara calms down the immune system to prevent it from attacking the body unnecessarily.
Stelara Dosage
The dosage of Stelara depends on the condition being treated and the patient's weight. It is usually given as an injection under the skin or into a vein, as directed by a healthcare provider.
The dosage is determined by body weight, the condition being treated, and the doctor's assessment.
Administered by subcutaneous injection (under the skin) or intravenous infusion (IV, especially for Crohn's/ulcerative colitis induction).
Typical doses: 45 mg or 90 mg via a prefilled syringe or single-dose vial
Injection sites: arms, thighs, buttocks, or abdomen
Before Starting
A TB skin test is required to check for latent tuberculosis.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
Do not double the dose.
Contact your healthcare provider to reschedule the missed dose.
What Happens If There's an Overdose?
Symptoms of Overdose:
Severe immune suppression
Higher risk of serious infections
Seek immediate medical attention in case of an overdose.
Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.
While Stelara is generally well-tolerated, it may cause side effects, including headaches, fatigue, injection site reactions, or infections. Report any unusual or severe symptoms to your doctor.
Consult your doctor immediately if any serious side effects occur or if symptoms worsen.
Precautions and Warnings
Before starting Stelara, inform your doctor about any existing infections, recent vaccinations, or medical conditions such as cancer or immune system issues. Stelara may affect how your body fights infections.
Who Should Avoid Stelara?
People with a known allergy to ustekinumab
Pregnant or breastfeeding women (unless a doctor advises otherwise)
Those with active infections or tuberculosis
Use with Caution If You Have:
A history of chronic or recurring infections
A weakened immune system
Recent vaccinations (live vaccines should be avoided)
Cancer or a history of cancer
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Using Stelara?
Approved for adults for all indications
Approved for children aged six and older with plaque psoriasis
Alcohol or Food Interactions
No direct interactions with food or alcohol are documented
However, alcohol should be consumed in moderation, especially in individuals with psoriasis or liver concerns
Possible Interactions with Other Medications (Drug Interactions)
Stelara may interact with other immunosuppressants or biologic therapies. Always inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines, supplements, or vaccines you are taking.
Stelara May Interact With:
Other immunosuppressants
Live vaccines (may increase infection risk)
Methotrexate (used safely in combination with psoriatic arthritis)
Always inform your doctor of all medications and supplements you are using to avoid interactions.
How Should Stelara Be Stored?
Store Stelara in a refrigerator between 2°C to 8°C. Please keep the medication in its original carton, away from light, and do not freeze or shake it.
Recommended Storage Temperature:
20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F)
Can tolerate short-term variations between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F)
Storage Instructions:
Keep away from heat, light, and moisture
Do not freeze
Store in original packaging until use
What Happens If Stelara Is Not Stored Properly?
Improper storage can reduce the medicine's effectiveness
Do not use it if it has been frozen or exposed to extreme heat
Always check for expiration date and solution clarity before use
Stelara vs Humira
Stelara
Humira
Immunosuppressant that reduces the effects of a chemical compound in the body that triggers inflammation.
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor that decreases the inflammatory effects of a substance in the body.
Used for moderate to severe psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.
Used to relieve pain and swelling associated with various forms of arthritis.
Common side effects include headache, upper respiratory infections, fatigue, redness at the injection site, vaginal yeast infections.
Common side effects include swelling at the injection site, upper respiratory infection, headache, rash.
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 a monoclonal antibody that inhibits interleukin-12 and interleukin-23, two inflammatory proteins. The medication was originally approved for the treatment of psoriasis, but it is now approved for the treatment of Crohn's disease, a gastrointestinal inflammatory disease that lasts for years.
Stelara is capable of operating rapidly. Patients who respond to the medication normally do so within six weeks, but some may take more time. Stelara can be used indefinitely as long as it continues to function and the side effects are held to a minimum.
Stelara (Ustekinumab) treats two forms of psoriasis. Because of the injection, it can be a hassle at first, but after the first two doses, you just need to take it every 12 weeks. In all of its approved indications, Humira (adalimumab) is effective at reducing symptoms.
Common side effects of Humira include headache, upper respiratory infections, fatigue, redness at the injection site, and vaginal yeast infections.
Disclaimer: The information provided is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge. However, it should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or consultation. We do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. The absence of specific warnings does not mean a medicine is safe for all users. We are not responsible for any outcomes based on this information and strongly recommend consulting a doctor for any medical concerns or questions.
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