Stelara is an immunosuppressant that reduces the effects of a chemical compound in the body that triggers inflammation. It is used to treat:
Plaque psoriasis in adults and children aged 6 and older
Psoriatic arthritis in adults, often in combination with methotrexate
Moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease in adults after other drugs have failed
Moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis in adults
Uses of Stelara
Stelara is used for:
Moderate to Severe Psoriasis: In adults and children who may benefit from phototherapy (light therapy) or systemic therapy (drugs taken orally or by injection).
Psoriatic Arthritis: In adults, alone or in combination with methotrexate.
Crohn’s Disease: In adults who have not responded to other treatments or who experienced serious side effects from other treatments.
Ulcerative Colitis: In adults with moderately to severely active disease.
Side Effects of Stelara
Common side effects include:
Headache
Upper respiratory infections
Fatigue
Redness at the injection site
Vaginal yeast infections
Itchy skin
Urinary tract infection
Vomiting
Serious side effects may include:
Pneumonia
Appendicitis
Cholecystitis
Osteomyelitis
Gastroenteritis
Diverticulitis
Cellulitis
Tuberculosis
How to Take Stelara
Before Starting: A TB skin test is necessary to rule out latent TB.
Dosage: Determined by weight, medical condition, and treatment response. Available as a prefilled syringe or single-dose vial, with common dosages being 45 mg or 90 mg.
Administration: Injected subcutaneously in the upper arms, legs, stomach, or buttocks. Can be self-administered after proper training or given by a healthcare provider.
Missed Dose: Contact your doctor if you miss a dose. Do not take extra doses to make up for missed ones.
Overdose
If an overdose is suspected, seek immediate medical attention. Overdose can lead to serious health issues.
Warnings
Pregnancy: Not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding: Not recommended during breastfeeding as it may pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor for alternatives.
Storage
Store Stelara at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C). Keep it away from heat, light, and moisture, and out of reach of children.
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.
