Stelara Prefilled Syring

Uses of Stelara Prefilled Syring

Stelara (ustekinumab) is used to treat types of plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis, which are all autoimmune conditions. Stelara injection is an interleukin inhibitor that works by blocking certain proteins in your body called IL-12 (interleukin-12) and IL-23 (interleukin-23) that cause inflammation in these autoimmune conditions. Stelara works by blocking the activity of IL-12 and IL-23, which reduces inflammation, pain, swelling, and skin symptoms that you may have.

Precautions and Warnings

You should not use this medicine if you have received a BCG (Bacillus Calmette and Guérin) vaccine within 1 year prior to, during, or 1 year following treatment.

Before you start treatment with this injection, your doctor may perform tests to make sure you do not have tuberculosis.

Serious infections may occur during treatment with Stelara. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection such as fever, chills, muscle pain, shortness of breath, weight loss, diarrhea or stomach pain, burning when you urinate, feeling very tired, skin warmth or redness, painful skin sores, or coughing up blood.

Ustekinumab may also cause a rare but serious condition affecting the brain called Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES). Tell your doctor right away if you have a headache, confusion, vision problems, or a seizure.

Stelara injection may decrease the activity of your immune system, and there may be an increase in your risk for certain types of cancers. Tell your doctor if you have ever had any type of cancer. Some people who are receiving this medicine and have risk factors for skin cancer have developed certain types of skin cancers. During your treatment with this medicine, tell your doctor if you develop any new skin growths.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of ustekinumab on the baby.

Dosage

Dose is dependent on the patient’s weight.

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis Stelara is given as an infusion for the first dose then as a subcutaneous injection every 8 weeks thereafter.

Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Stelara is given as a subcutaneous injection initially and 4 weeks later, then a dose is given every 12 weeks.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• fever, flu-like symptoms;
• infection;
• itching;
• stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• vaginal itching or discharge;
• pain or burning when you urinate;
• cough with mucus, shortness of breath, chest discomfort;
• headache, tiredness; or
• redness at the injection site.