STELARA (Ustekinumab)

What is this medication?

STELARA (Ustekinumab)
Antipsoriatic Agent; Interleukin-12 Inhibitor; Interleukin-23 Inhibitor; Monoclonal Antibody

STELARA (Ustekinumab) is a human interleukin-12 and -23 antagonist indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis that are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy. Ustekinumab is indicated for the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis (PsA), alone or in combination with methotrexate. Ustekinumab is indicated for the treatment of   moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease (CD) who have failed or were intolerant to treatment with immunomodulators or corticosteroids, but never failed a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker or  failed or were intolerant to treatment with one or more TNF blockers.

How does this medication work? 

STELARA (Ustekinumab) is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to proinflammatory cytokines and mediators such as interleukin-12 and -23. Ustekinumab also interferes with the expression of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interferon-inducible protein-10 (IP-10), and interleukin-8 (IL-8). Significant clinical improvement in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis patients is seen in association with reduction of these proinflammatory signalers.

How should I take this medication? 

Crohn Disease
Induction IV: Inject 260mg to 520mg as a single dose; dependent on bodyweight.

Maintenance SQ: Inject 90mg subcutaneously every 8 weeks after IV induction dose.

Plaque Psoriasis
SQ: Inject 45mg to 90mg subcutaneously at 0, 4 weeks and then 12 weeks thereafter.

Psoriatic Arthritis
SQ: Inject 45mg subcutaneously at 0, 4 and then 12 weeks thereafter.

Ulcerative Colitis
Induction IV: 260mg to 520mg as a single dose; dependent on bodyweight.

Maintenance SQ: Inject 90mg subcutaneously every 8 weeks after IV induction dose. 

How to Take: Intravenous administration of STELARA (Ustekinumab) should be done under the direct supervision of a medical professional.  Ustekinumab is generally administered at an infusion clinic. When administering Ustekinumab by subcutaneous injection, inject into the top of the thigh, abdomen, upper arms, or buttocks. Rotate sites. Do not inject into tender, bruised, erythematous, or indurated skin. Avoid areas of skin where psoriasis is present. Discard any unused portion. Intended for use under supervision of physician; self-injection may occur after proper training. 

What should I watch for while using this medication? 

Before starting STELARA (Ustekinumab), make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take.

What size needle does this medication use?

STELARA
Prefilled syringe: 27 gauge, ½ inch needle

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, talk with your doctor. They can help set up a new dosing schedule.

How should I store this medication?

Stored in the refrigerator (but NOT in the freezer compartment). Do not be freeze or shake. Keep the product in the original carton to protect it from light until the time of use. Refrigerate it immediately at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Never keep Ustekinumab beyond the expiration date printed on the carton and the label.

What are the possible side effects of using this medication?

Injection site pain and erythema, nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and fatigue., vomiting,  vulvovaginal candidiasis/mycotic infection, bronchitis, pruritus, urinary tract infection, and sinusitis.

Note this is not a complete list of side effects for STELARA (Ustekinumab), only common ones.