Stelara

What is Ustekinumab used for?

Ustekinumab is a biologic agent that inhibits interleukin-12 and interleukin-23, the biomolecules which are involved in the inflammatory process in the treatment of autoimmune conditions, i.e. psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and Crohn 9.

How does Ustekinumab work?

Ustekinumab is inhibitor of interleukin-12 and interleukin-23 which are cytokines that cause inflammatory and immune response thus decreasing symptoms of inflammatory diseases.

What are the adverse effects of Ustekinumab?

The usual side effects are headache, fatigue, and URIs. Side effects may also be severe like infection, allergic reactions or blood disorders.

Ustekinumab is given orally, as a bolus or as an injection.

Ustekinumab comes as an injection under your skin (subcutaneous) at pre-determined schedules with the frequency dictated by your healthcare provider.

Is Ustekinumab safe in pregnancy?

Ustekinumab should not be administered in pregnancy unless the risks are less than the benefits of this drug. Advise should be taken before using it in pregnancy.

What happens when I do not take a dose of Ustekinumab?

In case you do not take a dose, call your health provider to rearrange the injection. Do not make up personal dose in a case of missed dose.

Is there any possibility of Ustekinumab causing infections?

Yes, the use of Ustekinumab carries the risk of severe infections because of its immunosuppressive properties. One should pay attention to indicators of infection as part of treatment.

This is another question about whether Ustekinumab can be used to treat other conditions.

Yes, Ustekinumab is also applicable in the management of diseases like psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and crohn disease subject to the recommendation of your healthcare provider.

What is the time of action of Ustekinumab?

Ustekinumab can take weeks to produce some observable effect especially when it comes to such a disease as psoriasis or Crohn particularly.

Does the Ustekinumab have any interactions with other drugs?

Ustekinumab can become involved in other immunosuppressive drugs. You should always communicate to your health care provider all the drugs you are taking.