| Brand Name | Stelara |
| Generic Name | Ustekinumab |
| Drug Class | TNF-Alpha Inhibitor |
| Availability | Prescription |
| Manufacturer | Janssen Biotech (Johnson & Johnson) |
| Indications | Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis |
| Type | Subcutaneous Injection, IV Infusion |
| Doses | Induction: 130 mg, then Maintenance: 90 mg every 8 weeks |
| Route | SC Injection |
| Side Effects | Injection site reactions, infections, headache, fatigue |
| Interactions | Biologic agent; infection risk; avoid live vaccines |
| Overdose | Unknown; monitor and seek help. |
| Missed Dose | Take ASAP; consult provider for schedule. |
| Contraindications | Active infections, hypersensitivity |
| Alternatives | Adalimumab, Infliximab, Vedolizumab |
| Co-Pay Assistance Program | Available |
| Patient Assistance Program | Available |
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
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.
Ustekinumab is inhibitor of interleukin-12 and interleukin-23 which are cytokines that cause inflammatory and immune response thus decreasing symptoms of inflammatory diseases.
The usual side effects are headache, fatigue, and URIs. Side effects may also be severe like infection, allergic reactions or blood disorders.
Ustekinumab comes as an injection under your skin (subcutaneous) at pre-determined schedules with the frequency dictated by your healthcare provider.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ustekinumab can take weeks to produce some observable effect especially when it comes to such a disease as psoriasis or Crohn particularly.
Ustekinumab can become involved in other immunosuppressive drugs. You should always communicate to your health care provider all the drugs you are taking.
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