Ustekinumab (Stelara)
Stelara (Ustekinumab) is a biologic medicine that suppresses the immune system in order to treat psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis.
Stelara works by blocking two signalling proteins called cytokines named interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interleukin-23 (IL-23). These cytokines regulate the body’s immune system and are related to its inflammatory response.
Taking Stelara
Stelara is available as a pre-filled syringe that can be administered at home.
Although some patients who take Stelara can feel better quite quickly, in others it can take a little longer. It is important to keep taking this medicine as prescribed by a doctor.
Stelara comes in a pre-filled syringe for subcutaneous (under the skin) injection.
Patients starting Stelara will receive an injection on week 0, week 4, and then every 12 weeks after that.
The normal dose is either 45 or 90 mg and is based on body weight.
Watch our video to learn how inject Stelara at home:
Learn how to inject subcutaneous injections with a pre filled syringeSubcutaneous injections are easy to do compared to other types of injections. A small needle pokes just under the skin to deliver medicine into the “fatty tissue” below.
Important Tests and Risks
Stelara can make it a bit harder for people to fight off infections.
Patients taking this medicine should call their doctor they have a fever, think they have an infection, or have been prescribed antibiotics to treat an infection.
Patients should coordinate with their doctor to stop treatment before any surgery. It can be re-started once things have healed and there’s no sign of infection.
Patients should discuss all vaccinations with their doctor because some (live vaccines) are not advisable to get while taking Stelara.
It is important to get a TB (tuberculosis) skin test and a chest x-ray before starting Stelara.
It is important for patients who are taking Stelara to get occasional blood tests as requested by their doctor to keep an eye on blood counts and monitor their arthritis.
Science
Stelara works by blocking two signalling proteins, or cytokines, called interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interleukin-23 (IL-23).
IL-12 and IL-23 regulate the immune system and are related to the body’s inflammatory response.
Stelara is itself a type of protein known as a monoclonal antibody. It binds to both IL-12 and IL-23, and in doing so, prevents them from binding to their receptors.
Immune system cells like T-cells, a type of white blood cell, rely on signals like IL-12 and IL-23 to become activated or “switched on”.
When IL-12 and IL-23 are tied up by Stelara, the messages that would normally fire up T-cells don’t get through as often, and the overall effect is suppression of the immune system.
While suppressing the immune can make it slightly harder for patients to fight off infections, it also helps to stabilize an overactive immune system and treat the symptoms of arthritis and psoriasis.
Safety
The most common side effects of Stelara are upper respiratory tract infections (nasopharyngitis) and headache.
Other possible side effects include:
- Injection site reaction – Stelara can rarely cause a reaction (redness, pain, & itching) at the injection site. Patients should tell their doctor if these are severe.
- Rare brain problems – Some patients have very rarely developed a rare brain problem called Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome while taking Stelara. This is very rare and potentially reversible. Stelara should be stopped if this occurs.
- Cancer – Ustekinumab has very rarely been associated with developing cancer. Patients should tell their doctor if they have had cancer in the past or have a family history of cancer.
People that should NOT take Stelara include:
- Those with a fever or possible infection
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Anyone who has had an allergic reaction to Stelara
- People who have had a rare brain problem called Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome
- Possibly patients with a history of certain types of cancers
Patients who are about to have surgery should discuss stopping Stelara with their doctor. The medication can be restarted once things have healed and there are no signs of infection.
People taking Stelara should call a doctor if they feel sick and want to stop, or if they are concerned about any side effects.
Other reasons for people taking Stelara to call a doctor include:
- Fever or possible infection
- Upcoming surgery
- Becoming pregnant or planning on pregnancy
- Planning any vaccinations
- Headache, confusion, seizures, or vision trouble
Anyone who becomes pregnant while taking Stelara should notify their doctor.
Pregnancy and medicationsResources
Drug Identification Number (DIN)
- 02320673
- 02320681