What is Stelara?
Stelara is an immunosuppressant that reduces the effects of a chemical compound in the body that triggers inflammation. It is used to treat:
- Plaque psoriasis in adults and children aged 6 and older
- Psoriatic arthritis in adults, often in combination with methotrexate
- Moderately to severely active Crohn's disease in adults after other drugs have failed
- Moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis in adults
Uses of Stelara
Stelara is used for:
- Moderate to Severe Psoriasis: In adults and children who may benefit from phototherapy (light therapy) or systemic therapy (drugs taken orally or by injection).
- Psoriatic Arthritis: In adults, alone or in combination with methotrexate.
- Crohn’s Disease : In adults who have not responded to other treatments or who experienced serious side effects from other treatments.
- Ulcerative Colitis: In adults with moderately to severely active disease.
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Get A Second OpinionSide Effects of Stelara
Common side effects include:
- Headache
- Upper respiratory infections
- Fatigue
- Redness at the injection site
- Vaginal yeast infections
- Itchy skin
- Urinary tract infection
- Vomiting
Serious side effects may include:
- Pneumonia
- Appendicitis
- Cholecystitis
- Osteomyelitis
- Gastroenteritis
- Diverticulitis
- Cellulitis
- Tuberculosis
How to Take Stelara
- Before Starting: A TB skin test is necessary to rule out latent TB.
- Dosage: Determined by weight, medical condition, and treatment response. Available as a prefilled syringe or single-dose vial, with common dosages being 45 mg or 90 mg.
- Administration: Injected subcutaneously in the upper arms, legs, stomach, or buttocks. Can be self-administered after proper training or given by a healthcare provider.
- Missed Dose: Contact your doctor if you miss a dose. Do not take extra doses to make up for missed ones.
Overdose
If an overdose is suspected, seek immediate medical attention. Overdose can lead to serious health issues.
Warnings
- Pregnancy: Not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
- Breastfeeding: Not recommended during breastfeeding as it may pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor for alternatives.
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Book an AppointmentStorage
Store Stelara at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C). Keep it away from heat, light, and moisture, and out of reach of children.
Stelara vs Humira
Stelara | Humira |
---|---|
Immunosuppressant that reduces the effects of a chemical compound in the body that triggers inflammation. | Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor that decreases the inflammatory effects of a substance in the body. |
Used for moderate to severe psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. | Used to relieve pain and swelling associated with various forms of arthritis. |
Common side effects include headache, upper respiratory infections, fatigue, redness at the injection site, vaginal yeast infections. | Common side effects include swelling at the injection site, upper respiratory infection, headache, rash. |