uses
What is ustekinumab used for?Ustekinumab is commonly used to treat the following inflammatory conditions.Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, which is a skin conditionPsoriatic arthritis, which is a type of arthritisModerate to severe Crohn’s disease, which is a disease affecting the digestive tractModerate to severe ulcerative colitis, which is a disease affecting the digestive tractUstekinumab may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.How does ustekinumab work (mechanism of action)?Your immune system uses white blood cells to fight infection. In people with psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis, the immune system mistakenly sees parts of the skin or gut as harmful and sends too many white blood cells into the area. This causes inflammation. Ustekinumab may help stop these white blood cells, helping to control inflammation and prevent damage. How is ustekinumab supplied (dosage forms)?Brands and other namesStelaraImuldosaOtulfiPyzchivaSelarsdiSteqeymaWezlanaYesintekDosage forms and strengths45 mg/0.5 mL or 90 mg/mL solution in a single-dose prefilled syringe45 mg/0.5 mL solution in a single-dose vialUstekinumab is also available in an injectable form that is given by a healthcare provider.How should I store ustekinumab?Ustekinumab prefilled syringes and vials should be stored in the refrigerator, between 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C). Keep the medicine in the original container and away from light. Do not freeze or shake. Ustekinumab vials should be stored upright. If needed, ustekinumab prefilled syringes can be kept at room temperature up to 86 F (30 C) for up to 30 days. Do not put the prefilled syringes back into the refrigerator after storing them at room temperature. Note the date on the carton when you remove the prefilled syringes from the refrigerator. After 30 days at room temperature, ustekinumab must be thrown away.Â
how to use
liquid that is injected under the skin or into a blood vessel
drug interactions
Does ustekinumab interact with foods or drinks?There are no known interactions between ustekinumab and food or drinks.There are no known interactions between ustekinumab and alcohol.Does ustekinumab interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using ustekinumab.Warfarin, which is a blood thinnerCyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, and others), which is used to suppress your immune systemAllergy shots, which are used to lessen allergy symptomsThis may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with ustekinumab. Always check with your healthcare provider.
side effects
What are the most common side effects of ustekinumab?The most common side effects of ustekinumab are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the condition that is being treated. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you. Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptomsFeverHeadacheTirednessItchingNausea and vomitingRedness at the injection siteVaginal yeast infectionsKidney or bladder infectionSinus infectionsBronchitisDiarrheaStomach painThere may be other side effects of ustekinumab that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/medeffect-canada or by calling 866-234-2345.What are the serious side effects of ustekinumab?While less common, the most serious side effects of ustekinumab are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Severe Allergic Reactions. Ustekinumab may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using ustekinumab and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.Breathing problems or wheezingRacing heartFever or general ill feelingSwollen lymph nodesSwelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatTrouble swallowing or throat tightnessItching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hivesNausea or vomitingDizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingStomach crampsJoint painInfections. Ustekinumab can increase your risk of getting infections, including serious infections. Tell your healthcare provider if you think you have an infection or have any of the following symptoms of an infection.Burning or stinging when you peeCough or coughing up bloodFever, sweats, chills, or muscle achesShortness of breathDiarrhea or stomach painWeight lossCancer. Ustekinumab can increase the risk of certain types of cancers, including skin cancer. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.Fever, night sweats, tiredness, weight loss, or itchingSwollen glands (lymph nodes)CoughNew skin growthsMoles that change in color, shape, or sizePosterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES). Ustekinumab may cause a rare but serious brain condition called PRES. PRES involves swelling and narrowing of blood vessels in your brain. If PRES is not treated, it can lead to a stroke. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have the following symptoms of PRES.Changes in thinking or behaviorConfusion or hallucinationsSudden decrease or change in vision Sudden severe headacheSeizuresLung Inflammation. Ustekinumab can cause inflammation in your lungs, also called interstitial lung disease. This can be serious or even life-threatening. Get emergency help if you have trouble breathing. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have a cough or shortness of breath that does not go away.
overdose and misseddose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much ustekinumab?If you or someone else has used too much ustekinumab, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.What should I do if I miss a dose of ustekinumab?If you miss a dose of ustekinumab, use it as soon as you remember. Contact your healthcare provider with questions about the timing of your next dose. If you missed your appointment to receive ustekinumab, call to make an appointment as soon as possible.
warnings and Precautions
Who should not use ustekinumab?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use ustekinumab.UstekinumabStelaraImuldosaOtulfiPyzchivaSelarsdiSteqeymaWezlanaYesintekAny of the ingredients in the specific product dispensedYour pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in ustekinumab.What should I know about ustekinumab before using it?Do not use ustekinumab unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.Do not share ustekinumab with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.Keep ustekinumab out of the reach of children. Since this medicine should be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.This medicine is injected. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use ustekinumab. If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider.The needle cover of the prefilled syringe contains dry natural rubber, which is made from latex. This may cause an allergic reaction if you are sensitive to latex. Inject ustekinumab into a different site each time. Avoid injecting ustekinumab into skin that is bruised, hard, red, or tender. Avoid injecting into moles or scars. Ustekinumab can increase the risk of skin cancer. If you need to be in sunlight, wear sunscreen, a hat, and clothing that covers your skin. What should I tell my healthcare provider before using ustekinumab?Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if ustekinumab is right for you.In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.Infection or infections that keep coming backTuberculosis (TB) CancerWeak immune systemAny brain condition, including seizures or Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES)Lung problems Any new or changing areas on your skinVaccines. Talk with your healthcare provider about any vaccines that you may need. You should not receive certain vaccines right before or while using ustekinumab. Tell your healthcare provider about any vaccines you have recently received or have scheduled. You should avoid getting the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) for one year before or after using ustekinumab. Also tell your healthcare provider if anyone in your home needs certain vaccines known as live vaccines. Examples of live vaccines include the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine or the chickenpox vaccine. Latex Allergy. The needle cover on the ustekinumab prefilled syringe contains latex. This may cause an allergic reaction if you are sensitive to latex. Tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to latex. Phototherapy. Ustekinumab increases your risk of cancer, including skin cancer. Tell your healthcare provider if you are receiving or have received phototherapy for psoriasis.Other Medicines and Supplements. Ustekinumab may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using ustekinumab, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.Pregnancy. It is not known if or how ustekinumab could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.Breastfeeding. Ustekinumab passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use ustekinumab while breastfeeding.How can I get more information about ustekinumab?For more information about ustekinumab, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.stelarainfo.com or call them at 800-526-7736.