Description
Stelara (ustekinumab) is a subcutaneous injection given to treat adults who have moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, active psoriatic arthritis, moderate to severe Crohn's disease, and moderate to severe ulcerative colitis. It is also given to pediatric patients who are at least 6 years of age to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and active psoriatic arthritis.
Stelara is available in single-dose, prefilled syringes containing 45 mg/0.5 mL or 90 mg/mL. It may also come in single-dose vials containing 45 mg/0.5 mL.
Fact Table
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Formula
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C6484H10004N1732O2020S42
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License
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US FDA, EMA
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Bioavailability
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57.2% (subcutaneous)
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Legal status
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Prescription only (Rx)
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Chemical Name
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Ustekinumab
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Elimination half-life
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15-32 days
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Dosage (Strength)
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45 mg/0.5 mL, 90 mg/mL in pre-filled syringes or vials
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Pregnancy
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Consult a doctor
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Brands
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Stelara
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Protein binding
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Not applicable (monoclonal antibody)
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PubChem CID
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16134774
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MedlinePlus
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a609032
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ChEBI
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CHEBI:955786
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ATC code
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L04AC05
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DrugBank
|
DB05679
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KEGG
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D03257
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Routes of administration
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Subcutaneous, Intravenous (IV)
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Directions
Use Stelara as directed by your doctor. For additional instructions for use, including storage, carefully read the medication guide that accompanies your prescription.
Your doctor will determine an appropriate treatment regimen for you. A healthcare provider will instruct you or a caregiver on the proper storage, preparation, administration, and disposal of Stelara. Stelara should be given underneath the skin in the upper arms, buttocks, thighs, or abdomen.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding Stelara, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Ingredients
The active ingredient in Stelara is ustekinumab.
Inactive ingredients in the single-dose, prefilled syringe include L-histidine, L-histidine monohydrochloride monohydrate, Polysorbate 80, and sucrose.
Inactive ingredients in the single-dose vial include L-histidine, L-histidine hydrochloride monohydrate, Polysorbate 80, and sucrose.
Contraindications
Patients with an allergy to Stelara or any of its excipients should not receive it.
Cautions
- Before you begin treatment with Stelara, tell your doctor about:
- All the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use
- Your allergies
- Your current health problems and past medical history
- Your pregnancy or breastfeeding status
- Stelara is associated with the following warnings and precautions:
- Infections that can be serious
- Increased risk for certain infections
- Patients should be evaluated for tuberculosis before starting Stelara therapy
- Increased risk of malignancies
- Allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis
- Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome
- Pneumonia that is noninfectious
Side Effects
Fatigue, common cold, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, vomiting, injection site reactions, fungal infections of the vulvovaginal area, bronchitis, itching, urinary tract infection, sinus infection, stomach pain, diarrhea, fever, flu, and nausea are common Stelara medication side effects; however, other side effects can also occur. Immediately contact your doctor if you have side effects that bother you or won’t resolve.
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Reference
Stelara. Horsham, PA: Janssen Biotech, Inc.; 2024
About Dr. Savannah Muncy (Page Author)
Dr. Muncy (PharmD) studied science and education as an undergraduate before attending the Appalachian College of Pharmacy where she completed her PharmD in three years. She is currently using her pharmacy and healthcare expertise to write medical content for clients all around the world. She is focused on delivering the most current, accurate, and engaging information to healthcare professionals and patients. Read More....
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Product Code : 11901