Additional Information

Description

Stelara (ustekinumab) 5 mg/mL is a human monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interleukin-23 (IL-23), cytokines involved in immune and inflammatory processes. It is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, active psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis in adults. By binding to IL-12 and IL-23, Stelara disrupts cytokine-mediated signaling, reducing inflammation and immune response.

The dosage and administration vary based on the condition being treated. In psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, Stelara is administered as a subcutaneous injection at weeks 0 and 4, followed by maintenance dosing every 12 weeks. For Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, an initial intravenous infusion is given, followed by subcutaneous maintenance dosing every eight weeks.

Adverse effects include nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infections, headaches, and fatigue. Serious risks involve increased susceptibility to infections, tuberculosis reactivation, and malignancy. Regular monitoring for infections and tuberculosis screening is required before initiation. Patients should not receive live vaccines while on therapy due to immune suppression.