Stelara ratings & reviews

Ustekinumab
Company: J&J
Brand: Stelara
Drug class: Antineoplastic and Immunomodulating Agents
+6 more
Antineoplastic and Immunomodulating Agents, Dermatologicals, Nonsteroidals For Inflammatory Skin Disorders, Agents that Suppress the Immune System, Interleukin-23 (IL-23) Inhibitors, Systemic Antipsoriasis Agents, Antipsoriatic Monoclonal Antibodies and Others

Sermo AI Overview

  • Overall patient satisfaction with Stelara varies widely, reflecting differing experiences across specialties, emphasizing the need for better medication access amid reports of effective treatment outcomes in many cases.
  • Physicians highlight that Stelara's advantages include a favorable safety profile and less frequent dosing, which can positively influence patient adherence, but insurance and cost-related barriers still present challenges for patients seeking treatment.
  • Stelara shows a generally positive safety profile and good tolerability across various indications, although concerns remain regarding its efficacy in severe psoriasis cases and delayed results in some patients.
  • While Stelara is noted for its effectiveness in treating conditions like psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease, access issues and high costs are significant barriers for many patients, impacting how widely it is prescribed.
Based on insights from Sermo’s triple verified physicians

Description

Stelara contains ustekinumab, a monoclonal antibody that acts as an interleukin-12 and -23 antagonist. It is formulated as a sterile, preservative-free injection, presented as a colorless to light yellow solution. This medication is produced using DNA recombinant technology in a murine cell line.

Source: This information is sourced from FDA and powered by AI

Dosage & Administration

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected under the skin or into a vein. It is usually given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting. It may also be given at home. If you get this medication at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give it. Use it exactly as directed. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop. It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one. A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time. Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you get this medication at the hospital or clinic: It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are unable to keep an appointment. If you give yourself this medication at home: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. Then continue your normal schedule. Do not take double or extra doses. Call your care team with questions.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets. See product label for storage information. Each product may have different instructions. Get rid of any unused medication as instructed or after the expiration date, whichever is first. It is preferred to store unopened vials and prefilled syringes in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep this medication in the original carton. Protect from light. Store the vials upright. To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired: -Take the medication to a take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location. -If you cannot return the medication, ask your pharmacist or care team how to get rid of the medication safely.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Side Effects

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible: -Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat -Change in your skin, such as a new growth, a sore that doesn't heal, or a change in a mole -Dry cough, shortness of breath or trouble breathing -Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell -Sudden and severe headache, confusion, change in vision, seizures, which may be signs of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome): -Diarrhea -Dizziness -Fatigue -Headache -Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site -Runny or stuffy nose -Sore throat

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings & Precautions

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions: -Cancer -Diabetes -History of skin cancer -Immune system problems -Infection, such as a bacterial or viral infection, chickenpox, cold sores, herpes, or history of infections -New or changing lesions on your skin -Receiving or have received allergy shots -Receive or have received phototherapy for the skin -Recently received or scheduled to receive a vaccine -Tuberculosis, a positive skin test for tuberculosis, or recent close contact with someone who has tuberculosis -An unusual or allergic reaction to ustekinumab, latex, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives -Pregnant or trying to get pregnant -Breast-feeding

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following: -Live virus vaccines This medication may also interact with the following: -Biologic medications, such as abatacept, adalimumab, anakinra, certolizumab, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab, rituximab, secukinumab, tocilizumab -Cyclosporine -Warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. You will be tested for tuberculosis (TB) before you start this medication. If your care team prescribes any medication for TB, you should start taking the TB medication before starting this medication. Make sure to finish the full course of TB medication. This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick. Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancers if you take this medication. Certain genetic factors may decrease the safety of this medication. Your care team may use genetic tests to determine treatment.

Source: This information is sourced from Elsevier Inc.

Disclaimer

The reviews, ratings, comments, and opinions expressed on this platform are solely those of the individual medical professionals who posted them and do not reflect the views or positions of Sermo, Inc. Sermo does not endorse, verify, or validate the content of individual reviews. The information provided is user-generated and reflects personal clinical experiences, which may not be complete, accurate, or applicable to your specific health needs. It is not intended as medical advice.

Prescription medications affect individuals differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed applies to your personal circumstances. Only a licensed healthcare provider can advise you on what is safe and effective for you.

Keep all medications out of the reach of children, never share your medicine with others, and use each medication only as prescribed. Your reliance on any information provided on this platform is at your own risk.

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