What is Stelara Injection?
Stelara, a brand name for ustekinumab, is a prescription medicine delivered via injection to treat several autoimmune conditions. It doesn't cure these diseases but effectively manages their symptoms. Administration usually occurs in a hospital or clinic setting.
Stelara is used to treat the following conditions:
- Plaque Psoriasis: A common skin condition causing raised, red, scaly patches.
- Psoriatic Arthritis: A type of arthritis affecting people with psoriasis.
- Crohn's Disease: An inflammatory bowel disease impacting the digestive tract.
- Ulcerative Colitis: Another inflammatory bowel disease primarily affecting the large intestine.
How is Stelara Administered?
Stelara can be administered in two ways:
- Subcutaneous Injection: This involves injecting the medication just under the skin. For conditions like plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, this is the typical route. A self-injection guide is available for some patients. See reference: Self-Injection Guide It is important to note that the needle cover on the pre-filled syringe should not be handled by those with latex allergies.
- Intravenous Infusion: For Crohn's disease, initial treatment often involves an intravenous infusion (IV) into a vein in the arm. The dosage is determined by body weight. See reference: Learn About STELARA® (ustekinumab) for Crohn's Disease
Potential Side Effects
Possible side effects include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Redness, itching, swelling, or bruising at the injection site See reference: Stelara (Ustekinumab) Injection: Uses & Side Effects
Important Note: Stelara may lower the body's ability to fight infections. Always consult your doctor before starting any new medication.
