Generic name:ustekinumab [ YOO-sti-KIN-ue-mab ]
Brand names: Stelara, Stelara PFS
Drug class:Interleukin inhibitors
What is Stelara?
Stelara is an immunosuppressant that reduces the effects of a chemical substance in the body that can cause inflammation.
Stelara is used to treat plaque psoriasis in adults and children who are at least 6 years old. It is also used to treat psoriatic arthritis in adults, and is sometimes given with another medicine called methotrexate.
Stelara is used in adults to treat moderately to severely active Crohn's disease after other medicines have been tried without success.
Stelara is also used in adults to treat moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis.
Warnings
You should not use Stelara if you have received a BCG (Bacillus Calmette and Guérin) vaccine within 1 year prior to, during, or 1 year following treatment.
Before you start treatment with Stelara, your doctor may perform tests to make sure you do not have tuberculosis.
Serious infections may occur during treatment with Stelara. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection such as: fever, chills, muscle pain, shortness of breath, weight loss, diarrhea or stomach pain, burning when you urinate, feeling very tired, skin warmth or redness, painful skin sores, or coughing up blood.
Ustekinumab may also cause a rare but serious condition affecting the brain. Tell your doctor right away if you have a headache, confusion, vision problems, or a seizure.
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