Description
Stelara (ustekinumab) is a monoclonal antibody used for the treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, active psoriatic arthritis, and moderate-to-severe Crohn’s disease. It is administered by subcutaneous injection or intravenous infusion.
Uses:
Stelara is used to treat adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, active psoriatic arthritis, and moderate-to-severe Crohn’s disease. These conditions are chronic inflammatory diseases that require long-term management. Stelara works by blocking the activity of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interleukin-23 (IL-23), which are cytokines involved in the immune system activation and inflammation.
Storage Conditions:
Stelara should be stored in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). The medication should be protected from light and should not be frozen or shaken.
Mechanism of Action:
Stelara blocks the activity of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interleukin-23 (IL-23), which are cytokines involved in the immune system activation and inflammation. IL-12 and IL-23 play a key role in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases such as plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn’s disease. By blocking IL-12 and IL-23, Stelara reduces the immune system activation and inflammation in these conditions.
How to Use:
Stelara is administered by subcutaneous injection or intravenous infusion. The dosage and duration of treatment are determined by the healthcare provider based on the patient’s weight and medical history. Stelara injections are typically given at weeks 0, 4, and every 12 weeks thereafter. Intravenous infusion is given every eight weeks for the treatment of moderate-to-severe Crohn’s disease.
Precautions:
Before taking Stelara, patients should inform their healthcare providers of any allergies, medical conditions, and medications they are currently taking. Stelara may increase the risk of infections and patients should be monitored for signs of infection. The medication may also cause hypersensitivity reactions, and patients should be monitored for signs of an allergic reaction during administration.
Drug Interactions:
Stelara may interact with drugs that affect the immune system or increase the risk of infection. Patients should inform their healthcare providers of any medications they are taking, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, before taking Stelara.
Contraindications:
Stelara is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to ustekinumab or any of its components.
Overdose:
In the event of an overdose, patients should contact their healthcare provider.
Adverse Reactions:
The most common adverse reactions reported with Stelara include infections, injection site reactions, and headache. Patients should report any adverse reactions to their healthcare provider.
Overall, Stelara is a monoclonal antibody used for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, active psoriatic arthritis, and moderate-to-severe Crohn’s disease in adults. The medication is administered by subcutaneous injection or intravenous infusion and works by blocking the activity of IL-12 and IL-23, which are cytokines involved in the immune system activation and inflammation. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of any allergies, medical conditions, and medications they are taking, and should be monitored for signs of infection and allergic reaction during administration. Stelara may cause adverse reactions such as infections, injection site reactions, and headache and is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to ustekinumab or its components.
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