Stelara (Ustekinumab)

Welcome to the Stelara (Ustekinumab) social portal on PsoriasisPatients.com.

This page will connect you with all activities and content on our site that is, in one way or another, related to the Stelara treatment. You can get access to blog entries, participate in discussion forums, view our members' treatment journals, answer opinion polls, help to answer questions or ask your own, enrol in a dedicated support group, as well as connect with people who have experience with the Stelara treatment. The resources section is also available where you can get more information about the drug as well as recommend other helpful Stelara resources. You may want to start with the basic info about this treatment below:

Drug name: Stelara® (Ustekinumab)

How does Stelara work?

Stelara is a biological treatment that specifically targets IL-12 and IL-23 which are proteins that help to regulate the immune system. In inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, the suppression of these cytokines helps to reduce the symptoms of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Who is a good candidate for Stelara?

An adult (over the age of 18) with moderate to severe psoriasis are candidates for Stelara treatment.

What are the advantages of Stelara?

Studies have shown that Stelara has relatively few side-effects, while being a highly effective form of treatment. Dosing reduction is also possible with this medication, which reduces overall risk of side-effects.

What are possible side-effects?

The most common side-effects are initial flu-like symptoms, and injection site reactions such as rashes or inflammation. Stelara is an immunosuppressant which reduces the activity of white blood cells, and therefore, may make your body vulnerable to opportunistic infections. Cancer risk may also be increased as a result. In those with Tuberculosis in the past, Stelara may cause a reactivation.

Are there any other concerns?

The medication is self-injected, and may not be suitable for those with a fear of self-injection. Regular visits to the doctor are often required to monitor progress and side-effects on the body.

Need More information?

Please note that this is a very brief and basic introduction to the Stelara treatment. For detailed information about Stelara, or studies related to Stelara please look at the Stelara Resources page.