Stelara™ (
ustekinumab) is a prescription medication approved for treating moderate-to-severe
plaque psoriasis in adults. It is a "biologic" drug that is taken as an injection just under the skin.
Stelara is made by Cilag AG for Centocor Ortho Biotech, Inc.
Stelara belongs to a group of drugs known as monoclonal antibodies. These antibodies bind to IL-12 and IL-23, two naturally occurring inflammatory proteins (technically known as cytokines). By binding to IL-12 and IL-23, the medicine prevents these two cytokines from binding to other cells in the body. This action slows down the production of skin cells and decreases inflammation.
When and How to Take Stelara
Some general considerations to keep in mind during treatment with Stelara include the following:
- This medicine comes in injectable form. Your healthcare provider will inject it just below the skin (subcutaneously). Various areas of the body may be used.
- The second injection is given four weeks after the first. After that, the injections are given every 12 weeks.
- Your healthcare provider should rotate the injection sites so that the same area is not injected twice in a row.
- For Stelara to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not continue to work if you stop taking it.
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