Stelara 130mg Injection contains the active substance Ustekinumab. It is a monoclonal antibody that belongs to the group of medications called interleukin inhibitors. Monoclonal antibodies are specific proteins that identify and bind to certain proteins in the body. It treats moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (skin disease with red and scaly patches on some body areas). It is used alone or in combination with other medicines to treat active psoriatic arthritis (a condition that causes joint pain, swelling, and scales on the skin) in adults.

Stelara Injection is also indicated to treat moderate to severe Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis in adults. Both are inflammatory bowel diseases. Crohn’s disease is a condition in which the body attacks the lining of the digestive tract, causing abdominal pain, diarrhoea, weight loss, and fever. Ulcerative colitis is a condition that causes swelling and sores in the lining of the colon (large intestine) and rectum. Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.  

Do not take Stelara 130mg Injection if you are allergic to Ustekinumab or any of the other ingredients of this medicine. Do not take this medicine if you have any active infections. Inform your doctor if you recently had tuberculosis, skin diseases, allergies, or other diseases. Tell your doctor if you are taking other treatments for psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. This medicine is not recommended for use in children under 18 years of age with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

Stelara injection uses include:

• Plaque psoriasis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis

Stelara (Ustekinumab) 130mg Injection is a monoclonal antibody used to treat inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. It works by targeting interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interleukin-23 (IL-23), key proteins involved in immune system overactivation and chronic inflammation. By blocking these cytokines, Stelara helps reduce inflammation, alleviate symptoms, and prevent disease progression. In Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, it promotes intestinal healing and improves long-term disease control, while in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, it helps reduce skin lesions and joint pain. With less frequent dosing compared to other biologics, Stelara provides a convenient and effective treatment option for patients with moderate to severe inflammatory diseases.

• Immunosuppressants & Biologic Therapies: Concomitant use of other immunosuppressive drugs (e.g., cyclosporine, methotrexate) or biologic agents targeting the immune system (e.g., TNF inhibitors like infliximab or adalimumab) may increase the risk of serious infections and is generally not recommended.
• Live Vaccines: Stelara can weaken the immune response, so live vaccines (e.g., MMR, yellow fever, varicella) should be avoided during and shortly after treatment, as they may lead to infections rather than immunity.
• CYP450 Substrate Drugs: Since Stelara may normalize CYP450 enzyme activity, it can alter the metabolism of drugs such as warfarin, cyclosporine, or certain statins, potentially affecting their effectiveness. Dose adjustments may be required for these medications.

Patients should inform their healthcare provider about all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, to avoid potential interactions and ensure safe treatment.

• Store Stelara 130mg Injection in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C)
• Do not freeze
• Keep the injection away from the reach of children and pets.
• Do not shake the vials because prolonged shaking may damage the effectiveness of the medicine.

Stelara injection administration is via intravenous (IV) infusion for the initial dose, followed by subcutaneous (SC) injections for maintenance therapy. The first Stelara injection dose is given as a 130mg IV infusion over at least one hour, typically used for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. After the initial infusion, maintenance doses are administered as 90mg subcutaneous injections every 8 weeks. It should be given under the supervision of a healthcare professional, and patients must follow their prescribed dosing schedule to ensure optimal treatment effectiveness.

Stelara injection side effects include:

Common

• Swelling at the site of injection
• Redness in the skin
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Nausea, vomiting
• Tiredness, headache
• Sore throat
• Back, muscle or joint pain

Serious

• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
• Skin cancer
• Infections
• Lung inflammation and infection
• Heart attack

If you have missed any dosing appointments, inform your doctor and schedule immediately. Stelara 130mg Injection may increase your risk for heart attack and strokes. Your doctor will regularly check your risk factors for heart disease and stroke to ensure that they are appropriately prevented. If you develop chest pain, weakness, or abnormal sensation on one side of your body, facial droop, visual or speech difficulties seek medical attention immediately. If you are a female patient with reproductive potential, use effective contraception during the treatment to avoid pregnancy. 

1. Janssen Biologics B.V., Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [Revised on March 2023] [Accessed on 21 June 2023] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.4412.pdf
2. Janssen Biotech, Inc., US Food and Drug Administration [Revised on September 2016] [Accessed on 21 June 2023] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/761044lbl.pdf
3. Cite this Page Colquhoun M, Kemp AK. Ustekinumab. [Updated 2023 Mar 27]. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; [Accessed on June 2023] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK570645/