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Author Details
Written By
P. Thirumal Reddy
B. Pharm
Reviewed By
Dr. Tejashwin Adiga
MBBS
Last updated : 31 Mar 2026 | 09:30 AM (IST)
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Quick Summary
USTEKINUMAB
Last updated on 31 Mar 2026 | 09:30 AM (IST)
USTEKINUMAB
Background and Date of approval USTEKINUMAB
Ustekinumab is a monoclonal antibody that belongs to the group of medications called interleukin inhibitors. The FDA approved this medicine for its medical use on September 24, 2013
Uses of USTEKINUMAB
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. Ustekinumab is also indicated to treat moderate to severe Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in adults.
How is USTEKINUMAB administered?
Ustekinumab is available as an injection in two doses, 130mg, and 90mg. It will be given to you by a doctor or nurse in a hospital or clinic setting. It is given as an intravenous infusion (into your vein). Do not self-administer the injection. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of the treatment based on your disease severity, body weight, and other factors.
Side Effects of USTEKINUMAB
The common side effects of Ustekinumab are swelling at the site of injection, redness in the skin, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, headache, sore throat, back, muscle, or joint pain. Other serious side effects include severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), skin cancer, infections, lung inflammation and infection, and heart attack.
Warnings
This drug is indicated to cause serious, life-threatening allergic reactions. Inform your physician immediately if you experience sudden allergic reactions such as difficulty breathing or wheezing, swelling, rash, itching, fever, and chills. Ustekinumab may increase the risk of infections and reactivation of latent infections, including serious infections. It's important to promptly report any signs of infection to your healthcare provider, such as fever, cough, or flu-like symptoms. Do not take Ustekinumab 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. Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Precautions
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. Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines that you take, including prescription, over-the-counter, recent vaccinations, nutritional and vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications may interact with Ustekinumab and reduce its effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.
Word of Advice
Store Ustekinumab 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. If you have missed any dosing appointments, inform your doctor and schedule immediately.
Ustekinumab 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, or 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1.
What are the infusion reactions that might happen during Ustekinumab infusion?
Serious side effects of Ustekinumab are allergic reactions like itching, swelling in your face or hands, tingling in mouth or throat, chest tightness, difficulty in breathing, fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches, unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness should be informed to your doctor immediately.
Q2.
Can Ustekinumab increase the risk of infections?
Ustekinumab may increase the risk of infections and reactivation of latent infections, including serious infections. It's important to promptly report any signs of infection to your healthcare provider, such as fever, cough, or flu-like symptoms. Your healthcare provider will monitor your health and provide guidance on managing potential risks.
Q3.
How long can Ustekinumab be taken?
The duration of Ustekinumab treatment can vary depending on the individual factors and the response to the medication. Some individuals may require long-term treatment to manage their condition effectively, while others may have periodic treatment cycles. It's essential to follow your doctor's guidance regarding the duration of treatment
Q4.
How long does it take for Ustekinumab to start working?
The response to Ustekinumab can vary from person to person. Some individuals may start to see improvements in their symptoms within a few weeks, while others may require a longer time to notice a difference. If you did not find any benefit from the medicine, inform your physician and get medical advice.
Q5.
How does Ustekinumab work?
Ustekinumab mechanism of action targets specific proteins in the body's immune system called interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interleukin-23 (IL-23) cytokines (signaling proteins). By blocking these proteins, this medicine helps reduce the inflammation associated with autoimmune conditions and other diseases.
References
- Janssen Biologics B.V., Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [Revised on March 2023] [Accessed on June 21 2023] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.4412.pdf
- Janssen Biotech, Inc., US Food and Drug Administration [Revised on September 2016] [Accessed on June 21 2023] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/761044lbl.pdf
- Cite this Page Colquhoun M, Kemp AK. Ustekinumab. [Updated 2023 March 27]. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; [Accessed on June 2023] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK570645/
Disclaimer
The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.
