Biological Treatments For Psoriasis

[Fred]

Stelara: (generic name ustekinumab) Is taken by injection under the skin. After the first dose you will receive another on week 4 then every 12 weeks. Treatment will usually be stopped if there is no improvement after 12 weeks.

Patients should be checked for tuberculosis (TB) before taking Stelara and you should have regular blood tests.

Who should not take Stelara ?
• People who are allergic to ustekinumab or any of the other ingredients of Stelara
• People with active serious infections
• People requiring live vaccines (inactivated or non-live vaccines, speak to your doctor if you have any concerns on this topic)
• Children – the medication has not been approved for children
• Caution is advised for the elderly, due to the already increased risk of infection for this age group
• Pregnant women, or women trying to become pregnant (Stelara must be stopped for 15 weeks before conception)
• If you are breast-feeding or if you plan to breast-feed while using Stelara, your doctor will decide whether you should use this medicine.

What should I watch for AFTER starting Stelara ?
* fever, sweats, or chills
* muscle aches
* cough
* shortness of breath
* blood in your phlegm
* weight loss
* warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body
* diarrhea or stomach pain
* burning when you urinate or urinate more often than normal
* feel very tired
* are being treated for an infection
* get a lot of infections or have infections that keep coming back

stelarainfo.com

Tips on using the bio treatments: Biological Treatments For Psoriasis