Learn More About How Vital Care is a Stelara Infusion Pharmacy in Roanoke, TX
Receive personalized support from a registered nurse at Vital Care for your Stelara treatment. Learn more about if Stelara is right for you at our Stelara Infusion Pharmacy in San Angelo, TX. Stelara, also known as ustekinumab, is a prescription medication used to treat adults and children six years and older with moderate to severe psoriasis, active psoriatic arthritis, adults with moderate to severe Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis by reducing inflammation. Stelara is the first approved medication to reduce inflammation on and below the intestine’s surface and is administered at home. Long-term use of biologics is also common. Figure out if Stelara is right for you.
How it works?
Adults with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis will receive the first dose of Stelara through a vein in the arm (intravenous infusion). You will then receive Stelara as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection) 4 weeks later and then every 12 weeks thereafter. For psoriasis, your first injection will be under the skin. Individuals under 100 kg (220 lbs) get a 45 mg dosage, while those who weigh more than 100 kg receive a 90 mg dose.
Side Effects
Common Side effects:
- Infection at the injection site: bruising, itching, pain, redness, swelling, hardening of the skin
- Cold/flu symptoms: stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, fever, chills, headache, lower back pain
- Serious infections: lung infections, bone/joint infections, skin infections, sinus infections, or bowel/gallbladder infections
- Worsening infections: nausea/vomiting that doesn’t stop, worsening redness/swelling/tenderness at the injection site after 2 days, fever/chills, cold/flu symptoms, painful/frequent urination, unusual vaginal discharge/burning/itching/odor, or severe stomach pain
- Remember that your doctor has recommended this medicine because they believe it will help you more than harm you—many users of this medicine report no significant adverse effects.
- Call your pharmacist and doctor immediately in the case of severe side effects, such as a cough that won’t go away or shortness of breath.
Serious Side effects:
- PRES (posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome). Get medical help immediately if you develop a headache that doesn’t go away, seizures, sudden vision changes, or mental/mood changes (such as confusion).
- Due to this medication, there is a rare risk of developing cancer (including skin cancer). Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms such as unusual lumps/growths, unusual skin changes (including a sore that does not heal or a change in the size/shape/color of a mole), swollen glands, or unexplained weight loss.
Other Drug Interactions With Stelara
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase the risk of serious side effects. Inform your doctor about the prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products you take. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medications without consulting your doctor.
Consult Your Doctor Before Starting Stelara at our Stelara Infusion Pharmacy in San Angelo, TX
Stelara lowers the ability of your immune system to fight infections and may increase your risk of infections. Some people have serious infections while taking Stelara, including tuberculosis (TB) and infections caused by bacteria, fungi or viruses.
Your doctor should check you for TB before starting Stelara. They should also watch closely for signs and symptoms of TB while you are being treated with Stelara.
If your doctor feels that you’re at risk for TB, you should be treated with medicine for TB before and during your Stelara treatment.
Do not start taking Stelara if you have an infection unless the doctor says it’s okay.
Before starting Stelara, consult your doctor if you are allergic to latex, pregnant or have the following symptoms:
- Fever, sweat or chills
- Muscle aches
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Blood in phlegm
- Weight loss
- Warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body
- Diarrhea or stomach pain
- Burning when you urinate more often than normal
- Feeling very tired
Warnings and Precautions
- People who don’t make any of the proteins IL-12 or IL-23 are at higher risk for certain infections. It has been linked to severe infections from mycobacteria, salmonella, and BCG vaccines. Before starting Stelara, people with TB should be tested. Before given Stelara, start TB therapy.
- In rare cases, some people develop a serious allergic reaction to this medication. Seek immediate medical attention if you have a rash, hives, swollen face or throat, or difficulty breathing.
- Ustekinumab lowers your ability to fight infections and may increase the risk of infections and reactivate inactive infections. Your doctor should regularly test your immune system function while using this medication. Contact your doctor ASAP if you develop a severe infection.
- The needle cover on the pre-filled syringe contains latex. If you are allergic, consult your doctor before using.
- Stelara may increase the risk of cancer. If you have or have had cancer, discuss with your doctor how this medicine can affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you suffer from Crohn’s disease or have ulcerative colitis, contact Vital Care today to get the relief you need!
