Stelara

Bruising, itching, pain, redness, swelling, or hardening of the skin at the injection site may occur. Injection site reactions usually go away after 1 or 2 days. Headache, back pain, or sinus/throat pain may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: cough that doesn't go away, shortness of breath.

This medication can affect your immune system. It can lower your body's ability to fight an infection. You may be more likely to get serious infections, such as lung infections, bone/joint infections, skin infections, sinus infections, or bowel/gallbladder infections. It may also be harder to fight an infection you already have. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any signs of an infection, such as 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. (See also Precautions section.)

Ustekinumab may cause a rare (sometimes fatal) condition called PRES (posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome). Get medical help right away if you develop headache that doesn't go away, seizures, sudden vision changes, mental/mood changes (such as confusion).

There is a rare risk of developing cancer (including skin cancer) due to this medication. Discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away 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, unexplained weight loss.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using ustekinumab, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as natural rubber/latex found in the needle cover on the prefilled syringe), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: current/recent/returning infection (including hepatitis and tuberculosis), cancer.

Ustekinumab can make you more likely to get infections or may make current infections worse. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor, and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine or flu vaccine inhaled through the nose. Avoid receiving BCG vaccines for one year after completing treatment with ustekinumab. Also, stay away from anyone who has an infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This drug may pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as skin exams) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Different brands of this medication have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.