Ustekinumab
About Ustekinumab
Ustekinumab belongs to a class of monoclonal antibody drugs. It treats various inflammatory conditions, including Crohn's disease and active ulcerative colitis, in adults 18 years and older. It can treat moderate to severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in adults and children six years and older. Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the digestive tract. It is a kind of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes an itchy, scaly rash on the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp. Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the digestive tract. It's a form of inflammatory bowel illness.
Ustekinumab contains Ustekinumab, a monoclonal antibody that targets and neutralises specific proteins (interleukin-12 and interleukin-23) in the body that contribute to inflammation and immune responses.
Ustekinumab will be administered by a healthcare professional; do not self-administer. Sometimes, you may experience nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, fever, headache, tiredness, itching, nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, joint pain and redness at the injection site. Most of these side effects of Ustekinumab do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Before taking the Ustekinumab, let your doctor know about all your medical conditions, sensitivities, and medications you are using. Also, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Ustekinumab may have an impact on your immune system. Ustekinumab can raise your risk of significant adverse effects. Ustekinumab may impair your ability to fight infections and put you at risk. Some patients get significant infections while taking Ustekinumab, such as tuberculosis (TB) and infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses, which may necessitate hospitalization. It is strongly advised that you be tested for tuberculosis before beginning Ustekinumab treatment and that you be regularly monitored for signs and symptoms of tuberculosis while on Ustekinumab. If your doctor believes you are at risk for tuberculosis, you may be treated for it before and throughout your Ustekinumab treatment.
Uses of Ustekinumab
Medicinal Benefits
Ustekinumab contains Ustekinumab, a monoclonal antibody that targets and neutralises specific proteins (interleukin-12 and interleukin-23) in the body that contribute to inflammation and immune responses. Thus, it helps to treat Crohn’s disease and active ulcerative colitis in adults 18 years and older. It can treat moderate to severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in adults and children six years and older.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Ustekinumab
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Nasal congestion or runny nose
- Sinus infection, bronchitis
- Sore throat
- Upper respiratory infections
- Fever
- Itching
- Redness at the injection site
- Vaginal yeast infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Joint pain
Drug Warnings
Ustekinumab may suppress your immune system and raise your chance of some cancers and infections, so notify your doctor if you have any infections (bacterial/fungal/protozoal/viral), malignancies or cancers. Also, tell your doctor if you have tuberculosis or PRES (Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome) or have ever had an adverse response to Ustekinumab or any of the components in this medicine. Ustekinumab may cause significant allergic responses in some cases. If you experience any of the following symptoms of a major allergic reaction: feeling faint, swelling of your face, eyelids, tongue, or throat, chest tightness, or skin rash, get medical attention immediately.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Ustekinumab may interact with monoclonal antibody medications (e.g. adalimumab), vaccinations (e.g. BCG vaccine, dengue vaccine), antirheumatic drug (e.g. leflunomide), and medicines used to treat multiple sclerosis-MS (e.g. natalizumab)
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid consuming alcohol while on treatment with this medicine.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Caution is advised if used Ustekinumab in patients with Immunodeficiency, Skin cancers, active infections (Bacterial/Fungal/Protozoal/Viral), Tuberculosis (TB) and PRES (Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid consuming alcohol while on treatment with this medicine.
Pregnancy
cautionThe safety of Ustekinumab in pregnant women is unknown. Therefore, please consult your doctor; your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing this medicine. Women of childbearing potential should take effective contraception throughout and for at least 15 weeks after therapy.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is unknown whether Ustekinumab is excreted in human milk. It should not be used while breastfeeding unless the possible benefits outweigh the risks to the infant. Do not breastfeed unless your doctor recommends it if you are a nursing mother.
Driving
cautionDrive only if you are alert, as the Ustekinumab may cause tiredness in some people.
Liver
cautionLimited information was available about using Ustekinumab in patients with liver disease. Inform your doctor before receiving the Ustekinumab if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Kidney
cautionLimited information was available about using Ustekinumab in patients with kidney disease. Inform your doctor before receiving the Ustekinumab if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Children
safe if prescribedUstekinumab can be used to treat severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in children above six years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain a low-fat diet and eat foods rich in vitamin C, such as bell peppers, spinach, parsley and berries, which help heal faster.
- Opt for food and drinks high in omega-3 fatty acids to relieve pain, swelling, and inflammation. Omega 3-rich acid-enriched foods include flaxseeds, walnuts, soybean oil, salmon, and tuna if you prefer non-veg.
- Eat more fibre-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables.
- Eat smaller meals all day.
- Drink small amounts of water throughout the day.
- If you are intolerant to lactose, lower your intake of milk.
- Avoid foods high in sugar, fat, and processed foods, as these may cause inflammation.
- Try to avoid alcohol as it can affect your stomach and intestine and also limits the absorption of the important nutrients required by your body.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Ulcerative colitis: Ulcerative colitis is a type of chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation of the lining of the large intestine (colon) and produces ulcers on the lining of the colon, which may cause bleeding and discharge of pus and mucus. The common symptoms include bloody stools, stomach pain, rectal pain, diarrhoea, and fever or weight loss. Additionally, it may cause other problems such as joint pain or swelling, mouth sores, skin problems, decreased appetite or nausea. The factors involved in causing ulcerative colitis include immune disorders and environmental factors like viruses, bacteria or antigens, which may trigger the immune system and genes inherited from the parent.
Crohn's disease: Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the digestive tract. It is a kind of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The most common symptoms are diarrhoea, stomach aches and cramps, blood in your poo, exhaustion (fatigue), and weight loss.
Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition in which the skin multiplies ten times faster than usual. This causes a rapid accumulation of skin cells, resulting in scaling on the skin's surface. Inflamed, red, elevated areas of skin, soreness surrounding the patches, itching, burning feeling, swollen joints, and dry skin are all symptoms.
Psoriatic arthritis: Psoriatic arthritis is an arthritis that is associated with psoriasis, a persistent skin and nail disease.
FAQs
Ustekinumab is used to treat Ulcerative colitis (18 years and older) Crohn’s disease (18 years and older) Severe psoriasis (6 years and older) and Psoriatic arthritis (6 years and older).
Ustekinumab contains Ustekinumab, a monoclonal antibody that targets and neutralises specific proteins (interleukin-12 and interleukin-23) in the body that contribute to inflammation and immune responses.
If you have an infection (Bacterial/Fungal/Protozoal/Viral), must inform your doctor. Your doctor will weigh the benefits over the risks before prescribing Ustekinumab.
You are recommended not to take Ustekinumab with other medications without doctor's notice, especially immunosuppressant medications.
Before receiving Ustekinumab, inform your doctor if you are suffering from lung infections because some persons who receive Ustekinumab have developed lung inflammation, which can be fatal. These lung issues may necessitate hospitalization. Inform your doctor immediately if you develop lung infections, shortness of breath, or a cough that does not go away while taking Ustekinumab.
