Ustekinumab STELARA®

WHAT ARE THE MOST LIKELY SIDE EFFECTS?

Like all drugs, ustekinumab can have side effects, although not everyone experiences these. Some side effects can happen almost immediately, in direct response to the infusion / injection. Others may not appear for several days, weeks or even longer.

Some side effects are mild and will go away on their own, or following a slight change to the treatment program. Others may be more serious and will require treatment.

The most common side effects of STELARA® are⁴:

• Upper respiratory tract infections such as the common cold
• Infection of the nose and throat
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Itching
• Back pain
• Muscle aches
• Joint pain
• Feeling very tired
• Redness of the skin where the injection is given
• Pain where the injection is given

STELARA® is a medicine that affects your immune system. It can increase your risk of getting serious (although uncommon) side effects including:

Serious Infections

• STELARA® may lower your ability to fight infections. Some infections could become serious and lead to hospitalization. If you have an infection or have any open cuts, tell your healthcare provider before you start using STELARA®. If you get an infection, have any sign of an infection such as fever, feel very tired, cough, flu-like symptoms, or warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body, tell your healthcare provider right away. These may be signs of infections such as chest infections, or skin infections or shingles that could have serious complications.
• Your doctor will examine you for tuberculosis (TB) and perform a test to see if you have TB. If your doctor feels that you are at risk for TB, you may be treated with medicine for TB before you begin treatment with STELARA® and during treatment with STELARA®.

Cancers

• STELARA® may decrease the activity of your immune system, and increase the risk for certain types of cancer. Tell your doctor if you notice any unusual changes to your skin or health status while receiving STELARA® treatment.

Serious Skin Conditions

• Shedding of skin – increase in redness and shedding of skin over a larger area of the body may be symptoms of erythrodermic psoriasis or exfoliative dermatitis, which are serious skin conditions. You should contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of these signs.

References