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The drug Stelara has the main ingredient Ustekinumab, which is prepared in the form of an injectable solution. The drug is indicated for the treatment of plaque psoriasis, crohn, psoriatic arthritis,... Let's understand the uses of Stelara and the important notes when using it in the article below.
1. What is Stelara?
Drug Stelara belongs to the group of anti-cancer drugs and affects the immune system, the main ingredient is Ustekinumab 45mg, manufactured by Baxter/Cilag AG. Stelara is prepared in the form of a solution for injection, box of 1 vial of 0.5ml.
2. Uses of the drug Stelara
Stelara is indicated for the treatment of:
Plaque psoriasis: The drug is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults who have not responded to, or are contraindicated. , or is intolerant to other systemic therapies including methotrexate (MTX), ciclosporin, or PUVA phototherapy (oral psoralen and ultraviolet A irradiation). Psoriatic arthritis: Ustekinumab, in combination with MTX or alone, is indicated for the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis in adults who have had an inadequate response to a previously administered non-biologic DMARD. Treatment of colitis, Crohn's disease.
3. Dosage and treatment of Stelara
3.1. Dosage and Administration: Stelara is injected under the skin. If possible, patients should avoid injecting into areas with psoriasis lesions. Do not shake the prefilled syringe, as shaking too vigorously can damage the medication. Do not use if Stelara has been shaken vigorously.
Dosage:
For plaque psoriasis:
Administer Stelara 45mg subcutaneously at the starting dose and 4 weeks later inject another 45mg dose. Then, every 12 weeks, a dose is given. If the patient weighs more than 100kg can be replaced by a dose of 90mg. After injecting Stelara, it is necessary to closely monitor the body's response, if a complete response is not found to the 45mg dose, it can be considered to increase to 90mg every 12 weeks. If there is no response to the dose every 12 weeks, replace it with 90mg every 8 weeks. For psoriatic arthritis:
Stelara is indicated for adults in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis alone or in combination with Methotrexate. The recommended dose is 45 mg at the starting dose and week 4. Thereafter, the same dose of Stelara is administered subcutaneously every 12 weeks. For Crohn's Disease: Stelara is indicated for the treatment of adults with moderate to severe Crohn's disease.
IV dose based on baseline weight ≤55 kg: 260 mg IV > 55 kg to 85 kg: 390 mg IV > 85 kg: 520 mg IV Maintenance dose: Administer Stelara 90 mg subcutaneously 8 weeks after infusion IV initially, then every 8 weeks. Note: Stelara infusion takes at least 1 hour and the dose will depend mainly on the patient's body weight.
For colitis: Indicated for adults with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis
3.2. Treatment of missed dose, overdose of Stelara Overdose
In case of using Stelara drug in excess of prescribed and having abnormal symptoms, it is necessary to immediately contact the nearest medical facility. In addition, family members should also bring any medications the patient has been using or medical records for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Missed dose
During the use of Stelara, patients need to follow the doctor's treatment schedule to avoid the occurrence of missed doses that reduce the effectiveness of treatment. If you miss a dose of Stelara, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Patients should not double the dose of Stelara, because it can cause an overdose. To overcome missed dose, patients can set an alarm or ask a loved one to remind them.
4.Stelara side effects
In the course of using Stelara, you may experience some specific side effects as follows:
Common: Headache, dizziness, back pain, itching, diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, soreness at the injection site , nasopharyngitis... These side effects are quite mild and do not require discontinuation of treatment if encountered. Uncommon: Shingles, cellulitis, rash, urticaria, upper respiratory tract virus infection, depression, facial paralysis, nasal congestion, pustular psoriasis, exfoliative skin; injection site reactions (including bleeding, hematoma, induration, swelling and itching) Rare : Exfoliative dermatitis, anaphylaxis, angioedema Side effect management : Cases encountered When using Stelara, the patient should immediately notify the doctor or go to the nearest medical facility for timely support.
5.Notes when using the drug Stelara
5.1. Contraindications Stelara should not be used in cases of:
Patients with hypersensitivity to any component of the drug Important active bacterial infections such as active tuberculosis 5.2. Precautions when using the drug During the use of Stelara, patients should pay attention to the following issues:
Stelara is not a specific drug for Crohn's disease. The drug only works to improve the symptoms of the disease At the beginning of treatment, the doctor will help the patient get the first dose of Stelara in the hospital and then can do it at home Stelara should not be used in people who are sick. have an infection or are at risk of infection Pregnant and lactating women should consult their doctor before using Stelara Patients will be tested for tuberculosis before taking Stelara Stelara is prescribed medication. Therefore, use Stelara only when prescribed by your doctor
6. Stelara drug interactions
Drug interactions can affect the effectiveness of therapy or increase the side effects of one or more drugs. Drug interactions can occur when Stelara is used in combination with other immunosuppressants, when switching from other immunosuppressive probiotics. In addition, Stelara should not be used with live viral/bacterial vaccines.
During the use of Stelara, patients need to pay attention to follow the doctor's instructions, carefully read the notes before taking it to get the most effective treatment, and limit the possible side effects. may happen.
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