Understanding Stelara's Role in Managing Crohn's Disease: Mechanisms, Potential Adverse Effects, and Further Information
Stelara, a brand-name prescription medication, is used to treat moderate to severe Crohn's disease in adults. This medication belongs to the monoclonal antibody drug class and its active ingredient is ustekinumab.
Stelara works by blocking specific proteins that cause inflammation in the digestive tract, helping to alleviate symptoms of Crohn's disease. The treatment involves an initial intravenous (IV) infusion, followed by subcutaneous injections every 8 weeks. A healthcare professional may administer the induction dose and show the patient or a caregiver how to administer the maintenance doses at home.
Common Side Effects of Stelara
Like many medications, Stelara can cause side effects. Some of the common side effects associated with Stelara include:
- Itchy skin
- Nausea and vomiting
- Discoloration at the injection site
- Upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold, bronchitis, or sinus infection
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Vaginal yeast infections
- Fatigue or low energy
- Headaches
If any of these side effects persist or worsen, it's important to consult a healthcare provider.
Serious Side Effects of Stelara
While Stelara can be effective in managing Crohn's disease, it's important to be aware of its potential serious side effects. These can include:
- Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (a condition that affects the brain)
- Cancer, such as prostate, breast, or colorectal cancer
- Serious infections, including pneumonia
- Allergic reactions
If you experience any of these serious side effects, seek immediate medical attention.
Cost and Savings Programs for Stelara
The cost of Stelara can vary depending on several factors such as prescribed treatment regimen, insurance plan, pharmacy, and location. However, the manufacturer of Stelara offers a program called Stelara withME that may help you save on the cost of the drug.
Who Can Benefit from Stelara?
Stelara can be used in adults who have tried one or more TNF blocker drugs that were ineffective or caused unmanageable side effects, or in adults who have tried immunomodulator drugs or corticosteroids that were ineffective or caused unmanageable side effects and who have also never had a failed treatment with a TNF blocker.
Crohn's Disease: An Overview
Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation in the digestive tract. Common symptoms include changes in appetite, diarrhea, peptic ulcers, mouth ulcers, pain, rectal bleeding, and unintended weight loss. The exact cause of Crohn's disease is unknown.
If you are living with Crohn's disease and are considering Stelara as a treatment option, it's important to discuss any potential side effects and your medical history with your doctor before starting treatment. This includes talking about any medical conditions or other health factors that may affect your safety, such as a history of cancer, infection, tuberculosis, pregnancy, breastfeeding, allergic reaction to Stelara or its ingredients, sensitivity to latex, or recent vaccinations.
Treatmentseekers with chronic diseases such as Crohn's disease may find relief with Stelara, a medication used for moderating to severe Crohn's disease in adults. This health-and-wellness solution works by alleviating inflammation in the digestive tract and is administered through science, with an initial intravenous infusion followed by subcutaneous injections every 8 weeks. However, understanding common side effects and cautions associated with Stelara is essential for any treatmentseeker to ensure wellness.
