Question 1

any drug interactions while taking stelara (ustekinumab)? okay to take claritin for allergies?

Accepted Answer

Claritin (loratadine) ok: the major interactions with Stelara (ustekinumab) (mAb against IL-12 and IL-23) include decreased vaccine efficacy and concern for immune suppression when added to other suppressive drugs. Use of Claritin is ok.

Question 2

social smoker is it safe to smoke a bit on stelara (ustekinumab)?

Accepted Answer

Stelara (ustekinumab): This is an immunosuppressant that reduces the effects of a chemical substance in the body that can cause inflammation. Given this technically its okay to smoke. But more importantly smoking is bad for your health - just because you do this socially does not protect you against the risks - I would re-think the smoking part.

Question 3

can u take antibiotics while on stelara (ustekinumab)?

Accepted Answer

Should be okay: though the antibiotics may hang around your body a little longer. Stelara (ustekinumab) can also cause diarrhea, upset stomach, cold symptoms, and skin rash.  If the antibiotics also cause these adverse effects, then the effect will be magnified.

Question 4

i'm 32 thinking of starting stelara (ustekinumab) for my p! is it safe long term?

Accepted Answer

Maybe.: This injectable medication is only indicated for severe plaque psoriasis. There is an increased risk of potentially serious infections and cancer, so the benefits need to clearly outweigh the risks, and close monitoring is mandatory.

Question 5

can i use ustekinumab (stelara) on mild psoriasis? my symptoms are mild but they dont clear up completely and im tired of those steroidal creams?

Accepted Answer

: I believe the list price for this med is $30,000-$70,000/ yr in the US market. No managed health plan here would cover this cost until you failed at other oral and injectable medications that were cheaper and had a range of distressing symptoms that made it the preferred drug. If you pay out of your own pocket I am sure the pharmacist would be happy to provide it.

Question 6

are u still able to socially drink while on stelara (ustekinumab)? also my doc said on stelara (ustekinumab) u don't need to be monitored like other biologics? is this true?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Considered safe.  The fully humanized anti-IL12/IL23 antibody has not been associated with liver toxicity and thus is not expected to potentiate liver damage with alcohol.  Risk of infection is increased, so drink alcohol wisely.

Question 7

is it ok to take hydrolyzed collagen powder while on stelara (ustekinumab)? it's a natural protein supplement that had many great health benefits.

Accepted Answer

Worthless: That supplement has no value but you can take it with Stelara (ustekinumab) if you want to waste your money.

Question 8

humira and methotrexate are not working for my psoriasis. i asked the doctor about stelara (ustekinumab). dr. hasn't seen good results w/other patients on stelera so doesn't use it. what would you recommend?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: It is not uncommon to make treatment decisions based on personal experiences. I am not a dermatologist and i don't have experience with stelera. 3 other tnf's may provide good results.  They are enbrel, simponi, (golimumab) and remicade.

Question 9

i noticed that stelara (ustekinumab) treats diffrent then enbrel..would that make a difference for me that has ms? i would like to try it. can't use enbrel anymore.

Accepted Answer

Need to consider: Immune system interaction: depending on what your current treatment for multiple sclerosis involves, the stelara (ustekinumab) could enhance immune suppression which raises risks of infection or malignancy, but could worsen the ms, directly.  Very slippery tightrope, and you need very close coordination with neurology and rheumatology.  Seek advice from local medical school.

Question 10

i get pressures in head and ears during times of stress. dr said anxiety.. ears look fine. will starting stelara (ustekinumab) cause anything bad while having this?

Accepted Answer

Stelara (ustekinumab): no.  stelara (ustekinumab) will not affect any of this

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Doctor answers about:

Ustekinumab medication

A member asked:

Any drug interactions while taking stelara (ustekinumab)? okay to take claritin for allergies?

A member asked:

Social smoker is it safe to smoke a bit on stelara (ustekinumab)?

A member asked:

Can u take antibiotics while on stelara (ustekinumab)?

A member asked:

I'm 32 thinking of starting stelara (ustekinumab) for my p! is it safe long term?

A member asked:

Can i use ustekinumab (stelara) on mild psoriasis? my symptoms are mild but they dont clear up completely and im tired of those steroidal creams?

A member asked:

Are u still able to socially drink while on stelara (ustekinumab)? also my doc said on stelara (ustekinumab) u don't need to be monitored like other biologics? is this true?

A member asked:

Is it ok to take hydrolyzed collagen powder while on stelara (ustekinumab)? it's a natural protein supplement that had many great health benefits.

A member asked:

Humira and methotrexate are not working for my psoriasis. i asked the doctor about stelara (ustekinumab). dr. hasn't seen good results w/other patients on stelera so doesn't use it. what would you recommend?

A member asked:

I noticed that stelara (ustekinumab) treats diffrent then enbrel..would that make a difference for me that has ms? i would like to try it. can't use enbrel anymore.

A member asked:

I get pressures in head and ears during times of stress. dr said anxiety.. ears look fine. will starting stelara (ustekinumab) cause anything bad while having this?

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