Stelara (Ustekinumab) for Psoriasis

Pros + Cons Top Tips Side Effects Copay Help FAQs

Stelara (ustekinumab) is a medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults and children 6 years and older who may benefit from injections, pills, or light therapy.

Pros and Cons From Members

MHT logo These insights are based on 157 comments about Stelara from MyPsoriasisTeam members. These are the experiences of a small number of members and are not meant to be medical advice.

Pros:

✔️Convenient dosing schedule with injections every 12 weeks after initial doses

✔️Effective skin clearance if the medication works well for you

✔️Fewer injections compared to some other biologic medications

Cons:

✖️ Fatigue and tiredness as possible side effects

✖️Increased susceptibility to infections, including colds and flu

✖️ Injection site reactions (skin discoloration, itching, lumps)

How Stelara Works and How It’s Taken

Stelara works by targeting proteins called interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-23 that trigger inflammation in psoriasis. These proteins contribute to the rapid skin cell growth and inflammation seen in psoriasis.

Doctors prescribe Stelara when people need systemic therapy (medication that works throughout the body) or phototherapy (light treatment) for their psoriasis. The medication is administered as an injection under the skin, with a schedule determined by your healthcare provider.

Healthcare providers typically administer these injections, though some people may learn to self-inject after proper training.

Top Advice From Members on Stelara

These insights are based on 157 comments about Stelara from MyPsoriasisTeam members.

MyPsoriasisTeam members who’ve used Stelara emphasize the importance of patience during the initial treatment period, as well as monitoring for potential side effects. Some report experiencing fatigue and increased susceptibility to infections while taking this medication.

1
Keep track of both skin and nonskin symptoms.
“Stelara is doing the trick for the skin and arthritic condition, although it has had more success with my skin than my aches and pains.”
2
Apply for copay assistance.
“I take Stelara, and the cost for me was only $5 per injection (four times a year) because Janssen offered copay assistance.”

Connect with others who understand life with psoriasis. Join MyPsoriasisTeam for free.

Stelara Side Effects

These are the most common side effects seen in people with plaque psoriasis during the first 12 weeks of clinical trials:

Nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the nose and throat)
Upper respiratory infection
Headache
Fatigue
Injection site reactions

About 8 percent of people experienced nose and throat inflammation while taking Stelara in clinical trials. Between 1 percent and 5 percent of participants had any of these other common side effects.

Serious Side Effects and Warnings

Serious side effects require immediate medical attention. Always tell your doctor about new or worsening symptoms. Stelara’s rare but serious side effects include:

Infections including tuberculosis
Potential cancer risk including nonmelanoma skin cancers
Allergic reactions including severe reactions like anaphylaxis
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, a rare brain condition

How To Save on Stelara

The Janssen CarePath program offers savings for eligible people with private insurance. If you qualify, you could pay as little as $5 per dose. People with Medicare, Medicaid, or other government insurance aren’t eligible for manufacturer copay programs but may find help through patient assistance programs.

Check with your insurance provider about coverage and prior authorization requirements before starting treatment. Some foundations also provide financial assistance for those who qualify.

What To Know Before Taking Stelara

Tuberculosis screening is required before starting Stelara. Be sure to share the following information with your healthcare provider:

Any current infections or infection history
Cancer history or increased cancer risk
Allergies to Stelara or its components
Recent or planned vaccinations (live vaccines should be avoided while taking Stelara)
Pregnancy or breastfeeding plans

Stelara is also approved for treating psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. Contact your healthcare provider if you miss a scheduled dose.

Pregnancy studies haven’t identified specific Stelara-associated risks, but always discuss any pregnancy plans with your doctor.

Community FAQs

These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.

How effective is Stelara for treating psoriasis?
In clinical trials, between 66 percent and 76 percent of adults saw their psoriasis symptoms improve by at least 75 percent after 12 weeks. Only 3 percent to 4 percent of people taking placebo (an inactive treatment) saw the same results.

How long does Stelara continue working for psoriasis?
Studies show 89 percent of responders maintained 75 percent improvement in psoriasis through 52 weeks with continued treatment, compared to 63 percent who stopped treatment.

What happens if I miss a scheduled Stelara dose?
If you miss a scheduled dose, contact your healthcare provider promptly for guidance rather than trying to adjust dosing yourself.

Is Stelara safe to use during pregnancy?
According to available data, Stelara isn’t associated with risks of major birth defects or miscarriage, but you should always discuss pregnancy plans with your healthcare provider.

Can Stelara treat both skin symptoms and joint pain?
Yes, Stelara is approved for both psoriasis (skin symptoms) and psoriatic arthritis (joint pain), making it helpful for people experiencing both conditions.