Ustekinumab

Drug Class:	Commonly Known As:	Category:
Biologics ＆ Biosimilars	Stelara

Ustekinumab - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Ustekinumab cause?

Side effects may occur when taking Ustekinumab, but the vast majority of these tend to resolve spontaneously. Common side effects include:

Injection site reactions like swelling, itching or bruising, which usually subside in 3 to 5 days
Blocked or runny nose
Sore throat
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea

Inform your doctor if any side effects persist, if you are unable to tolerate them or the side effects become serious.

Ustekinumab may reduce your body's ability to fight against infection. You should consult a doctor immediately if you develop a fever or feel unwell. Inform the doctor whom you consult that you are taking Ustekinumab as the medication may need to be stopped while you are having an infection.

You may need to have regular blood tests while on Ustekinumab.

Other rare but serious side effects include:

Signs of infections: fever. chills. painful or bloody urination, feeling very tired or weak
Signs of lung inflammation: shortness of breath or persistent cough
Severe headaches, seizures, confusion or visual disturbances

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
Difficulty in breathing
Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

f you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Before taking Ustekinumab , what precautions must I follow?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication

You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding

Avoid getting yourself pregnant while you are taking Ustekinumab as the effect in pregnant women is unknown. You must use effective contraception while using Ustekinumab and for at least 15 weeks after the last dose.

If you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, discuss with your doctor if you should breastfeed or use Ustekinumab.

You have a history of:

Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C
Tuberculosis
Cancer

You have infections or low blood counts

You are planning to receive any vaccines and to avoid any live vaccinations.

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Ustekinumab ?

Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other medications as they may interact with Ustekinumab. These include:

Over-the-counter medications
Nutritional supplements
Traditional or herbal remedies

Pneumococcal, influenza (flu) and Hepatitis B vaccinations are safe and may be given if required. Avoid live vaccines such as MMR (measles. mumps and rubella), OPV (oral polio vaccine), yellow fever or BCG (tuberculosis). Discuss with your doctor before receiving any vaccines. Also, direct contact with persons who have taken oral polio vaccine or those with infections should be avoided.

Avoid eating raw, undercooked or half-cooked food.