Ustekinumab is used to treat plaque psoriasis (a type of skin disease that allows the skin cells to rapidly build up causing itchy patches of thick, red skin and silvery scales) and psoriatic arthritis (joint pain and inflammation that affects individuals with psoriasis).
This medicine may also be used to treat Crohn's disease (a long-term inflammatory disease of the digestive tract that usually affects the small intestine and colon) and ulcerative colitis (a disease that causes inflammation and sores in the linings of the large intestine and rectum).
Ustekinumab is to be injected subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the thigh, upper arm, or abdomen area).
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you. If you or your caregiver had been given the proper training on the preparation and injection techniques of this medicine, you or your caregiver may do the administration.
Use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not administer more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Remember to rotate the injection sites. Do not inject into the same area all the time. New injection sites should be at least 1.5 inches away from the previous injection site. Do not inject near the navel (belly button) and into areas where the skin is tender, swollen, bruised, red, hard, scarred, or affected by psoriasis.
This medicine is available as a pre-filled pen or syringe. Make sure you know how to use the specific device you have been given. If you have problems or do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on the type of your condition and your response to the medication.
Ustekinumab must be administered regularly for it to be effective. Continue using this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop using it unless instructed by the doctor.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Ustekinumab.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
If you or a caregiver had been trained to administer this medicine, inject the missed dose as soon as you remember and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you forgot to administer your dose.
Do not use Ustekinumab if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Alert your doctor if you have an active infection (e.g. tuberculosis or TB [a lung infection]) as Ustekinumab may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- long-term infection or history of recurrent infections
- history of long-term treatment with immunosuppressants (medicines used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders)
- history of cancer or tumour growth
- receiving allergy immunotherapy (a treatment that helps reduce or eliminate the symptoms of allergic reactions)
- diabetes
- history of phototherapy
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Ustekinumab to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Inform your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated. Do not receive any vaccinations without first asking your doctor.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Tuberculosis test must be done before treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to use.
- Routine tests (e.g. complete blood count, liver function) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of signs or symptoms of infection and skin cancer may also be needed.
Ustekinumab may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, diarrhoea, back pain, muscle or joint pain, and injection site pain or redness.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs and symptoms of allergic reaction e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- confusion, headache, fits or seizures, vision problems or changes in eyesight
- signs and symptoms of lung inflammation e.g. persistent cough, shortness of breath
- chills, severe sore throat, cough with excessive phlegm, mouth sores
- new skin lump or growth
- widespread skin rash, peeling or flaking of skin, severe itching
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Avoid vaccinations with live vaccines during treatment with Ustekinumab. Inform your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated or if you are planning to get vaccinated.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C. If necessary, pre-filled pen or syringe may be stored at up to 30°C.
Do not freeze Ustekinumab otherwise, it will no longer be effective and should not be used.
Protect from light.
If you notice that the injection has changed colour or has become cloudy, do not use it. Throw it away and use a new injection.
Throw away any unused solution.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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