Rheumatology
Stelara
Stelara, a groundbreaking medication, has been transforming the lives of patients with psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, moderate to severe Crohn’s disease, or other related conditions, providing them with a viable treatment option for these challenging conditions.
Understanding Stelara and its Uses
Stelara, also known by its generic name ustekinumab, targets certain proteins in the body’s immune system. It is used primarily to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults and adolescents who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy. It has shown value in treating psoriatic arthritis and moderate to severe Crohn’s disease, providing significant relief to patients.
Stelara not only provides rapid relief from the symptoms of psoriasis but also offers a sustained therapeutic effect, reducing the frequency of flare-ups and long-term disease progression. The targeted nature of Stelara’s action makes it a preferred option for many patients and healthcare providers.
Benefits of Stelara Treatment
Patients receiving Stelara often experience improved quality of life, including reduced pain and discomfort, enhanced mobility, and restored confidence in their appearance.
Stelara also has a convenient dosing schedule, with maintenance injections administered every 12 weeks. This offers patients the flexibility and convenience of less frequent medical visits while ensuring continuous disease control.
Stelara is administered via subcutaneous injection, which can be performed by a SMC physician specialist or self-administered by the patient after proper training and instruction. Close collaboration between the patient and their healthcare provider is essential in determining the most suitable dosing and administration strategy to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
While Stelara is well-tolerated by most patients, it is essential to know about potential side effects and take necessary precautions when undergoing treatment. Common side effects include headache, fatigue, upper respiratory infections, and injection site reactions, which are generally mild to moderate and resolve with no intervention.
Close consultation with your SMC physician specialist is essential for patients with underlying health concerns to ensure the safe and effective use of Stelara and the proactive management of potential treatment-related complications.
Next Steps
Consider Stelara for a less intrusive and more manageable approach to long-term disease control for psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, or Crohn’s disease.
Engaging in open discussions about Stelara with your healthcare provider is crucial to explore its potential benefits and find the most suitable treatment plan based on your individual needs and medical history.
Conditions We Treat
We provide ultrasound-guided arthrocentesis (joint injections) of both steroids and gel injections such as Orthovisc and Synvisc.
We offer a state-of-the art private infusion center at each location, offering the following medications and more: