Stelara

What is Stelara?

Stelara (ustekinumab) is a medication that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of several medical conditions, including psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn’s disease.

Plaque psoriasis starts within your body. Your immune system regulates cell growth throughout the body including skin cell growth. Plaque psoriasis, a chronic skin condition, is caused by an overactive immune system. 

This means that some cells are rapidly being produced and these excess cells can lead to overgrowth of skin cells. With nowhere for those overgrown skin cells to go, they pile up on the skin and lead to the plaques you see on the surface of the skin.  

Similarly, the cause of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are not fully understood but it is suspected to also be caused by an overactive immune system response. It is thought that genetics, environmental factors, and an imbalance inflammatory response leads to the inflammation found in Crohn’s and UC. 

The prolonged inflammation in these two conditions lead to the symptoms that each person experiences. If left untreated, it can lead to damage in the GI tract. There are proteins in the body that contribute to inflammation and once they are activated, can lead to a chain reaction that leads to an inflammatory response.

Stelara is a biologic medication that is given initially by infusion then maintained by routine injections. It works by targeting certain proteins in the body that play a role in inflammation. By blocking these proteins, Stelara helps to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms associated with psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn’s disease.

Stelara targets two specific proteins in the body called interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interleukin-23 (IL-23). These proteins are involved in the immune system’s response to infections and other threats to the body. 

In people with psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn’s disease, IL-12 and IL-23 can trigger an excessive immune response that leads to inflammation and tissue damage. By blocking these proteins, Stelara helps to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms.

By blocking IL-12 and IL-23, Stelara may reduce inflammation that is prevalent in rheumatic conditions and irritable bowel diseases. 

What does Stelara Treat?

  • Crohn’s disease
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Plaque psoriasis
  • Psoriatic arthritis

Side Effects

  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Nasopharyngitis
  • Increase risk of infection
  • Yeast infection
  • Sinusitis
  • Headache
  • Fatigue

 Click here for additional side effects

Infusion Duration

30 minutes

Infusion Cycle

Initial dose received intravenously and then a subcutaneous injection every 8 weeks

Stelara Cost

Stelara cost can vary depending on several factors including insurance status and insurance provider. At Pure Infusion Suites, we are committed to lowering costs and improving access for our patients. Our team of patient access coordinators are here to set you up for success. 

We work with a growing list of insurance providers, and are always working to ensure claims/authorizations are processed efficiently. All patients are enrolled in co-pay assistance programs to assist in covering costs of treatment.

Additionally, data from an Artemetrx report shows average costs at an outpatient hospital facility are more than 3X higher than costs at an ambulatory infusion center. That means we save our patients’ money, while offering a more comfortable experience!

What to Expect During Your Infusion

Before your infusion, it is important to drink plenty of water and come to your appointment hydrated. Additionally, you must alert us as soon as possible to any changes in your insurance to ensure that we are still an in-network provider for your infusion therapy.

  1. Your dedicated Infusion nurse will check your vitals and review your medical history to check for improvements or potential side effects of your infusion therapy. 
  2. Your nurse will begin your infusion and check in on you periodically during your treatment. 
  3. After your infusion, your nurse will monitor you to ensure you do not have any complications or reactions to the infusion therapy. 

Why patients choose Pure to receive their Stelara infusion

At Pure Infusion Suites®, we create an unmatched patient experience, improve healthcare outcomes and lower the cost of care.

Safe & Private Suites

  • Comfortable, private rooms with a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere
  • 55” TVs with Netflix, Wifi, drinks, snacks, meals & more

Expert Medical Staff

  • Certified FNPs & infusion nurses on-site
  • Insurance pre-authorizations & re-authorizations
  • Patient lab work

Patient Assistance

  • Co-pay assistance & other financial aid programs
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Easy & convenient parking

Patient Stories