What is Stelara?
Stelara (ustekinumab) is an immunosuppressant that reduces the effects of a chemical substance in the body that can cause inflammation.
Stelara is used to treat plaque psoriasis in adults and children who are at least 12 years old. It is also used to treat psoriatic arthritis in adults and is sometimes given with another medicine called methotrexate.
Stelara is also used in adults to treat moderate to severe Crohn’s disease after other medicines have been tried without success.
Stelara: Increased Rate of Cancer
In 2016, the Institute of Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) analyzed the adverse effects reported to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in relation to Stelara and other psoriasis drugs. The findings suggested that patients who took Stelara faced an even higher risk of cancer compared to those using other medications. In fact, the rate of cancer among patients using Stelara was 15 times higher than those taking another psoriasis treatment, Otezla, which does not have an immunosuppressant effect. Patients taking other immunosuppressant drugs, Enbrel, Remicade, and Humira, were only 5 times more likely to develop cancer compared to Otezla users.
What should I do?
If you or a loved one have experienced adverse effects from taking Stelara, we are here to help. We welcome the opportunity to talk to you about your concerns and experience. Contact us by calling 303-861-8800, or by filling out the contact form below.