Question 1

Will I also need to use a topical cream with Stelara treatment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you may need to continue using a topical cream along with Stelara if the medication does not fully clear up your plaque psoriasis. Your doctor can prescribe topical creams to use in combination with Stelara to enhance the treatment’s effectiveness.

Question 2

If I take Stelara for a long time, will I have withdrawal symptoms when I stop using it?

Accepted Answer

If you stop taking Stelara after using it for a long time, you may not experience traditional withdrawal symptoms, which are typically uncomfortable effects associated with stopping a substance your body has grown accustomed to. However, it’s possible that the condition you were treating with Stelara could return or worsen upon discontinuation. This resurgence or deterioration of symptoms might be mistaken for withdrawal symptoms. It’s important not to stop taking Stelara without consulting your doctor. If your doctor advises stopping the treatment, they will closely monitor your condition to ensure that you can safely remain off the medication.

Question 3

Does Stelara have a black box warning?

Accepted Answer

No, Stelara does not have a black box warning, also known as a boxed warning. These warnings are the most serious type issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to inform healthcare professionals and patients about potential severe side effects associated with a medication. While Stelara can cause serious side effects, the FDA has not required a black box warning to be included with this medication. This indicates that, according to current data, the risks do not necessitate the highest level of alert.

Question 4

What vaccines can I get during Stelara treatment?

Accepted Answer

During Stelara treatment, your immune system’s ability to fight disease is reduced. This makes live vaccines, which contain weakened forms of viruses or bacteria, unsafe for you. Since your immune system may not effectively combat the live virus or bacteria from these vaccines, there’s a risk you could develop the infection the vaccine is intended to prevent. It’s advisable to receive all necessary vaccinations before starting Stelara treatment. This should include both live and non-live vaccines. One exception is the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, which is used to prevent tuberculosis (TB) and is more commonly administered outside the United States. You should not begin Stelara treatment until at least 1 year after receiving a BCG vaccine. If you receive non-live vaccines while on Stelara, your immune system may not respond adequately, possibly rendering the vaccine less effective in preventing its targeted infection. Always discuss your vaccination plan with your doctor before starting Stelara.

Question 5

Does Stelara decrease my immune system function?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Stelara does reduce the function of your immune system, which makes it harder for your body to fight off infections. This medication is used to treat conditions like plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis, which are caused in part by an overactive immune system. This overactivity can lead to inflammation and other symptoms that affect your health and well-being. By decreasing the activity of your immune system, Stelara helps prevent it from attacking your joints and organs, which can lead to improvements in your symptoms and overall quality of life. However, a less active immune system increases your risk of developing serious or unusual infections. It can also lead to a reactivation of infections you’ve had before, such as tuberculosis (TB). Additionally, the reduction in immune system activity caused by Stelara may raise your risk of certain types of cancer, including skin cancer.