Sometimes it's hard to live with the diseases we get, isn't it? When we face some skin problems or some serious intestinal diseases, doctors prescribe us various medications. Ustekinumab is one such medicine. Let's see what kind of medicine this is, what it is used for, and what precautions we need to take while using it.
What kind of medicine is Ustekinumab?
Simply put, Ustekinumab is a medicine that is given as an injection. Some people also call it Stelara. It is mainly used to treat
plaque psoriasis ,
a skin condition that causes inflammation of the joints, and psoriatic arthritis . In addition, this medicine is also used to treat some complex intestinal diseases such as
Crohn's disease and
ulcerative colitis . But one thing to remember is that this is not a medicine that completely cures these diseases. However, it can help you control the symptoms and live a normal life. This medicine can also be used for some other diseases, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist about it.
What are the things I need to tell the doctor before starting this medication?
Okay, now before you get this Ustekinumab injection, your doctor or nurse will ask you some questions. And if there are any things you know, you
should definitely tell them. Because this medicine is not the same for everyone. Let's see what those things are that you need to know:
- If you currently have cancer , or if you have had it in the past and are now cured, tell us about it.
- If you have diabetes .
- If you have had skin cancer in the past.
- If you have any weakness or problem with your immune system .
- If you are someone who gets infections frequently, remember to mention any viral infections , especially chickenpox and herpes. It is also a good idea to mention any previous infections.
- If you have any new spots, lesions , or bumps on your skin, or if there is a change in old ones.
- If you are taking allergy shots, or have recently taken them.
- If you have received, or have recently received , phototherapy for skin diseases .
- Something recently?If you have received a vaccine, or are expecting to receive one soon.
- If you have tuberculosis (TB) , have had a positive skin test for tuberculosis, or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tuberculosis.
- If you have had an unusual reaction to this Ustekinumab medicine, latex , other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
- If you are pregnant or expecting a baby .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
It is very important for your safety to inform your doctor about these things.
How do you use this medicine?
There are two ways this medicine can be given to you. One is as
an injection under the skin . The other is as
an infusion into a vein . Most of the time, this is given by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic. However, sometimes you may need to use this medicine at home. If this happens, you will be shown how to prepare the medicine and how to inject it correctly. It is very important to take this medicine
exactly as your doctor tells you, at the right time, and in the right amount . Never take more or more than your doctor tells you to take, right? Another very important thing is to use
a special sharps container to put your used
needles and syringes . Do not throw them in the regular trash. If you do not have one, ask your pharmacy or doctor for one. When you get this medicine from the pharmacy, you will also receive
a special information leaflet (MedGuide) . You should read it carefully every time you get a new medicine. It contains very important information.
Can this medicine be given to small children?
Yes, in some special cases, doctors recommend this medicine (Ustekinumab)
for children as young as 6 years old . However, there are special precautions for it. Therefore, if you are giving this medicine to your child, you should talk to your pediatrician about it and explain everything.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
Remember, if you think you have taken too much of this medicine,
call a poison control center or the nearest emergency room (ETU) immediately .
Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give it to anyone else for any reason.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled.
Never take a double dose or an extra dose .
What other medications may interact with this medicine?
This is also a very important point. Some medications can interact with Ustekinumab. This means that taking them together can cause problems.
Do not take Ustekinumab with the following medications:- Live virus vaccines – Your doctor will tell you more about these.
Here are some other medications that may interact:- Cyclosporine
- Biologic medicines such as Abatacept, Adalimumab, Anakinra, Certolizumab, Etanercept, Golimumab, Infliximab, Rituximab, Secukinumab , Tocilizumab
- Warfarin (a blood thinner)
This list is not exhaustive. Therefore,
tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including those for other conditions, vitamins, traditional medicines, herbal products) ,
dietary supplements you are taking,
and if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs . Some things can interact with this medicine.
What should I be especially careful about when taking this medicine?
Your doctor will monitor you closely while you are taking this medicine. If your symptoms do not improve or seem to get worse,
tell your doctor immediately .
A test for tuberculosis (TB)
Before starting this medicine, you
will be tested for tuberculosis (TB) . If your doctor prescribes medicine for tuberculosis, you will need to start taking that TB medicine before starting Ustekinumab. You will also
need to finish the entire course of TB medicine prescribed .
Risk of infection
This medicine
may slightly increase your risk of developing infections . Therefore, if you experience symptoms such as
fever, chills, sore throat, runny nose, or cough , do not self-medicate.
Call your doctor immediately for advice . Avoid places where sick people are as much as possible.
Cancer risk
Talk to your doctor about
the risk of developing certain types of cancers when taking this medication.
Genetic factors
Some
genetic factorsTherefore, the safety of this medicine may be reduced. Therefore, the doctor may decide on treatment based on
genetic tests .
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like any medicine, Ustekinumab can cause side effects in some people. Not everyone will experience them, but it's good to be aware.
If you experience any of these symptoms,
you should tell your doctor or a health worker without delay :
- Allergic reactions : Skin rash, itching , hives , swelling of the face, lips, and tongue.
- Breathing problems .
- Changes in vision .
- Confusion .
- Headache , especially a persistent headache .
- Epilepsy symptoms (seizures) .
- Signs and symptoms of infection : fever, chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty urinating.
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, and groin.
- Unexplained weight loss .
- Unusually weak or tired .
Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to your doctor if they persist:
These usually subside within a few days. However, if they persist, tell your doctor if they are bothering you:
- Diarrhea .
- Nausea, vomiting .
- Redness, itching, swelling, or bruising at site where injected .
- Stomach pain .
- Tiredness .
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual in addition to these, please ask your doctor about it.
How should I store this medicine?
Keep this medicine
out of the reach of children .
Store the prefilled syringes or vials you receive in the refrigerator at a temperature between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius (2 to 8 degrees C). That is, between 36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit (36 to 46 degrees F). Keep them
in the original carton .
Protect from light .
Do not freeze .
Do not shake . The vials should be left standing. Store in the refrigerator.
Throw away any medicine that has passed its expiration date. In an emergency, a pre-filled syringe can be stored at room temperature, up to 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees F), for up to 30 days . However, it should be kept in the original carton and protected from light. Write the date you took it out of the refrigerator on the carton. Do not put a syringe back into the refrigerator after it has been at room temperature. Throw away any medicine that has been left at room temperature for 30 days, even if it still contains medicine. Finally, things to remember
Well, we've just talked a lot about this drug called Ustekinumab, haven't we? Simply put, this is a vaccine that affects your immune system and helps control conditions like skin diseases, arthritis, and intestinal diseases.
The most important thing is to use this medicine exactly as your doctor or nurse tells you . If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to talk to them. It is very important to inform them about the side effects you are experiencing and about other medications you are taking. When using this medicine, do not forget about things like TB tests and taking care of infections . Also, it is important to store the medicine properly. I hope this information is useful to you. I wish you a speedy recovery!
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