The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown. However we do know that the immune system, environmental factors, and family history can play a role. The immune system speeds up, which causes inflammation and a large number of skin cells to grow. Instead of falling off (shedding), the cells pile up on the surface of the skin, forming psoriatic plaques.

Learn more about the role of the immune system in plaque psoriasis and see how STELARA^® works differently to treat moderate or severe plaque psoriasis.

A doctor can usually diagnose psoriasis by examining your skin and reviewing your patient history. In some cases, the doctor may take a small sample of skin and examine it under a microscope.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), as many as 7.5 million Americans, or approximately 2.2% of the U.S. population, have psoriasis.

Certain things may cause psoriasis to flare. These include stress, skin injuries, strep infections, and certain medications, including anti-malarial drugs, beta-blockers, lithium, and oral corticosteroids. Weather can also trigger psoriatic symptoms, especially when it is cold and dry outside. During the winter, moisture leaves the skin because of both the cold and dry air, which may make psoriasis worse.

There is currently no known cure for psoriasis. However, there are certain medications, including biologics, that can help treat psoriasis. People with psoriasis should speak to their doctors about finding the right treatment(s) to help manage their symptoms. Treatments may include medications that are applied to the skin, ultraviolet light therapy, medications taken by mouth, or those given by injection.

Your doctor will prescribe a psoriasis treatment for you based on many things, including how severe and where your psoriasis is on your body, your age, and your medical history. Some common treatments include:

Topical treatments

Topical treatments, such as creams and gels, are often given for mild to moderate psoriasis. They are rubbed directly on the surface of the skin. Topicals help slow down skin cell growth and help lessen redness and inflammation. Examples include Dovonex^®* (calcipotriene), a synthetic vitamin D cream, Tazorac^®* (tazarotene), a vitamin A derivative, and steroid creams. Other treatments commonly used are coal tar and anthralin.

Light therapies

In light therapy, the skin—or just the psoriatic plaque—is exposed to ultraviolet light (UVB or Psoralen plus UVA [PUVA]). The treatment helps slow down skin cell growth and kill T cells (a type of immune cell). Light therapies are used for moderate to severe psoriasis. One type of light therapy, PUVA, uses medication (psoralen) with ultraviolet light (UVA). PUVA is used for people with severe psoriasis. Treatment is usually given in a dermatologist's office or psoriasis clinic.

Systemic therapies

Systemic medications work throughout the body. They can be taken in pill form or given by injection. Examples of systemic medications are retinoids, such as Soriatane^®* (acitretin), and medications that suppress the immune system, such as Neoral^®* (cyclosporine) and methotrexate.

Biologic treatments

Biologics are the latest advancement in systemic psoriasis treatment. They are injectable treatments for people with moderate or severe plaque psoriasis. Biologic treatments can target the immune system in different ways. STELARA^® works by targeting your body’s immune system and blocking 2 proteins (IL-12 and IL-23) from attaching to cells in the body that may be involved in plaque psoriasis.

STELARA^® is a prescription medicine approved to treat adults 18 years and older with moderate or severe plaque psoriasis that involves large areas or many areas of their body, who may benefit from taking injections or pills (systemic therapy) or phototherapy (treatment using ultraviolet light alone or with pills).

STELARA^® is a biologic that targets IL-12 and IL-23 to help provide relief from the symptoms associated with plaque psoriasis, such as plaque thickness, scaling, and redness—with 4 doses a year after 2 starter doses.

STELARA^® is an injection given under the skin by a healthcare provider as directed by your doctor with 2 starter doses 4 weeks apart, and a single dose every 12 weeks thereafter. Each injection is given using a small needle. STELARA^® is available in 45 mg or 90 mg doses; your doctor will choose the right dose for you. Make sure you keep all your scheduled follow-up appointments. Learn more about STELARA .

STELARA^® is not for everyone; only your doctor can decide if it’s right for you. STELARA^® is a prescription medicine that affects your immune system. It can increase your chances of having serious side effects including infections, cancer, serious allergic reactions and a rare condition called reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome. Please read the Important Safety Information below and the Medication Guide for STELARA^® to learn more about these and other risks for STELARA^®. Discuss any questions you have with your doctor.

*Indicated trademarks are registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Right now, as many as 7.5 million people in the U.S. are living with psoriasis, and about 80% have plaque psoriasis. Between 150,000 and 260,000 new cases are diagnosed every year, and most people are diagnosed before age 40. Psoriasis affects both men and women and is more common among Caucasians of northern European descent than among African-Americans or Asians. Genetics may also play a role, with one-third of people having a family history of the disease.

Psoriasis is not contagious. You cannot "catch" it from someone. If you come in physical contact with someone who has psoriasis, you will not get the disease.

There are many great resources available to help you learn more about psoriasis. You can find out about symptoms, treatments, research studies, and educational programs.

The National Psoriasis Foundation has a large amount of information at www.psoriasis.org. Visit their online forum where you can connect with others living with psoriasis, or talk to a mentor if you’ve recently been told you have psoriasis and are looking for support. You can also call the National Psoriasis Foundation at 1-800-723-9166.

Psoriasis Cure Now! is also a great resource to learn more about psoriasis and connect with others. Go to www.psoriasis-cure-now.org, call 1-301-571-2393, or visit their online forum and join their community network.

For a more extensive list of psoriasis-related resources, go to Psoriasis Links.

STELARA^® is a prescription medicine that is approved to treat adults 18 years and older with moderate or severe plaque psoriasis that involves large areas or many areas of their body, who may benefit from taking injections or pills (systemic therapy) or phototherapy (treatment using ultraviolet light alone or with pills).

Only your doctor can determine whether STELARA^® is right for you. It is a prescription psoriasis medicine approved to treat adults 18 years and older with moderate or severe plaque psoriasis that involves large areas or many areas of their body, who may benefit from taking injections or pills (systemic therapy) or phototherapy (treatment using ultraviolet light alone or with pills).

STELARA^® is not for everyone; only your doctor can decide if it’s right for you. STELARA^® is a prescription medicine that affects your immune system. It can increase your chances of having serious side effects including infections, cancer, serious allergic reactions and a rare condition called reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome. Please read the Important Safety Information below and the Medication Guide for STELARA^® to learn more about these and other risks for STELARA^®. Discuss any questions you have with your doctor.

If you’re interested in talking to your doctor about STELARA^®, download the STELARA  Doctor Discussion Guide and fill it out before your next visit. You can also download a Psoriasis Symptom Monitor to your computer and use it to talk with your doctor about your symptoms.

The convenient dosing of STELARA^® offers a full 12 weeks between treatments after two starter doses. STELARA^® is an injection given under the skin by a healthcare provider as directed by your doctor. Each injection is given using a small needle. STELARA^® is available in 45 mg or 90 mg doses; your doctor will choose the right dose of STELARA^® for you. You will start off by taking the first starter dose of STELARA^®, followed by a second starter dose four weeks later. You will then receive a maintenance dose every 12 weeks thereafter.

STELARA^® is an injection given under the skin by a healthcare provider as directed by your doctor with 2 starter doses 4 weeks apart, and a single dose every 12 weeks thereafter. Each injection is given using a small needle. STELARA^® is available in 45 mg or 90 mg doses; your doctor will choose the right dose for you. Make sure you keep all your scheduled follow-up appointments.

Your healthcare provider will give you the injection on an area of your body that does not have plaques, and may give you your injection in a different area each time.

Your doctor will determine the dose that is right for you. For people weighing 220 pounds or less, the recommended dose is one 45 mg starter dose, followed by a second starter dose four weeks later. You will then receive a 45 mg maintenance dose every 12 weeks after that. For people weighing more than 220 pounds, the recommended dose is one 90 mg starter dose, followed by a second starter dose four weeks later. You will then receive a 90 mg maintenance dose every 12 weeks after that.

Only your doctor can decide how long you will need to continue treatment with STELARA^®.

STELARA^® is approved only to treat adults 18 years and older with moderate or severe plaque psoriasis that involves large areas or many areas of their body, who may benefit from taking injections or pills (systemic therapy) or phototherapy (treatment using ultraviolet light alone or with pills).

STELARA^® is not for everyone; only your doctor can decide if it’s right for you. STELARA^® is a prescription medicine that affects your immune system. It can increase your chances of having serious side effects including infections, cancer, serious allergic reactions and a rare condition called reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome.

You and your doctor should discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with STELARA^®. It is not known if STELARA^® is safe and effective in children.

If you are interested in starting STELARA^®, talk to your doctor. The following simple steps can help you and your doctor decide if STELARA^® is right for you:

1. Make a list of questions – If you have any questions about your condition or treatment, make sure you get all the answers you need.

2. Keep a detailed record of your symptoms – Describe all the areas on your body that have plaque psoriasis and your symptoms since your last visit, including plaque thickness, scaling, and redness. Download our Psoriasis Symptom Monitor to help you keep track of your symptoms to share with your doctor.

3. Share your medical history – Make a list of all the names and dosages of any past and current medications. Talk with your doctor about how well the medications worked and if you were happy with the results.

4. Read the Medication Guide and Full Prescribing Information – Make sure you are comfortable with the information and discuss any questions you may have with your doctor.

No. STELARA^® is not a steroid. It is a biologic treatment that works with the immune system to target an underlying cause of plaque psoriasis. It blocks the action of IL-12 and IL-23, two proteins that may play a role in plaque psoriasis.

The active ingredient in STELARA^® is called ustekinumab. The other ingredients are sucrose, L-histidine, and polysorbate 80.

STELARA^® is not for everyone; only your doctor can decide if it’s right for you. STELARA^® is a prescription medicine that affects your immune system. It can increase your chances of having serious side effects including infections, cancer, serious allergic reactions and a rare condition called reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome. Please read the Important Safety Information below and the Medication Guide for STELARA^® to learn more about these and other risks for STELARA^®. Discuss any questions you have with your doctor.

In medical studies, STELARA^® was generally well tolerated and the most common side effects were upper respiratory infections, headache, and tiredness.

You should not receive a live vaccine while taking STELARA^®. Before receiving STELARA^®, tell your doctor if you have recently received or are scheduled to receive an immunization (vaccine). Tell your doctor if anyone in your house needs a vaccine. The viruses used in some types of vaccines can spread to people with a weakened immune system, and can cause serious problems. You should not receive the BCG vaccine during the one year before taking STELARA^® or one year after you stop taking STELARA^®. Non-live vaccinations received while taking STELARA^® may not fully protect you from disease.

STELARA^® may help provide clearer skin by relieving symptoms such as plaque thickness, scaling, and redness.

STELARA^® helps reduce plaque thickness, scaling, and redness. Twelve weeks after starting therapy, 7 out of 10 people taking STELARA^® saw at least 75% clearer skin. In as few as 12 weeks, 6 out of 10 people had their plaque psoriasis rated as clear or minimal.

Nearly 9 out of 10 people who saw at least 75% clearer skin with STELARA^® maintained their results with continued therapy at 1 year. Nearly 8 out of 10 people who initially saw at least 75% clearer skin maintained their results with continued therapy at 2 years.*

Individual results may vary.

*Patients were allowed to use topical medicines along with STELARA^® after nearly one and a half years.

Everyone responds to treatment differently. However, 12 weeks after starting therapy, 7 out of 10 people taking STELARA^® saw at least 75% clearer skin. In as few as 12 weeks, 6 out of 10 people had their plaque psoriasis rated as clear or minimal.

Nearly 9 out of 10 people who saw at least 75% clearer skin with STELARA^® maintained their results with continued therapy at 1 year. Nearly 8 out of 10 people who initially saw at least 75% clearer skin maintained their results with continued therapy at 2 years.*

Individual results may vary.

*Patients were allowed to use topical medicines along with STELARA^® after nearly one and a half years.

STELARA^® targets an underlying cause of plaque psoriasis—an overactive immune system. It blocks two proteins called IL-12 and IL-23 that are shown to be present in psoriatic plaques. This may slow down how fast skin cells are made and may reduce inflammation.

Watch a video and see how STELARA  works to treat psoriasis.

STELARA^® is a biologic medication. Biologics are injectable treatments that deliver the medication into the body to target an underlying cause of plaque psoriasis—an overactive immune system. STELARA^® specifically targets two proteins, IL-12 and IL-23, that have been found in psoriatic plaques. By blocking these two proteins from attaching to cells in your body, STELARA^® may slow down the speed that skin cells are made and may lessen inflammation.

Take a closer look and watch how STELARA  works differently.

STELARA^® is not for everyone; only your doctor can decide if it’s right for you. STELARA^® is a prescription medicine that affects your immune system. It can increase your chances of having serious side effects including infections, cancer, serious allergic reactions and a rare condition called reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome. Please read the Important Safety Information below and the Medication Guide for STELARA^® to learn more about these and other risks for STELARA^®. Discuss any questions you have with your doctor.

If you store your STELARA^® at home and bring it to your doctor appointment, STELARA^® must be stored in your refrigerator (but NOT in the freezer compartment). STELARA^® should not be frozen or shaken. Keep the product in the original carton to protect it from light until the time of use. Refrigerate it immediately at 36°F to 46°F (2°C – 8°C).

If your STELARA^® has been stored outside of the recommended temperature ranges, contact Janssen Medical Information at 1-800-JANSSEN (1-800-526-7736) for more information.

If you need to store your STELARA^® medication before your doctor appointment, always store STELARA^® under proper conditions. Never keep STELARA^® beyond the expiration date printed on the carton and the label.

STELARA^® Support has several different services at no cost to help you get started and stay on track with your treatment. STELARA^® Support services include:

• Cost Support: We understand that everyone's financial situation is different. Our Care Coordinators can help you identify resources that may assist you in reducing your out-of-pocket medication costs and help you find a program that could keep STELARA^® affordable if your insurance or financial situation changes. Find more information on plaque psoriasis treatment cost support options and see if you qualify.
• Insurance Help: If either you or your doctor contacts STELARA^® Support, our Care Coordinators can help you learn about and verify your insurance benefits. They’ll also help explain your potential out-of-pocket medication costs for STELARA^®.
• Medication Reminders: To help you stay on track with your treatments, STELARA^® Support can send you timely reminders —by phone, text, or e-mail—before your next dose is due.
• Updates and Educational Materials: STELARA^® Support provides important updates, as well as helpful tools to help manage your plaque psoriasis.

For more information about the services listed above, visit STELARA  Support.

If you are taking STELARA^® and have signed up for the STELARA^® Patient Support program, don’t forget to download the Healthy Living e-book, Your Journey To Healthier Living: Inspiration For People With Moderate Or Severe Plaque Psoriasis, on your iPad or as a PDF. The e-book is full of information and tips for healthier living, including:

• Tips on nutrition
• Healthy and delicious recipes
• Exercise information
• Stress management ideas

Sign up for STELARA  Support today and get great tips and tools that can help you live healthier with plaque psoriasis.

Most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, should cover the cost of STELARA^®. Coverage policies can vary from plan to plan, so if you have questions, we'd like to help. A Care Coordinator can help you learn about and verify your insurance benefits. They’ll also help explain your potential out-of-pocket medication costs for STELARA^®. You can contact STELARA^® Support at 1-877-STELARA (1-877-783-5272), Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 8 PM ET. Please have your insurance information available when you call.

There are programs available to provide assistance for people who have difficulty affording the medication costs for STELARA^®. You are encouraged to call STELARA^® Support at 1-877-STELARA (1-877-783-5272), Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 8 PM ET for more information. Care Coordinators are available to help you identify possible sources of funding.

Yes. If you have commercial insurance, our Instant Savings Program can help lower your out-of-pocket costs including co-pay, deductible, and co-insurance medication costs. We'll pay 100% of your out-of-pocket medication costs for three doses of treatment and help lower your out-of-pocket costs after that.

You may be eligible for Instant Savings if you have been given STELARA^® by your doctor, are being treated for the FDA-approved use for STELARA^®, AND currently have commercial insurance that covers medication costs for STELARA^®. A Care Coordinator can provide you with more details and see if you are able to participate.

You are encouraged to call STELARA^® Support to get information about how to get help paying for STELARA^®. You can contact us at 1-877-STELARA (1-877-783-5272), Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 8 PM ET. Please have your insurance information ready when you call.

For more information about cost support options, visit STELARA  Support .

STELARA^® was approved by the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) on September 25, 2009.

Manufactured by: Janssen Biotech, Inc., Horsham, PA 19044, License No. 1864 at Baxter Pharmaceutical Solutions, Bloomington, IN 47403

Janssen Biotech is a world leader in biomedical research and development, and continues to discover and deliver innovative biologic treatments such as STELARA^®.

To learn more, please visit JanssenBiotech.com.

The best place to get more information is from your doctor. You can also read the Medication Guide and Full Prescribing Information, or request the STELARA  Information Kit. If you have more questions, feel free to contact STELARA^® Support at 1-877-STELARA (1-877-783-5272), Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 8 PM ET.

This free electronic kit is viewed on your computer. It provides helpful information about STELARA^®, including safety and effectiveness. It also has tools that can help you talk to your doctor about how your plaque psoriasis is changing over time, and finding the best treatment options for you. The kit is available by request to everyone. Request your free STELARA  Information Kit now.

Once you and your doctor decide that STELARA^® is right for you, your doctor and the office staff will help you decide the best way for you to get your prescription.