After starting STELARA, call your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of an infection (see above).
STELARA® can make you more likely to get infections or make an infection that you have worse.
People who have a genetic problem where the body does not make any of the proteins interleukin 12 (IL-12)Proteins that increase the growth and function of white blood cells, which are found in your immune system. and interleukin 23 (IL-23)Proteins that increase the growth and function of white blood cells, which are found in your immune system.
are at a higher risk for certain serious infections that can spread throughout the body and cause death.
It is not known if people who take STELARA® will get any of these infections because of the effects of STELARA® on these proteins.
Cancer
STELARA® may decrease the activity of your immune systemA system inside the body that protects against germs and infections. and increase your risk for certain types of cancer.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any type of cancer. Some people who had risk factors for skin cancer developed certain types of skin cancers while receiving STELARA®. Tell your doctor if you have any new skin growths.
Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS)
RPLS is a rare condition that affects the brain and can cause death. The cause of RPLS is not known. If RPLS is found early and treated, most people recover.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any new or worsening medical problems including: headache, seizures, confusion, and vision problems.
Serious Allergic Reactions
Serious allergic reactions can occur. Get medical help right away if you have any symptoms such as: feeling faint, swelling of your face, eyelids, tongue, or throat, trouble breathing, throat or chest tightness, or skin rash.
Before receiving STELARA®, tell your doctor if you:
- have any of the conditions or symptoms listed above for serious infections, cancer, or RPLS
- have recently received or are scheduled to receive an immunizationAn injection that provides protection against diseases. (vaccine). People who take STELARA®
should not receive live vaccinesA vaccine made with living organisms.. 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 vaccineAn injection that protects against tuberculosis. 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.
- are receiving or have received allergy shots, especially for serious allergic reactions
- ever had an allergic reaction to STELARA®
- receive or have received phototherapy for your psoriasis
- have any other medical conditions
- are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if STELARA® will harm your unborn baby. You and your doctor should decide if you will take STELARA®
- are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed. It is thought that STELARA® passes into your breast milk. You should not breast-feed while taking STELARA® without first talking to your doctor.
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplementsNatural substances, made from herbs, that are used for medical reasons..
Especially tell your doctor if you take:
- other medicines that affect your immune system
- certain medicines that can affect how your liver breaks down other medicines
Common side effects of STELARA® include: upper respiratory infectionsA bodily infection that affects the nose, throat, and larynx (voice box)., headache, and tiredness.
These are not all of the side effects with STELARA®. Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch
or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please read the Medication Guide for STELARA® and discuss any questions you have with your doctor.
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