Yes, Stelara Treats Both Psoriasis and Crohn's Disease
Stelara (ustekinumab) is FDA-approved for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults and children 6 years and older who need systemic therapy or phototherapy. It is also approved for moderately to severely active Crohn's disease in adults who have not responded to or tolerated conventional therapy or TNF-alpha antagonists.[1]
How Stelara Works for These Conditions
Stelara targets interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interleukin-23 (IL-23), cytokines that drive inflammation in autoimmune diseases. In psoriasis, it reduces skin plaques by interrupting the IL-23/Th17 pathway. For Crohn's disease, it addresses gut inflammation through similar immune modulation, with induction doses via IV followed by subcutaneous maintenance.[1][2]
Dosing Differences Between Psoriasis and Crohn's
For psoriasis, adults receive a 45 mg or 90 mg subcutaneous dose at weeks 0, 4, then every 12 weeks. Crohn's dosing starts with an IV infusion (260 mg for <55 kg, 520 mg for 55-85 kg, 900 mg for >85 kg) at week 0, followed by 90 mg subcutaneous at weeks 8 and 16, then every 8 weeks.[1]
Common Side Effects Across Indications
Patients report upper respiratory infections, headache, and fatigue. Serious risks include infections (e.g., tuberculosis reactivation), malignancy, and hypersensitivity. Crohn's patients face higher rates of serious infections during induction.[1][2]
Who Cannot Use Stelara for These Conditions
Avoid in active infections or hypersensitivity to ustekinumab. Live vaccines are contraindicated. Use caution in immunocompromised patients or those with a history of malignancy.[1]
Alternatives if Stelara Is Not Suitable
For psoriasis: biologics like Humira (adalimumab), Cosentyx (secukinumab), or Tremfya (guselkumab). For Crohn's: Infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab, or vedolizumab (Entyvio). Switching between indications requires physician oversight.[2]
[1]: FDA Stelara Label
[2]: Stelara Official Site