Stelara® Prefilled Syringe for Psoriasis, Psoriatic Arthritis, and IBD

What Stelara® Is and How It Works

Stelara® (ustekinumab) is a monoclonal antibody that targets interleukin‑12 and interleukin‑23 to help control inflammation. It is used for adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, active psoriatic arthritis, and adults with moderate to severe Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. The prefilled syringe is designed for subcutaneous maintenance dosing at home after initial training. CanadianInsulin is a prescription referral service. Prescriptions are verified with your clinic, and orders are filled by licensed Canadian pharmacies. Many people compare Stelara Prefilled Syringe price and look for ways to save, including those considering Stelara Prefilled Syringe without insurance.

For psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, dosing usually starts with subcutaneous injections at week 0 and week 4, then continues every 12 weeks. For Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, treatment often begins with a one‑time intravenous induction dose in a clinic, followed by a subcutaneous syringe at week 8 and then every 8 weeks. This schedule helps maintain steady disease control over time. Partner pharmacies are licensed and vetted, supply authentic brand medications, and offer a broad selection with value‑focused pricing.

Dosage and Usage

• Psoriasis/Psoriatic Arthritis: Typical dosing is 45 mg subcutaneously at week 0 and week 4, then every 12 weeks. People over 100 kg may use 90 mg on the same schedule.
• Crohn’s Disease/Ulcerative Colitis: One intravenous induction dose based on weight is given in a clinic. Then inject 90 mg subcutaneously at week 8, followed by 90 mg every 8 weeks.
• Missed dose: Take the missed injection as soon as remembered, then resume the regular schedule. If unsure how to adjust, contact the care team that manages the prescription.
• Injection sites: Abdomen (avoid 2 inches around the navel), front of thighs, or back of upper arm if someone else injects.
• Device steps (summary): Remove from the refrigerator and let the syringe reach room temperature (about 30 minutes). Check the solution; it should be clear to slightly yellow and free of particles. Do not shake. Clean the site with alcohol, pinch the skin, insert the needle at the recommended angle, and inject slowly. Dispose of the syringe in a sharps container.
• Do not inject into areas that are tender, bruised, red, thickened, or affected by psoriasis plaques.

• Storage: Keep refrigerated at 2–8°C (36–46°F). Do not freeze. Protect from light by storing in the original carton.
• Room temperature: If needed, a syringe may be kept at room temperature up to 30°C (86°F) for up to 30 days. Do not return to the refrigerator after it reaches room temperature. Discard if not used within that period.
• Travel: Use an insulated travel case with cold packs. Do not place the syringe directly on ice. Keep in carry‑on luggage when flying.
• Handling: Do not shake. Keep out of reach of children. Dispose of used syringes in an FDA‑cleared sharps container.

Benefits and Savings

Stelara can reduce plaques in psoriasis, improve joint symptoms in psoriatic arthritis, and induce and maintain remission in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Many patients value the infrequent dosing schedule, which is every 12 weeks for psoriasis/PsA and every 8 weeks for IBD after induction. The prefilled syringe allows at‑home administration after proper training, which may simplify ongoing care.

Many customers save 60–80% vs typical U.S. prices. Some customers search for Stelara Prefilled Syringe without insurance to compare options; value‑focused pricing through our referral model may help lower out‑of‑pocket costs. See our Stelara Prefilled Syringe coupon promotions page for current offers if available.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common effects: nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infections, headache, fatigue, injection site redness or pain, nausea, diarrhea, back pain, and pruritus.
• Less common: dizziness, sinusitis, tooth infections, mild fever, and abdominal pain.
• Allergy: immediate or delayed hypersensitivity reactions, including rash or hives; rare anaphylaxis.

Serious risks include serious infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal) and a possible increased risk of certain malignancies. Tuberculosis screening is recommended before starting therapy, and latent TB should be treated according to guidelines. Avoid live vaccines during treatment and for a period after stopping. The needle cover of some prefilled syringes contains dry natural rubber (latex), which can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Report symptoms of infection, shortness of breath, persistent fever, or severe allergic reactions to a healthcare professional promptly.

Onset Time

Symptom improvement in plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis may begin within the first 2–6 weeks after starting therapy, with larger improvements by around 12 weeks as dosing stabilizes. For Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, some patients notice improvement within 3–6 weeks after induction, with further gains after the first subcutaneous maintenance dose at week 8. The full impact on remission and endoscopic healing can take several months.

Compare With Alternatives

Several biologic options treat these conditions, each with different targets and dosing schedules. Humira (adalimumab) is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor given as subcutaneous injections, typically every 2 weeks for long‑term maintenance. It is approved for psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. See our product page for Humira to compare dosing and availability.

Skyrizi (risankizumab) targets the p19 subunit of IL‑23. For psoriasis, it is dosed at weeks 0 and 4, then every 12 weeks. For Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis, treatment includes an induction phase followed by subcutaneous maintenance, often every 8 weeks. Review our listing for Skyrizi Pre Fill Cartridge W Injector for details.

Taltz (ixekizumab) blocks IL‑17A and is used for plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, typically with loading doses followed by every‑4‑week maintenance. Taltz is not approved for IBD and may not be suitable for individuals with certain intestinal diseases. Choice among these agents depends on diagnosis, response history, and safety considerations.

Combination Therapy

• Psoriatic arthritis: Often used alone or with methotrexate. Background nonbiologic DMARDs may be continued based on response.
• Psoriasis: May be combined with topical therapies or phototherapy to improve plaque control.
• IBD: Corticosteroids or aminosalicylates may be continued during induction, with tapering considered after response.
• Avoid combining with other biologic immunomodulators or JAK inhibitors unless directed by a specialist.
• Vaccines: Use nonlive vaccines as recommended. Live vaccines should be avoided during therapy.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Stelara can be considered for adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis or active psoriatic arthritis who need systemic therapy or phototherapy alternatives. It is also used in adults with moderate to severe Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis who have not responded adequately to prior treatments. Pediatric use is approved for plaque psoriasis in certain age groups; clinicians determine suitability based on age and weight.

Stelara may not be appropriate for individuals with active serious infections, untreated latent tuberculosis, or a history of severe hypersensitivity to ustekinumab or excipients. Those with recurrent infections, chronic infections, or malignancy risk should be assessed carefully. Live vaccines are not recommended during therapy. Patients with latex sensitivity should check whether the syringe needle cover contains dry natural rubber.

Cost‑saving tips include aligning a multi‑month order with the maintenance schedule, using prefilled syringes for home dosing, and planning ahead for travel so shipments arrive before injection dates. Reorder reminders can help prevent gaps in therapy. Many customers find that value‑focused pricing from licensed Canadian pharmacies offers meaningful savings compared with typical U.S. cash prices.

Authoritative Sources

Manufacturer patient information for Stelara (ustekinumab)

FDA prescribing information and Medication Guide (Drugs@FDA: STELARA)

Health Canada Drug Product Database: STELARA (ustekinumab)

Order Stelara® from CanadianInsulin: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold‑chain handling.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a licensed healthcare professional. Always follow the prescribing clinician’s guidance and the official Instructions for Use that come with your medication.