Stelara vs. Remicade for Plaque Psoriasis and Ulcerative Colitis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Stelara

(ustekinumab)

Remicade

(infliximab)

Summary for Stelara

Prescription only

Stelara (ustekinumab) is an injectable medication used to treat autoimmune conditions like plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. As an interleukin antagonist, it works by blocking certain proteins that cause inflammation in your body, which helps reduce swelling and ease symptoms. You typically get it as an injection under your skin. Common side effects include common cold symptoms, headache, and feeling tired. This medication also has many biosimilars available.

Indications for Stelara

Moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (Ps) - adults and children 6 years and older
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) - adults and children 6 years and older
Moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease (CD) - adults only
Moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC) - adults only

Pros and Cons for Stelara

Pros

After the first few doses, only need a shot every 8 to 12 weeks
Available as a prefilled syringe or vial
Syringes can be stored at room temperature for up to 30 days
Approved for children as young as 6 years old

Cons

Can weaken your immune system and raise your risk of infection
Potential to cause serious allergic reactions
For CD and UC, the first dose must be given as an IV infusion
Can't receive live vaccines while taking this medication

Common Side Effects for Stelara

Plaque psoriasis

Common cold symptoms (7-8%)
Upper respiratory tract infection (4-5%)
Headache (5%)

Psoriatic arthritis

Joint pain (3%)
Nausea (3%)

Crohn's disease

Common cold symptoms (11%)
Redness at the injection site (5%)
Yeast infection (5%)
Bronchitis (5%)

Ulcerative colitis:

Common cold symptoms (24%)
Headache (10%)
Stomach pain (7%)
Flu infection (6%)
Fever (5%)

Warnings for Stelara

Infections
Cancers
Severe allergic reaction
Brain condition
Vaccines
Lung problems

Summary for Remicade

Prescription only

Remicade (infliximab) is an injectable medication used to treat many autoimmune conditions, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. It's given through an intravenous (IV) infusion by a healthcare provider.

Indications for Remicade

Moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease (CD)
Moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC)
Moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA)
Severe plaque psoriasis (PsO)

Pros and Cons for Remicade

Pros

Can be used for many autoimmune conditions
Typically only needs to be given every 6 to 8 weeks
Can be used in children 6 years of age and older for UC and CD

Cons

Can only be given as an IV infusion by a healthcare professional
Can cause a lot of side effects
Brand name only, which can be expensive

Common Side Effects for Remicade

Infections
Nausea
Infusion-related reactions (e.g., headache, flushing, shortness of breath, rash)
Headache
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Sore throat
Cough
Rash
Bronchitis
Indigestion
Tiredness
General pain
Joint pain