All medications
Biologics
Ustekinumab
Brand names: Stelara and biosimilars (Wezlana, Selarsdi, Pyzchiva, Otulfi and others)
A biologic that blocks IL-12 and IL-23, used in psoriatic disease and bowel disease.
Video lesson
Animated explainer
What it’s used for
Psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
How it works
It binds a shared piece of IL-12 and IL-23, two messengers that drive skin, joint and gut inflammation.
How it’s taken
An injection under the skin at weeks 0 and 4, then every 12 weeks.
Side effects
Colds and injection-site reactions. Serious infections are uncommon.
Monitoring
TB screening, then routine follow-up.
Good to know
Helpful for joints and tendons but not effective for spine-predominant disease.
At a glance
Class
Biologics
Brand names
Stelara and biosimilars (Wezlana, Selarsdi, Pyzchiva, Otulfi and others)
Reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD, FACR
Questions about your own care?
Book an in-person or telehealth consultation with Dr. Tahir.
For education only. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without talking to your care team.