Ustekinumab is a prescription medication used to treat moderate to severe psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn's disease. It is a type of drug called a monoclonal antibody, which works by blocking certain proteins that contribute to inflammation. Ustekinumab is administered as an injection under the skin or into a vein. Common side effects include upper respiratory tract infections, headache, nausea, and fatigue.
Ustekinumab is a medication used to manage moderate to severe cases of several inflammatory conditions. Here's a breakdown of its key aspects:
Type of drug: Ustekinumab falls under the category of monoclonal antibodies, a type of biological therapy.
Conditions it treats:
- Plaque Psoriasis: This is the most common form of psoriasis, causing raised, red, itchy patches on the skin.
- Psoriatic Arthritis: This is an inflammatory arthritis that can occur in people with psoriasis. It causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
- Crohn's Disease: This is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the lining of your digestive tract. It can cause symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss.
- Ulcerative Colitis: This is another form of IBD that causes inflammation and ulcers in the inner lining of the large intestine (colon). Symptoms can include frequent diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and abdominal cramping.
How it works: Ustekinumab targets specific proteins in the body called interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interleukin-23 (IL-23). These proteins play a role in the immune system's inflammatory response. By blocking these proteins, ustekinumab helps to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms of the conditions listed above.