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Humira vs. Stelara

Humira (adalimumab) is an injection used to treat many different autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and plaque psoriasis. As a TNF blocker, the medication works by blocking a protein that causes inflammation in your body. It's given as a shot under the skin once every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on your condition. Humira (adalimumab) doesn't have a true generic, but there are several similar versions called biosimilars. Common side effects include infections, injection site reactions, and headache.

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) - adults only
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) - people age 2 and older
• Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) - adults only
• Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) - adults only
• Crohn's disease (CD) - people age 6 and older
• Ulcerative colitis (UC) - people age 5 and older
• Plaque psoriasis - adults only
• Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) - people age 12 and older
• Uveitis - people age 2 and older

• Injection-site reaction (20%)
• Upper respiratory tract infection (17%)
• Headache (12%)
• Rash (12%)
• Sinus inflammation (11%)
• Accidental injury (10%)
• Nausea (9%)
• Urinary tract infection (UTI) or bladder infection (8%)

Note: The side effects listed above were reported by adults with rheumatoid arthritis and are similar to those seen in people using Humira (adalimumab) for other conditions.

• Serious infections
• Cancers
• Severe allergic reactions
• Nervous system effects
• Low blood cell counts
• Heart failure
• Lupus-like syndrome
• Live vaccines

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.

• 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

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%)

• Infections
• Cancers
• Severe allergic reaction
• Brain condition
• Vaccines
• Lung problems