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Compare Entocort vs. Stelara

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Entocort EC (budesonide) and Stelara (ustekinumab) are both used to treat Crohn's disease, but they have different uses and ways of working. Entocort EC is a corticosteroid taken by mouth once daily, while Stelara is an injectable medication given under the skin or through an IV. Entocort EC is specifically for mild-to-moderate Crohn's disease and works by reducing inflammation in the intestines. Stelara, on the other hand, treats a range of autoimmune conditions, including moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease, by blocking certain proteins in the immune system to lower inflammation. Entocort EC is available as a lower-cost generic, but Stelara does not have a generic form. Common side effects of Entocort EC include headaches and respiratory infections, while Stelara can cause nasal passage inflammation and headaches. Additionally, Stelara can weaken your immune system more significantly, raising the risk of infections and certain cancers.

  • Budesonide
    Stelara (ustekinumab)
  • Budesonide
    Stelara (ustekinumab)

  • Summary of Entocort vs. Stelara

    Summary for Corticosteroid
    Prescription only

    Budesonide is a corticosteroid that's used to treat mild-to-moderate Crohn's disease in adults and children. It's available as capsules that are taken by mouth once daily. The most common side effects are headache and respirator infections. More rarely, it might cause weight gain too.

    Summary for IL-12 and IL-23 antagonist
    Prescription only

    Stelara (ustekinumab) is an injectable medication used to treat autoimmune conditions like 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 get it as an injection, either under your skin or through a vein, depending on your condition. Common side effects include common cold symptoms, headache, and feeling tired. This medication also has many biosimilars available.

  • Indications of Entocort vs. Stelara

    Indications for
    •Mild-to-moderate active Crohn's disease in people ages 8 years and older
    •Maintenance of remission of Crohn's disease in adults
    Indications for
    •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)
    •Moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC)

  • Pros and Cons of Entocort vs. Stelara

    Pros and Const for Corticosteroid
    Pros
    •Works where you have symptoms in your intestines (gut)
    •Might cause fewer side effects than other steroids
    •Taken once a day
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Not recommended for long-term use
    •Might not work as well as other steroids like prednisone
    •Can raise your risk for infections
    •Can take a couple months to see full benefit from the medication
    Pros and Const for IL-12 and IL-23 antagonist
    Pros
    •Isn't injected as often as other similar medications
    •Comes as a prefilled syringe for easier home administration
    •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 of Entocort vs. Stelara

    Common Side Effects for

    Treatment of active, mild-to-moderate Crohn’s disease:

    •Headache (21%)
    •Infection in your air passageway (respiratory infection; 11%)
    •Nausea (11%)
    •Back pain (7%)
    •Dizziness (7%)
    •Upset stomach or indigestion (6%)
    •Gas (6%)
    •Stomach pain (6%)
    •Vomiting (6%)
    •Feeling tired (5%)
    •Pain (5%)

    Maintenance of remission of Crohn’s disease**:

    •Diarrhea (10%)
    •Sinus inflammation (8%)
    •Viral infection (6%)
    •Joint pain (5%)

    ** Side effects listed are in addition to those observed with treatment of active Crohn's disease.

    Common Side Effects for

    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 of Entocort vs. Stelara

    Common Side Effects for
    •Changes in stress hormone levels in the body
    •Higher risk of infections
    •Worsening of certain medical conditions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Infections
    •Cancers
    •Severe allergic reaction
    •Brain condition
    •Vaccines
    •Lung problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Entocort vs. Stelara

    Learn more about Budesonide
    Learn more about Stelara

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