Key takeaways
Stelara (ustekinumab) and Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) are both injectable medications used to treat autoimmune conditions like Crohn's disease and psoriatic arthritis. However, they belong to different medication classes. Stelara is an interleukin antagonist that targets IL-12 and IL-23 proteins, while Cimzia is a TNF blocker that targets tumor necrosis factor. Stelara is also approved for plaque psoriasis and ulcerative colitis, while Cimzia is approved for rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. Stelara is typically injected every 8 to 12 weeks, whereas Cimzia is injected every 2 to 4 weeks. Stelara is available in both prefilled syringes and vials, while Cimzia is available as prefilled syringes. Common side effects of Stelara include cold symptoms and headaches, while Cimzia may cause upper respiratory infections and skin rash. Both medications can weaken your immune system, increasing the risk of infections, but they have different specific warnings and side effects.
