Skip to main content

Compare
Stelara vs. Cimzia

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

Stelara

(ustekinumab)

Get free coupons

Cimzia

(certolizumab)

Get free coupons

Summary for Stelara

Prescription only

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.

Indications for Stelara

Pros and Cons for Stelara

Pros

  • After the first few doses, only need a shot every 8 to 12 weeks
  • Available as a prefilled syringe or vial
  • Syringes 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 for Stelara

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 for Stelara

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

Summary for Cimzia

Prescription only

Cimzia (certolizumab) is a prescription biologic used to treat several autoimmune conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn's disease. It works by blocking a protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF), which helps reduce inflammation in your body. The medication is given as an injection under the skin every 2 to 4 weeks, depending on your condition. Common side effects include upper respiratory infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and skin rash.

Indications for Cimzia

Pros and Cons for Cimzia

Pros

  • Treats a variety of autoimmune conditions
  • Only need to inject every 2 to 4 weeks
  • Available as a prefilled syringe for at-home administration

Cons

  • Can raise your risk for infections
  • Some people might have difficulty injecting it properly
  • Might have a higher risk for certain cancers

Common Side Effects for Cimzia

Warnings for Cimzia

  • Serious infections
  • Cancer
  • Heart failure
  • Allergic reactions
  • Nervous system problems
  • Blood problems
  • Lupus-like condition
  • Live vaccines

Prices with our coupons for Stelara vs. Cimzia

Price Card Drug Icon
Ustekinumab1 syringe / 1ml of 90mg/ml
$7,005.48$11,560.57
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Cimzia1 carton / 2 prefilled syringes of 200mg/ml
--
Get free coupons
More Information

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.