Key takeaways
Stelara (ustekinumab) and Enbrel (etanercept) are both medications used to treat autoimmune conditions like plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. However, they belong to different medication classes. Stelara is an interleukin antagonist that targets IL-12 and IL-23 proteins to reduce inflammation, while Enbrel is a biologic that blocks TNF, another protein involved in inflammation. Stelara is also approved for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, but Enbrel is not. Stelara is typically given as an injection every 8 to 12 weeks, whereas Enbrel is injected weekly. Stelara has biosimilars available, while Enbrel is only available as a brand-name product. Common side effects of Stelara include cold symptoms and headaches, while Enbrel often causes injection site reactions and infections. Both medications can increase the risk of serious infections and certain cancers, but Enbrel also has warnings for heart failure and nervous system effects.
