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Stelara vs. Remicade

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

Stelara

(ustekinumab)

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Remicade

(infliximab)

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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 Remicade

Prescription only

Remicade (infliximab) is an injectable medication used to treat many autoimmune conditions, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. It's given through an intravenous (IV) infusion by a healthcare provider.

Indications for Remicade

  • Moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease (CD)
  • Moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC)
  • Moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
  • Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
  • Psoriatic arthritis (PsA)
  • Severe plaque psoriasis (PsO)

Pros and Cons for Remicade

Pros

  • Can be used for many autoimmune conditions
  • Typically only needs to be given every 6 to 8 weeks
  • Can be used in children 6 years of age and older for UC and CD

Cons

  • Can only be given as an IV infusion by a healthcare professional
  • Can cause a lot of side effects
  • Brand name only, which can be expensive

Common Side Effects for Remicade

  • Infections
  • Nausea
  • Infusion-related reactions (e.g., headache, flushing, shortness of breath, rash)
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pain
  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Rash
  • Bronchitis
  • Indigestion
  • Tiredness
  • General pain
  • Joint pain

Warnings for Remicade

  • Serious or deadly infections
  • Cancer
  • Liver problems and liver failure
  • Heart problems
  • Low blood cell counts
  • Nervous system problems
  • Medications to avoid

Prices with our coupons for Stelara vs. Remicade

Price Card Drug Icon
Ustekinumab1 syringe / 1ml of 90mg/ml
$7,005.48$11,560.57
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Remicade4 vials / 100mg
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