Stelara vs. Taltz for Plaque Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Stelara

(ustekinumab)

Taltz

(ixekizumab)

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

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) - adults only
Moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC) - adults only

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 Taltz

Prescription only

Taltz (ixekizumab) is an injection that's given under the skin. It helps treat inflammatory conditions, including plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and some types of arthritis in the spine. This medication works as an interleukin antagonist to lessen inflammation in the body. You inject Taltz (ixekizumab) once a month using the prefilled syringe or autoinjector. The dose depends on the health problem you're treating. Side effects include upper respiratory infections. You also might feel pain or have redness around the injection area. Taltz (ixekizumab) is a brand-name medication.