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Stelara vs. Xeljanz

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.

• 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

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%)

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

Xeljanz (tofacitinib) is an oral medication that can treat different inflammatory problems. It can help adults with psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and ulcerative colitis, among other conditions. It's also helpful for children with a certain kind of arthritis. Xeljanz (tofacitinib) is a JAK inhibitor that lowers inflammation in the body. It comes as a tablet or liquid that's taken twice a day. There's also a longer-lasting once-daily tablet for adults. Xeljanz (tofacitinib) is a good option for people who've tried other medications first. But it can have side effects like headache, diarrhea, and a higher risk of infection. This medication is brand name only; there isn't a generic yet.

• Moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults
• Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in adults
• Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in adults
• Moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC) in adults
• Moderate-to-severe polyarticular course juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pcJIA) in children 2 years and older - immediate-release tablets and liquid only

Arthritis:

• Upper respiratory tract infection (4%)
• Nose and throat infection (3-4%)
• Diarrhea (3-4%)
• Headache (3-4%)

Ulcerative colitis:

• Nose and throat infection (10-14%)
• High cholesterol (5-9%)
• Headache (3-9%)
• Upper respiratory tract infection (6-7%)
• Lab results suggesting muscle damage (3-7%)
• Rash (3-6%)
• Diarrhea (2-5%)
• Stomach infection (3-4%)
• Anemia (2-4%)

• Risk of serious infections
• Possible higher risk of death for some older people with rheumatoid arthritis
• Possible risk of cancer
• Risk of blood clots, heart attack, or stroke
• Stomach problems
• Allergic reactions
• Low blood cell counts
• Liver damage