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Compare Tremfya vs. Stelara

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

Key takeaways

Tremfya (guselkumab) and Stelara (ustekinumab) are both injectable medications used to treat autoimmune conditions like plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Tremfya specifically targets the protein interleukin-23 (IL-23) to reduce inflammation, while Stelara blocks both interleukin-12 (IL-12) and IL-23. Stelara is also approved for treating Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which Tremfya is not. The dosing schedules differ: Tremfya is injected every 8 weeks after the initial doses, whereas Stelara is injected every 12 weeks after the initial doses. Stelara can be used in children as young as 6 years old, while Tremfya is only for adults. Both medications can raise your risk of infections and have similar side effects like headaches and injection site reactions, but Stelara also has a rare risk of causing a condition called posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES).

  • Tremfya (guselkumab)
    Stelara (ustekinumab)
  • Tremfya (guselkumab)
    Stelara (ustekinumab)

  • Summary of Tremfya vs. Stelara

    Summary for Interleukin antagonist
    Prescription only

    Tremfya (guselkumab) is an injection for adults with certain inflammatory conditions. It helps treat plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease. Tremfya (guselkumab) is a monoclonal antibody known as an interleukin antagonist. It calms your immune system to lower inflammation. The dosing schedule is every 1 or 2 months, depending on your condition and how far along you are in treatment. Side effects are upper respiratory infections, headache, and injection site reactions. There's also a risk of other infections and liver problems as long-term side effects.

    Summary for IL-12 and IL-23 antagonist
    Prescription only

    Stelara (ustekinumab) is an injectable medication used to treat autoimmune conditions like 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 get it as an injection, either under your skin or through a vein, depending on your condition. Common side effects include common cold symptoms, headache, and feeling tired. This medication also has many biosimilars available.

  • Indications of Tremfya vs. Stelara

    Indications for
    •Moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis
    •Active psoriatic arthritis
    •Moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC)
    •Moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease (CD)
    Indications for
    •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)
    •Moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC)

  • Pros and Cons of Tremfya vs. Stelara

    Pros and Const for Interleukin antagonist
    Pros
    •An option for adults with plaque psoriasis who've already tried topical treatment
    •Given every 1 or 2 months (depending on your condition and treatment plan)
    •Few side effects
    •Can give yourself injections under the skin at home after you get trained
    Cons
    •Given as an injection under the skin or injection through the vein
    •Raises the risk of infections
    •Can cause some injection site reactions
    •Can take several months to see the benefits of the medication
    Pros and Const for IL-12 and IL-23 antagonist
    Pros
    •Isn't injected as often as other similar medications
    •Comes as a prefilled syringe for easier home administration
    •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 of Tremfya vs. Stelara

    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory infections (14%)
    •Headache (5%)
    •Injection site reactions (5%)
    •Joint pain (3%)
    Common Side Effects for

    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 of Tremfya vs. Stelara

    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •Risk of infections
    •Liver damage
    •Interaction with vaccines
    Common Side Effects for
    •Infections
    •Cancers
    •Severe allergic reaction
    •Brain condition
    •Vaccines
    •Lung problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Tremfya vs. Stelara

    Learn more about Tremfya
    Learn more about Stelara

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