Anthropometric Measurements as Predictors of Low Birth Weight Among Tanzanian Neonates: A Hospital-Based Study
November 7, 2025
Free CME credits
Both our subscription plans include Free CME/CPD AMA PRA Category 1 credits.
Brand Name :
Stelara
(United States) [Available]Synonyms :
ustekinumab
Class :
Antipsoriatics, Systemic; Monoclonal Antibodies; Interleukin Inhibitors
Brand Name :
Stelara
(United States) [Available]Synonyms :
ustekinumab
Class :
Antipsoriatics, Systemic; Monoclonal Antibodies; Interleukin Inhibitors
Dosage Forms & Strengths
Solution (injectable) for subcutaneous
90mg/ml (prefilled syringe)
45mg/0.5ml (prefilled syringe or single-dose vial)
Solution (injectable) for subcutaneous infusion
Single-dose vial :130mg/26ml (5mg/ml)
For more than 100 kilograms:
Administer dose of 90 mg subcutaneously at weeks 0 and 4 then every 12 weeks thereafter
For less than or equal to 100 kilograms:
Administer dose of 45 mg subcutaneously at weeks 0 and 4, then every 12 weeks thereafter
Take a dose of 45 mg subcutaneously every 12 weeks beginning from week 0 and 4
For initial weight based intravenous dose
Between 55 kilograms to 85 kilograms administer dose up to 390 mg intravenously
For over 85 kilograms administer dose up to 520 mg intravenously
For less than or equal to 55 kilograms administer dose up to 260 mg intravenously
Maintenance subcutaneous dose
8 weeks after the initial intravenous infusion then start with dose of 90 mg subcutaneously and then every 8 weeks after that
Dosage Forms & Strengths
Solution (injectable) for subcutaneous
90mg/ml (prefilled syringe)
45mg/0.5ml (prefilled syringe or single-dose vial)
For ≥6 years old:
For 60 to 100 kg:
Administer dose of 45 mg subcutaneously at weeks 0 and 4, then every 12 weeks thereafter
For less than 60 kg:
Administer dose of 0.75 mg/kg subcutaneously at weeks 0 and 4, then every 12 weeks thereafter
For more than 100 kg:
Administer dose of 90 mg subcutaneously at weeks 0 and 4, then every 12 weeks thereafter
For less than 6 years old: Safety and efficacy not determined
For ≥6 years old:
For less than 60 kg:
Administer dose of 0.75 mg/kg subcutaneously on weeks 0 and 4 then thereafter every 12 weeks
For more than 100 kg with coexisting moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis:
Administer dose of 90 mg subcutaneous at weeks 0 and 4, then thereafter every 12 weeks
For more than 60 kg:
Administer dose of 45 mg subcutaneous at weeks 0 and 4 then thereafter every 12 weeks
for less than 6 years old: Safety and efficacy not established
Refer adult dosing
may increase the immunosuppressive effect of immunosuppressants
may increase the immunosuppressive effect of immunosuppressants
may increase the immunosuppressive effect of immunosuppressants
may increase the immunosuppressive effect of immunosuppressants
may increase the immunosuppressive effect of immunosuppressants
When ustekinumab is used in combination with diphtheria & tetanus toxoids, this leads to a reduction in the effects of diphtheria & tetanus toxoids through pharmacodynamic antagonism
in combination with ofatumumab, ustekinumab increases the risk of adverse events
interaction raises immunosuppressive effects and risk of infection
may have an increasingly adverse effect when combined with BCG products
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with interleukins, resulting in an enhanced serum level
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with interleukins, resulting in an enhanced serum level
When ustekinumab is used in combination with rabies vaccine, this leads to a reduction in the rabies vaccine effects through the process of pharmacodynamic antagonism
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk of serious infections  
both the drugs increase the effect of immunosuppression risk of infection increases on administering both the drugs simultaneously
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
It may enhance the adverse effects when combined with sotrovimab
may diminish the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with interleukins, resulting in an enhanced serum level
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with interleukins, resulting in an enhanced serum level
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with interleukins, resulting in an enhanced serum level
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with interleukins, resulting in an enhanced serum level
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with interleukins, resulting in an enhanced serum level
Action
Interleukin-12 (IL-12) and Interleukin-23 (IL-23), which are cytokines that are involved in the immune system, are the targets of the monoclonal antibody medication ustekinumab. Ustekinumab binds to the p40 subunit that IL-12 and IL-23 share, preventing the function of these molecules and lowering inflammation.
Spectrum
ustekinumab primarily affects the immune system, more specifically the cytokines IL-12 and IL-23. The medication can help control the immune response and lessen inflammation by focusing on these cytokines. Although the medicine has been demonstrated to be useful in easing the severity of symptoms in several autoimmune disorders, its exact mode of action is currently under investigation.
Frequency definedÂ
>10%
Upper respiratory infection
<1% (selected)
Malignancy
Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome
Severe infection
1-10%
Nasopharyngitis
Fatigue
Nasal congestion
Urticaria
Rash
Headache
Injection site erythema
Back pain
Cellulitis
Depression
Diarrhea
Myalgia
Fatigue
Pruritus
Antibody formation
Black Box Warning:
The medication may make it more likely that you’ll have dangerous infections such invasive fungal infections, bacterial sepsis, and tuberculosis. Before beginning ustekinumab therapy, patients should be tested for tuberculosis, and they should continue to be checked for infection symptoms while undergoing therapy.
The likelihood of acquiring some cancers, such as lymphoma and non-melanoma skin cancer, may be increased by the medication. Ustekinumab therapy should be continuously monitored in patients with a history of cancer or those who have a high risk of getting cancer
Contraindication
Intolerance to ustekinumab or any of its ingredients.
Caution
Pregnancy consideration:
Pregnancy category: NA
Lactation: The excretion of drug into human milk is unknown
Pregnancy Categories:Â Â Â Â Â
Category A:Â Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester.
Category B: There were lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal experiments.
Category C:Â there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.
Category D:Â adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.
Category X:Â Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.
Category N:Â There is no data available for the drug under this category
Pharmacology:
Interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interleukin-23 are the targets of the monoclonal antibody medication. The immune system’s inflammatory response is mediated by IL-12 and IL-23, both of which are increased in many autoimmune disorders.
In order to stop inter-leukin-12 and interleukin-23 from connecting to their receptors and activating immune cells, ustekinumab binds to their shared p40 subunit. As a result, there is less inflammation, which lessens autoimmune disease symptoms.
Pharmacodynamics:
ustekinumab reduces the levels of other proinflammatory cytokines like interferon-gamma and tumour necrosis factor-alpha in addition to inhibiting IL-12 and IL-23. With autoimmune illnesses, this further lessens the inflammatory response.
ustekinumab has a dose-dependent pharmacodynamic profile, with larger dosages producing greater symptom and inflammation reductions. During a few weeks of treatment, the drug’s effects become apparent, and they continue with routine dose.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption
ustekinumab is given subcutaneously, allowing for quick and reliable absorption into the bloodstream. Ustekinumab is approximately 66% bioavailable after subcutaneous injection.
Distribution
ustekinumab is mostly attached to circulating antibodies and is transported throughout the body by the circulation. There is not enough data on its distribution in tissues and it does not cross the blood-brain barrier
Metabolism
The liver or any other organs do not metabolise ustekinumab. Proteolytic enzymes, such as those found in macrophages and dendritic cells of the reticuloendothelial system, instead break it down.
Elimination and Excretion
ustekinumab is removed by the kidneys as well as the liver. The liver excretes roughly 60% of the medication, while the kidneys remove the remaining 40%.
Administration:
ustekinumab is typically administered via subcutaneous injection, which involves injecting the drug under the skin. The injection is usually given in the upper arms, thighs, or abdomen. The specific administration instructions for ustekinumab can vary depending on the condition being treated.
Patient information leaflet
Generic Name: ustekinumabÂ
Pronounced:
Why do we use ustekinumab?
For the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in individuals who are eligible for systemic therapy or phototherapy, ustekinumab has been approved. It can be used in place of other systemic medicines or as a complement to them.
Those with active psoriatic arthritis who have not reacted well to conventional medications may also use ustekinumab to treat their condition. It can be taken either on its own or in conjunction with other drugs.
For adults with moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease who have not reacted well to prior therapies or have had unbearable side effects, the drug ustekinumab has been licenced for use.
Both our subscription plans include Free CME/CPD AMA PRA Category 1 credits.
On course completion, you will receive a full-sized presentation quality digital certificate.
A dynamic medical simulation platform designed to train healthcare professionals and students to effectively run code situations through an immersive hands-on experience in a live, interactive 3D environment.
When you have your licenses, certificates and CMEs in one place, it's easier to track your career growth. You can easily share these with hospitals as well, using your medtigo app.
