What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-Cancer
-Diabetes
-History of skin cancer
-Immune system problems
-Infection, such as a bacterial or viral infection, chickenpox, cold sores, herpes, or history of infections
-New or changing lesions on your skin
-Receiving or have received allergy shots
-Receive or have received phototherapy for the skin
-Recently received or scheduled to receive a vaccine
-Tuberculosis, a positive skin test for tuberculosis, or recent close contact with someone who has tuberculosis
-An unusual or allergic reaction to ustekinumab, latex, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-Breast-feeding
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
-Live virus vaccines
This medication may also interact with the following:
-Biologic medications, such as abatacept, adalimumab, anakinra, certolizumab, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab, rituximab, secukinumab, tocilizumab
-Cyclosporine
-Warfarin
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
You will be tested for tuberculosis (TB) before you start this medication. If your care team prescribes any medication for TB, you should start taking the TB medication before starting this medication. Make sure to finish the full course of TB medication.
This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.
Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancers if you take this medication.
Certain genetic factors may decrease the safety of this medication. Your care team may use genetic tests to determine treatment.