Autoimmune diseases are chronic illnesses caused when the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy cells and tissues. There are many different subtypes of autoimmune conditions, each with its own set of triggers, symptoms and treatment options. Stelara is an immunotherapy medication approved to treat adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis or adult onset acne vulgaris that are not responsive to conventional treatments.
While the precise cause of these conditions is not known, researchers have identified several common risk factors, including genetics and environmental triggers like stress and infections. The good news is that there are effective treatments for most people diagnosed with an autoimmune condition. Stelara is a new type of medication called a biologic agent; it works by reducing inflammation in the body and boosting your immune system so that it no longer attacks your own healthy cells.
What is Stelara & How does Stelara Work?
Stelara (ustekinumab ) is a biologic therapy approved to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are not responsive to or are unable to use other therapies. Plaque psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes red, scaly patches to form on the scalp, torso, knees and elbows. Psoriasis also commonly affects the nails and joints of the fingers and toes.
The cause of psoriasis is not entirely clear, but research indicates that it is a result of a combination of genetic, environmental and immune system factors. Unlike many other autoimmune diseases, psoriasis is not caused by an overactive immune system. Instead, the immune system in people with psoriasis is abnormally focused on the skin.
Stelara works by targeting the specific proteins that misdirect the immune system’s attention in people with psoriasis. Stelara blocks these proteins, called B and T cells, which are responsible for activating and directing the immune system’s response to events like infections and injuries. When B and T cells are blocked, the immune system doesn’t respond as aggressively to psoriasis. Stelara also works to boost the ability of your immune system to fight infections by increasing the number of T cells that attack viruses and bacteria.
Finding Relief from Autoimmune Conditions with Stelara
As many as 16 million people in the U.S. have psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes red, scaly patches to form on the scalp, torso, knees and elbows. The patches may appear anywhere on the body and vary in size and severity. Psoriasis also commonly affects the nails and joints of the fingers and toes.
Stelara is an immunotherapy medication approved to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are not responsive to or cannot use other therapies. Stelara works by targeting the specific proteins that misdirect the immune system’s attention in people with psoriasis.
Stelara blocks these proteins, called B and T cells, which are responsible for activating the immune system’s response to events like infections and injuries. When B and T cells are blocked, the immune system doesn’t respond as aggressively to psoriasis. Stelara also works to boost the ability of your immune system to fight infections by increasing the number of T cells that attack viruses and bacteria.
Treating Adult Acne with Stelara
Approximately 17 million people in the U.S. have acne, and 50 percent of those who have acne have it persist into adulthood. Acne is caused by inflammation and clogged pores on the face, neck, back, chest and upper arms. Severe acne can cause scarring and affect a person’s self-confidence and ability to participate in social activities like dating and attending work events.
Stelara is an immunotherapy medication approved to treat adult acne in people who are not responsive to or cannot use other therapies. Adult acne is different than acne in teens; it is caused by an immune response that releases inflammation in the pores. Stelara works by targeting the specific proteins that misdirect the immune system’s attention in people with adult acne. Stelara blocks these proteins, called B and T cells, which are responsible for activating the immune system’s response to infections and injuries.
How Can You Determine if Stelara is Right for You?
Stelara is approved to treat adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis or adult acne who are not responsive to or cannot use other therapies. Before starting Stelara, make sure to discuss it with your doctor. The following questions are a great place to start
- Are you currently being treated for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis?
- Are you currently being treated for moderate to severe acne?
- Are you currently taking any other medications for psoriasis or acne?
- What is the most effective way for you to manage your psoriasis or acne?
Autoimmune Disease Basics
Autoimmune diseases are chronic illnesses caused when the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy cells and tissues. There are many different subtypes of autoimmune conditions with different symptoms and treatments. Many autoimmune conditions are incurable, but there are many effective treatment options available. The precise cause of these conditions is not known, but research indicates that a combination of genetic and environmental factors are likely involved. Stelara targets the specific proteins that misdirect the immune system’s attention in people with plaque psoriasis or adult acne.
Stelara blocks these proteins, called B and T cells, responsible for activating the immune system’s response to events like infections and injuries. When B and T cells are blocked, the immune system doesn’t respond as aggressively to psoriasis or acne. The medication also boosts the ability of your immune system to fight infections by increasing the number of T cells that attack viruses and bacteria.
Conclusion: Does Stelara Affect Your Health?
Stelara is a new type of medication called a biologic agent that works by reducing inflammation in the body and boosting your immune system so that it no longer attacks your own healthy cells. The medication is approved to treat adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis or adult acne who are not responsive to conventional treatments.