Experience with Stelara

I had my first Stelara injection for plaque psoriasis on Wednesday, with a second one due in four weeks, then one every 12 weeks. I'll let you know how I get on, but it would be great to hear the experiences of anyone who has been on Stelara for a long time.

Hi, I've been on Stelara for about 9 months and my psoriasis had all but cleared up and did so within about 4 - 5 months. I still get some scabs on my scalp but nothing major and after more than 40 years of suffering with the condition to lesser and often greater degrees, this small amount that remains is no big deal. The drug has had an effect on my skin I didn't think possible. I'd tried methotrexate which was incredible in how it cleared up my skin but it made me feel depressed, frequently ill, and emotional. I could randomly cry at the drop of a hat. I'm actually due my next injection tomorrow and what I find is in the last few weeks of the quarter (injections are very 3 months) before my next dose, little pockets of psoriasis begin to break out, but very minor, tiny little scabs, just here and there, and my scalp gets a bit worse. It's clear the medication is running out just before the next injection. Overall I must say the relief from P is incredible. I do suffer from more sore throats than usual, have had a couple of viruses that caused me to take several days off work each time (but then friends got ill with similar viruses and when they got sick with other bugs I didn't catch them), and I do seem to be more fatigued these days, and my mood can be low. However, as I work for a company with a terrible attitude towards it's staff, and a few other psycho/social factors in my life, I can't separate what might be the drug and what might be elements of my life having an impact on my mood and energy. If you get a chance to be given the drug I would take it without hesitation. The Dermatology department check your bloods a lot and mine have been stable and good since inception. It's a great drug from my experience, you just have to watch out for what side effects you may experience. Hope that helps.

So I had my first Stelara (45mg) injection in April, the second in May and third in August. My next one is due in November, i.e. every three months. I had flu and pneumonia vaccinations at my GP surgery, as recommended by my dermatology nurse. I don't seem to have had any side effects. My psoriasis plaques haven't disappeared or reduced in size, although they aren't flaky any more. They are still raised and get itchy and sore if I don't moisturise a couple of times a day. I hope that given more time all of the plaques do go away. I'll post another message after my next injection in November.

Had my first injection 24 hours ago and so far no discernable side effects. I have my next one in 4 weeks time and the every 12 weeks after that. I guess I now have to sit back and wait to see of the magic happens.

Four weeks on an from my first Stelara injection and although I am not clear of psoriasis, it is definitely clearing. I know I am expected to have blood tests to monitor its effect on me, but as yet nobody has told me what Ineed to be tested for. I will try and remember to ask the nurse this week when my second injection is administered, but can anyone enlighten me on here as to what is required in case I forget.... I will have LFTs done, but do I need anything else checked?

Hi I’ve been on Stelara for 6years it has made me a new person, arthritis has disappeared skin is glowing, clean and clear. It’s been my wonder drug. I hope it works for you guys too, keep up with blood test. And all the best

Hi, thank you for the really positive reply, hopefully I am on the same path. Are you able to confirm which blood tests you have? Also, how often do you have them?

It started as once a month tests, then reduced to 3monthly. I have had irregular lymphocyte count during that time it’s fortnightly. However it’s all worth it, apart from a little reminder plaque behind my ear I’m all clear. I know the test are for the liver, lymphacytes/ immune system

I have been on stellar for about 10 years I have been told that the guide lines have changed and I only have to go for blood tests and see specialist nurse every 5 months Stelara is still working.