Ustekinumab for Psoriasis User Reviews (Page 3)

• Vic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 17, 2015

"I was 65 when I got psoriasis, tried everything possible until I told my derm. I have to have something. I have received 2 inj. & feel it has pretty much saved my life (not really), but I'm so much more comfortable. However, I retired in Jan. & my ins. changed to Humana, which will not cover Stelara, so at this time I am stressing (worst thing you can do) about how I can continue this inj. without having to pay the enormous price, so I am researching everything possible... Long story short, I have definitely benefited from the Stelara..."

• sun...
• November 11, 2013

"I had never had psoriasis until age 50, it came on all of a sudden, pretty much all over my body, and nothing worked to get rid of it. I started the Stelara injections on 10-7-13 and was amazed at how it cleared. I also was using the vitamin D cream at night. Just had my second injection on 11-7-13, yet this time it did not work near as well. The psoriasis is back and getting as bad as it was prior to the first shot. It's a bummer because the next injection won't be for 3 months. Just so happens I had my yearly blood work on 10-14, and my cholesterol was 280/170, it has never been that high. I am also a breast cancer survivor and remembered the first time to have them inject my right arm, as I had lymph nodes removed from the left side. Wonder if that matters."

• Nda...
• November 7, 2015

"I have been on Stelara for over 1 year now. Had psoriasis on the palms of my hands and feet very badly. It has worked very well and I only get occasional little flares now as opposed to not being able to walk. Side effects have been acceptable, I noticed I get sick more easily and am prone to migraines when first taking a shot. Overall, I would recommend Stelara for someone who is suffering."

• mak...
• March 2, 2016

"At the start, after 2 injections, I was 99.5% cured. Then the NHS decided to stop my treatment on the retirement of my doctor. In 5 weeks, the psoriasis returned, worse than it had ever been. After 8 weeks, still no treatment forthcoming. My whole body was burning red hot and 75% scaly. Had an injection 3 months ago, 99.9% of my body had cleared of psoriasis in 2 months. I am due for my next one next week. The NHS is holding it back again. I am dreading what is going to happen to me and my body if I don't get the next injection."

• Wor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 1, 2017

"Do not use Stelara. I wish I hadn't. I have had nothing but stomach/immune system issues since taking Stelara about 1 year ago. It did reduce the psoriasis but at a cost that no one should pay. I have several scans and an endoscopy only to have the gastrointestinal specialist tell me that my issues appear to be related to the Stelara and that my immune system has potentially been compromised indefinitely. STAY AWAY from all biological drugs, they are not safe in my opinion."

• Ric...
• May 31, 2013

"45 years with psoriasis. Tried everything - no luck. On Stelara for three years now. Wonderful experience. Only side effect is I am always tired, but I can live with that as I no longer have any symptoms. Wonderful medicine but very expensive. This would be the last medicine I would give up if I had to give up my meds."

• Zig...
• May 24, 2017

"Dear all. I am 49 years old (M) just started the treatment. I just would like to let you know after a week my affected skin spectacularly improved. Improved means I do not have any peeling areas… :-) I will get another injection for next month, and after every quarter. I am starting to believe again it will work after many other useless alternative treatments. Although I do not know the side effects... I'm a little frightened of what I read... but I am so happy :-)"

• dfh...
• October 3, 2010

"I had my first Stelara injection 2 months ago (and a booster 30 days ago). The difference is amazing, I have no more flakes, the redness is down to pink. I can wear shorts in public and not be embarrassed. No side effects at all! This is a fantastic drug."

• Cre...
• July 22, 2016

"What a life changer! I started Stelara 2 months ago. It took about a month for me to start seeing some relief, and now at the end of my second month, no more itching, redness, and almost all of the psoriasis is gone. I only wish I had started this sooner! Make sure you check out the patient assistance card that can be used in conjunction with your medical insurance."

• Anonymous
• January 24, 2012

"I'm 61 and have had psoriasis since I was 16. Of all the medicines I have tried (MTX, Enbrel, Raptive, Cyclosporine, Humira), this is the best in terms of effectiveness and side effects. I'm about 90% clear and have no side effects."

• MsP...
• March 11, 2012

"I'm 26 and was diagnosed with psoriasis about 5 years ago. I have psoriasis all over. I've tried everything from topical ointments to PUVA light treatments. The lights helped externally, but with psoriasis, we need help from the inside out. I've tried Enbrel and Humira. I've been on a waiting list for Stelara. I finally received my first shot last week, and this is amazing. Within this one week, all of the flakiness is gone, and my patches are reduced to a soft pink flesh color and are no longer warm to the touch. I can tell it's slowly working and cannot wait for my next shot. The only side effect that hit me was an upper respiratory infection, which included coughing and a sore throat and only lasted a week."

• tak...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 6, 2012

"I have both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. I have been dealing with psoriasis for over 20 years all over my body and head... always embarrassed and having to wear long-sleeved shirts. Those of you that are still looking for something, Stelara is worth trying. I love it, after trying several other medications, this is so far the best. I have found, and it helps with both. I haven't had any side effects either. I have a 3-year-old, and I can finally take him to the park alone."

• don...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 15, 2013

"Stelara is very effective, have been on it for 3 years and can lengthen time between injections, i.e., 16 weeks without too much flare-up. Have experienced chronic rhinitis and symptoms of depression as side effects."

• pat...
• July 1, 2015

"I'm 38. I've been on Stelara for 6 years, and I was 80% covered. Within 6 months, I was 95% clear. The only drawback is it doesn't work on my scalp, and my fatigue over the years has gotten worse. Some days I don't even want to move."

• jai...
• December 1, 2014

"27-year-old female. Suffered with plaque psoriasis since age 12 (15 years) just woke up covered from head to toe one morning. Tried every treatment available in Canada - nothing worked. Parents went on a year-long hunt for a cure the first year I had psoriasis, but turned up with nothing that remotely worked. Two years ago, I was prescribed Stelara, best decision I ever made. Price is insanely high, but with the right team's amazing coverage became available. So far, no noticeable side effects other than my common cold lasting longer than usual. Blood work and tests always come out fine. Only problem I have had while on this medication is I was diagnosed with strep throat, and because of that, my psoriasis came back very drastically and overnight."

• Mat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 4, 2020

"I got my first plaque psoriasis patch on my scalp in the year 2000. Slowly, it increased all over the scalp and then different parts of the body. I was controlling it by applying various steroid creams, lotions, and moisturizers, but slowly got immune to most of them and they were not giving any relief. My doctor prescribed a few different drugs one after another. All of them were giving me too much trouble due to adverse side effects. Finally, he prescribed me Stelara. I took the first two shots and I am going for the third tomorrow (5th March 20). All my scalp got cleared two weeks after the first injection, and most of the other plaques on other parts of the body are getting cleared now. At least there is no flaking from the spots. Though I still have some joint pains, especially during early morning."

• JR ...
• June 24, 2013

"After my first initial starter dose, my affected areas (back, rear end, hips, front legs, hairline, and behind the ears) were almost totally clear. After my next shot to present, my skin is totally clear. I only have one issue (possible side effect), raising LDL (bad) cholesterol. My doctor did not think it was the cause. Had a regular liver enzyme test ordered by my doctor. I used another facility for the labs as I have no insurance. This test came with a full liver profile, and my total cholesterol was 350. It's never been over 220, and that's when I drank, smoked, was overweight, and ate terribly. All of those are now null. We tested it again a week later, and it was 344. I waited 2.5 months and retested, and it was 285. Nothing has changed, except time."

• ber...
• October 4, 2011

"I have had memory problems for several years. I have been on the same medication for mental issues for at least 2 years. I received my 1st shot of Stelara, and it has been 3 weeks ago. I just wondered if this medication has been tested for other uses besides psoriasis? My memory is slowly coming back to me. And I would like to know if this could be due to Stelara? I love this change in me, and I think it's from the Stelara, not to mention my psoriasis is great - in the week, all my white scales went away. Thanks."

• No...
• April 11, 2012

"I have had horrible psoriasis since the age of 20. Even as a kid, I had a flaky scalp that was embarrassing. Stelara, for me, feels like a miracle. I have been on Enbrel, cyclosporine, and I've used all of the steroids. I've used the Pagano diet, which is very difficult. Stelara is great. When I combined UVB lights at the doctor's office with Stelara, my skin cleared up 100 percent in about 3 and a half weeks. My scalp even cleared up. This is the only medicine that works that I've used. The blood tests to stay on the medication are expensive, and sadly many insurance companies won't pay for this. I hope that changes. I was so sick I could not work and got Stelara through charity for 1 year. It is amazing."

• Anonymous
• March 23, 2011

"I just started Stelara 5 weeks ago. It is amazing! I had plaque psoriasis all over my body (50%). 98% of the psoriasis is GONE. I only have some small spots left on my elbows and knees where it was really thick and crusted. I don't have dandruff anymore. I can wear shorts and short shirts now. This is awesome! So far, no side effects. I am so grateful to the folks who made Stelara. Check with your insurance. I was thinking it would be too expensive, but when I checked, my insurance covered most of it. You have to work with specialty pharmacies to get it in my experience. Most pharmacies have them, but there is usually only 1 location where it is."

• HIM...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 8, 2016

"I have had psoriasis since 1978. I had tried just about everything when my dermatologist suggested I take part in the study for a new drug, eventually called Stelara. It worked about 80% and left only two patches of itchy plaque. It has not increased (or decreased) since then. I went off of it (would not sign the papers to put my information in the cloud) in June of last year (2015). Surprisingly, it has not returned any worse in the 7 months I have been off of the drug. The two patches remain the same and all other body parts remain free of plaque. I'm feeling pretty good about that - I hope it continues."

• Muf...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 18, 2012

"Stelara was just as effective as the other biologics (Enbrel, Humira). A bit inconvenient is the doctor visit for the injection, but it is better controlled in this application. Great medicine for psoriasis. Been on it for 3 years and just recently getting headaches (5 days since injection). I'll give another 48 hours, then I'll check in with my doctor. I am still sold on this medication, wonderful breakthrough."

• Ran...
• May 8, 2019

"18 yr old college student here! I was diagnosed with psoriasis a little over a year ago. I got my wisdom teeth out in March of 2018, and after 3 weeks, 85% of my body was covered in severe psoriasis. I used diet change, topical ointments and creams, phototherapy, cyclosporine, Humira, and Stelara. I built up autoantibodies to Humira, so I had to switch medications, and who was the lucky winner??! You guessed it. STELARA! I have been experiencing joint pain recently, but my skin is 99% clear now after taking my first dose of Stelara this January. I took my third dose 3 days ago, and my life has completely changed. I can actually focus on my studies while feeling healthy and happy in my own skin. Thank you, Stelara. You are giving me the chance to live out my college years to their fullest. I gave it a 9/10 rating because it was a NIGHTMARE trying to get my Stelara ordered to the package center at my college dorms."

• ele...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 14, 2013

"I have had two injections of Stelara so far, and I am clear of all psoriasis. I did not have psoriasis too bad, just on my hips, elbows, and the side of my nose. I have kept my head shaved, which helps keep it off my head. I have been dealing with psoriasis for over 20 years but have just recently developed psoriatic arthritis (about 3 years now). I was on Enbrel, and it worked well for the psoriasis, but did nothing for the arthritis, and it looks like Stelara is going to be the same way, even though the doctor said it should work better than Enbrel for arthritis. The only other change in my lifestyle that I have noticed is the fact that I can hardly sleep-3 hours a night on a good night. Not sure if this is because of the Stelara or not."

• Neu...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 22, 2019

"I had psoriasis really bad that covered 80 percent of my body. Tried creams, ointments, and Humira, which helped clear some of it, but then I tried Stelara for the past two years and am now 99% clear with no side effects!"