Ustekinumab for Ulcerative Colitis User Reviews

• Ada...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 3, 2021

Ustekinumab "All I can say is this drug has been a lifesaver. If you are reading this, you’ve probably already tried other medications by now. For me, initially, I tried Remicade. After a few infusions, no success. Then I tried Entyvio. Same result. Getting very discouraged, I now tried Xeljanz. No improvement at all. This was all over a year and a half. I was starting to come to the realization that surgery was my only option. Then my gastroenterologist suggested Stelara, which, although known to be used for rheumatoid arthritis, recent studies have shown success with ulcerative colitis. After my first treatment, I started seeing my symptoms improving. After my second treatment, I was seeing drastic changes to the point where my bowel movements were down to 2-3 times per day, down from 10-15. Today, I can proudly say I am in remission and am leading a normal life, back to a regular diet and normal bowel movements. I can honestly say I owe my life to this drug and am thankful every day for it."

• wor...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 22, 2022

Ustekinumab "Ok, I have done Remicade, Humira, Imuran, prednisone, etc. Stelara took a few months to work, and I had to be moved from every 8 weeks to 6 weeks, but once I moved to 6 weeks, I went into complete remission of my UC and horrific joint pain. I have currently been in remission and prednisone-free for 8 months."

• Cal...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 29, 2023

Ustekinumab "It's been more than two years since my initial infusion with Stelara, followed by an injection every 8 weeks. This drug has been a true miracle for me. Prior to it, I was convinced I was going to die: Ulcerative colitis had created a true nightmare of the most awful GI symptoms you can imagine. I was in pain daily, and everything was worsening. It took THREE specialists before one ultimately prescribed me Stelara after lesser therapies had no effect. I was anxious and doubtful because NOTHING had worked, the illness was progressing. Symptoms eased within two weeks of my initial infusion, and after my first home injection, they had improved by about 85%. After my second injection, symptoms improved almost completely. Within a year, my doctor said I had no signs of the disease. At two years, he has said I am officially 'in remission.' My only side effect worth noting is EXTREME fatigue starting 24 hours after injection, lasting for about 24 hours after that. I simply plan for a 'nap day.'"

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 12, 2024

Ustekinumab "This is the best medication I've tried for UC after being on Remicade and Humira altogether for 3 years without much success. Stelara works great. I've been in remission for almost a year. It started working immediately after infusion, and then on my first injection, I felt so much better. My only complaint is that it gives me some joint pain for a few days, and then I'm back to normal again."

• Cil...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 11, 2021

"I was diagnosed with UC in 2014. Since then, I was put on Humira and other medication. It did not help, and Stelara was the last option for me before surgery. I did get my induction dose on the 25th of March 2020, and within the first 2 weeks after it, I immediately got better. I am on the 12-weekly dosage, and for the last year, my health has improved 100%. The only problem that I currently experience is severe joint pain, especially in my hands and feet. I am very excited to see the results of my colonoscopy that I am going to have on the 16th of March 2021."

• Jan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 5, 2024

Ustekinumab "Had infusion in November 2023. No great improvement. Had first self-administered injection in January 2024. Very slow improvement but still continuing to experience all symptoms, i.e., continuous toilet visits and passing bloody mucus, although not so frequently. Muscular pain in buttocks, thighs, calves. Second self-administered injection due in 2 weeks and I'm expecting to have further improvement in my condition. Easy-to-administer injection demonstrated by a trained professional at home."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 13, 2021

"I have been suffering with UC since 2007. It took a good while before anyone could diagnose me. It’s been a long, scary, and tiresome road, tried nearly all oral meds, nothing worked. Been on/off steroids prednisolone, which have had major joint side effects now. Started biological Humira but wasn’t responsive. Finally onto Stelara. After the first injection within a few weeks, I felt a positive difference. Now onto my 5th injection, just a few days ago, however, not feeling too good. Loose stool, diarrhea, tiredness, and fatigue slowly creeping back. Trying to stay positive as everyone responds differently. Good luck, everyone, stay safe."

• Sar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 22, 2021

"It hasn't helped my UC at all yet. I'm at week 7 and have had the IV and the first shot. My doctor had me do the first shot at 4 weeks instead of the typical 8. I tried to taper off my Uceris the other week, and my symptoms came back almost immediately, so it's clearly not working."

• Ken...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 20, 2024

Ustekinumab "Stelara, in my opinion, is a miracle drug for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Since starting Stelara over 2 years ago, my ulcerative colitis went into remission, allowing my colon to heal, actually inflammation-free. I have never experienced any substantial side effects and appreciate the relief it provides."

• Tea...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 3, 2025

"I have been on Stelara for nearly 4 years now, and it has really been a lifesaver. Stelara is the first and only biologic I’ve ever taken for UC. I began to notice improvements in my symptoms within a month. About 9 months into taking it, I was in full remission with full mucosal healing. Since taking it, I’ve only had 2 very minor flares that were easily treated with topicals. As for side effects, I have a mild lingering cough that started around the time I started Stelara, and I stopped menstruating for a little over a year immediately after starting it as well. The injection itself is not painful. I notice a bit more fatigue in the 24 hours following injection. I would suggest getting your Stelara levels checked once you’ve been on it for a bit to make sure you’re within the clinical threshold. The traditional 8-week dosing schedule wasn’t keeping my levels high enough, so I take it every 5 weeks."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 3, 2021

Ustekinumab "Stelara did not work for me. Within 2 days of both the loading infusion and the first maintenance subcutaneous injection, my symptoms worsened-much more bloody diarrhea and pain. Had to discontinue."

• Bob...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 18, 2021

Ustekinumab "Very bad drug, costly, not worth it."