Stelara and Itching: What Users Say

• Pso...
• December 6, 2016

For Psoriasis "I got diagnosed with psoriasis about three years ago. It wasn't bad at first, so I never paid too much attention to it, and it eventually went away. About a year ago, it came back and took over my entire body. I was covered in rough, itchy, red patches, and there was nothing that would fix it. I tried natural oils, salts, tanning, ointments, foams, even pills, and nothing worked. These things helped and soothed my psoriasis, but nothing really made it go away. I finally turned to Stelara, and I could cry from the results. I am getting my second injection this Friday, and after only the FIRST one, my skin looks 75% better. The injection immediately caused my skin to be less itchy and appear far less irritated. I suggest Stelara to EVERYONE!!!"

• Coo...
• January 27, 2014

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I am 65. I have had psoriasis and arthritis since I was 13. I was covered. Like others, I had used tar, creams, PUVA, UVB in my home and ENBREL, which caused many side effects. Dreaded white flakes everywhere! Itching was just awful. 2 1/2 years ago, I tried Stelara, what a wonder I cleared in 2 injections. What a joy to have clear skin and go in public and not be embarrassed. Had to stop because Medicare did not cover it. I became totally covered again, worse than ever. Finally found some financial help. I have had 2 injections, all plaque is gone, looks so good. I have a great deal of redness but expect it to clear. I have had a maddening itch the past few days, hope it is not a side effect."

• Bgu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 21, 2015

For Psoriasis "I'm 53. I've had psoriasis for as long as I can remember. It has been moderate most of that time. About a year ago, it started getting bad. My dermatologist tried the new oral medication. After three months, it was still getting worse. I got to 95%. I couldn't sleep from the intense burning and itching. They decided to put me on Stelara. Within a week, I noticed a huge difference. I just got my 1-month shot. My upper body is completely clear. I only have a few spots left on my lower legs and feet. I was actually on Enbrel 8 years ago. It did work, but this Stelara is incredible. I can't remember when my skin was this clear. My girlfriend just bought me a bunch of short sleeve shirts. It is totally amazing."

• Gwy...
• April 17, 2010

For Psoriasis "Psoriasis diagnosis: I received my first injection the end of December 2009, and I saw an immediate difference within the first two weeks. The second injection was due; however, I was ill with an upper respiratory virus, in which my doctor indicated to wait until it was resolved. I was about 1.5 weeks late with the second injection. I was flared and received the second injection with itching down 50% and cleared approximately 40%. Two weeks after the second injection, I developed moderate arthritis symptoms in my shoulder, right knee, and my finger joints. It was time for the third injection after waiting 3 months. I remained at the 40% clearing. I discontinued this medicine due to joint issues and flaring increase by the end of the third month."

• Cre...
• July 22, 2016

For Psoriasis "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."

• Old...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 4, 2019

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I have taken 4 doses (injections) of 45 mg: #1 to start, #2 at 30 days, #3 at 12 weeks, #4 12 weeks later. Dose #3 wore off completely at 10 weeks with all symptoms: fatigue, joint pain, aching, and skin itching. Will work with doctor to shorten the length of time between doses if possible. It did clear my skin by 90% during this time period."

• Itc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 9, 2016

For Psoriasis "I received my second Stelara injection about one month ago and phased out the cyclosporine one week ago. The skin is incredibly clear of spots (since 25 years it has not been this good), but as a change, an almost intolerable itching started. a) Would anyone have experience how to calm down the itching? Taking sodium bicarbonate with water seems to help a bit, but I am still scratching in my sleep. I have allergies and thought that maybe antihistamine could work. Thanks in advance for any hints you may have!"

• Hat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 27, 2018

For Psoriasis "So I did the 4-week injections, and my third injection will be happening in February (it is December now). My scalp psoriasis is back like nobody's business-itching and leaving horrid scarring on my scalp. I officially had two injections, and after all the bruising on the first one, I guess I thought it would be helpful, but it’s back, and I’m so depressed about it. How long has it taken others to work?"

• Jri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 11, 2019

For Psoriatic Arthritis "2014 diagnosed with PsA. Remicade since. This spring, psoriasis flared in both ankles, right knee, both thighs, groin area, stomach, both buttocks. Each Remicade treatment, 6 weeks, it got worse. First Stelara shot was given on 1/5/19, energy level improved. Psoriasis is less itchy. Next shot in 4 weeks. Hope this works."

• Itc...
• January 12, 2018

For Psoriasis "It's been 3 weeks today since my 1st shot, and I am seeing a little bit of clearing on my arms. My back, stomach, and legs are still the same, but I am itching more now than before the shot. I still feel that Stelara will work for me, but my body has to adjust to it. I never did want to use injections, but my psoriasis is so bad that as much as I do not want the next shot, I can't wait to get it..."

• Pur...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 13, 2019

For Plaque Psoriasis "About 80% covered with psoriasis for years. Stelara cleared me until after the first month of the three-month shot. Then came back with a vengeance. Couldn’t have another shot for 2 more weeks. That ended my freedom from itching and being finally able to wear a short sleeve shirt. Trying Cosentyx without much success. So wish I could have taken Stelara every month rather than every 3 months."

• squ...
• September 12, 2016

For Psoriasis "Almost amazing results in 2 months, then started getting patches all over my trunk. My professor put me on to 90 mgs, and it's almost all gone again. Someone said they still itch a lot, so I would suggest (Phenergan 25 mgs tablets) take 1 an hour before bed, and you'll sleep like a log. The only thing that it hasn't helped is the mental health side of the psoriasis, so I'm looking at getting help from my Dr. Good luck, guys, and stay psoriasis-free."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 19, 2019

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I have had psoriasis for 18 years and psoriatic arthritis for 2 years. Methotrexate helped at first but stopped helping, psoriasis and arthritis were worsening. Then put on Humira as it was amazing for my arthritis (in 2 days I noticed a difference) but did not help the appearance of psoriasis. Then switched to Stelara. Had the first two doses and experienced temporary itching right after doses. The appearance of psoriasis has improved, but my arthritis is terrible. Wish I could find one for both, but if I had to choose, I would pick being able to move without pain."

• Mr...
• April 19, 2016

For Psoriasis "I came down with psoriasis at age 54 and am now 57. It devastated me within 2 months. I lost my fingernails and toenails. I couldn't walk without help. My hands were useless. I just started with the injections on 2/2/16. Had my 2nd injection on 3/2/16. I've noticed some improvement on my left shin area of my leg and my left elbow. Other areas are now pink. My feet are somewhat better, but my hands are still bad as I wear examination gloves constantly. I've still had flakes, dryness, itching, and bumps as the Stelara hasn't helped 'yet' with that. I'm due for my 1st 90-day shot after these 2 booster shots. I'll see what my Dr. thinks then on 5/25/16..."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 7, 2018

For Psoriasis "I've had spots of psoriasis since my early twenties - mostly limited to my elbows and a couple spots here and there on my legs. However, I got a strep infection in February and got an outrageous covering of guttate psoriasis. Nothing would help - I went through 3 bottles of different topicals, went to the tanning beds with little to no difference. I was on antibiotics to make sure the strep was gone and my stomach was unhappy about it. Finally got my first shot of Stelara last week. I have limited insurance, so I was grateful for the assistance program. Within a couple of days, the spots seem less angry - less pain, itching, and not as bright red. The patches are still there, but appear to be fading. I'm praying the progress continues!!"

• mik...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 9, 2024

For Crohn's Disease "I take the shot every 6 weeks for the last year and a half and feel great with only a few side effects. The medication makes me itch and bruise real easy, but I can live with it."