What food should I avoid while on Stelara?
There are no known food interactions with Stelara (ustekinumab). However, potential interactions have not been fully studied, so consult your doctor about any necessary dietary adjustments. While Stelara itself doesn't have direct food interactions in the way some medications do, it's important to understand how it affects your immune system and how certain foods can impact inflammatory conditions.
Should I Change My Diet While on Stelara?
Dietary recommendations may vary based on your condition. For example, if you are taking Stelara for Crohn’s disease, your doctor may advise avoiding foods that worsen symptoms.
Stelara may raise your risk of infections, so taking precautions is important:
- Avoid raw or undercooked meat, poultry, and eggs to reduce the risk of salmonella or other infections.
- Practice good hygiene and avoid contact with sick individuals.
Foods to Be Mindful Of While Taking Stelara:
- Undercooked foods: Avoid undercooked meats (especially poultry and seafood), raw eggs, and unpasteurized dairy products. These can carry bacteria that pose a higher risk of infection when your immune system is suppressed.
- Foods high in sugar: Sugary foods can contribute to inflammation, which can worsen symptoms of the conditions Stelara treats.
- Foods high in saturated and trans fats: These fats can also increase inflammation. This includes fried foods, processed snacks, and fatty meats.
- Processed foods: Highly processed foods often contain unhealthy fats, sugars, and additives that can promote inflammation.
- Alcohol: While not a direct interaction, alcohol can increase inflammation and may also increase some of the side effects of Stelara.
- Unpasteurized dairy products: Raw or unpasteurized milk products can carry bacteria that are dangerous for people with comprimised immune systems.
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Are There Vaccine Restrictions With Stelara?
Patients on Stelara should not receive live vaccines and should avoid close contact with individuals who have recently received them. Common live vaccines include those for:
- Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
- Rotavirus
- Smallpox
- Chickenpox
- Yellow fever
Always consult your doctor or a registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice while on Stelara. They can provide recommendations tailored to your specific condition and health needs.
References
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). STELARA® (ustekinumab) injection, for subcutaneous or intravenous use. June 2018. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/125261s147lbl.pdf. [Accessed June 1, 2022].
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Eating, Diet, & Nutrition for Crohn’s Disease. September 2017. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/crohns-disease/eating-diet-nutrition. [Accessed June 1, 2022].
- Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Vaccine Types. April 29, 2021. Available at: https://www.hhs.gov/immunization/basics/types/index.html. [Accessed June 1, 2022].
Read next
Does Stelara treat ulcerative colitis?
Yes, Stelara was approved by the FDA on October 21, 2019 for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC). UC is a serious and long-term inflammatory disease that affects the large intestine (colon) and rectum. Stelara works by targeting proteins called interleukins (IL)-12 and IL-23 to lower inflammation, a main feature of ulcerative colitis. Continue reading
Is Stelara an immunosuppressant?
Yes, Stelara (ustekinumab) is an immunosuppressant. It is approved to treat certain forms of psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and moderate to severe Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Continue reading
Does Stelara cause hair loss?
No, Stelara (ustekinumab) has not been shown to commonly cause hair loss in clinical studies. Continue reading
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Drug information
- Stelara Information for Consumers
- Stelara prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Stelara (detailed)
- Stelara user reviews (252)
Related support groups
- Stelara (24 questions, 68 members)