Humira vs Stelara
 | Humira |  | Stelara |  |
| This medication is used to reduce pain and swelling due to certain types of arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid, psoriatic, and ankylosing spondylitis). This medication is also used to treat psoriasis (plaque-type). It works by blocking a protein (tumor necrosis factor or TNF) found in the body's immune system that causes joint swelling and damage. Early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with more aggressive therapy, including this type of medication (TNF blockers), helps to reduce further joint damage and preserve joint function. This medication is also used to treat certain bowel conditions (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis). It is used in cases that are moderate to severe and/or keep coming back. | This medication is used to treat moderate to severe cases of plaque psoriasis. It works by blocking certain natural proteins in your body (interleukin-12 and interleukin-23) that may lead to the overproduction of skin cells and inflammation seen in plaque psoriasis. Ustekinumab does not cure plaque psoriasis, but it can help lessen the symptoms, including decreasing the amount of painful, itchy, sore patches of thick, red or inflamed skin covered with silvery scales known as plaques. It is not known if using ustekinumab for more than 2 years is safe and effective. | |||
Alternatives
Reviews
| Add Humira review I took humira following six months treatment with methotrexate and plaquenil. I found myself sitting in the recliner unable to move. I have never suffered from headaches but I found myself nursing a 24 hour headache for an entire two weeks. I also never actually slept because I couldn't stop peeing. My kidneys were in overdrive. Yes my body didn't hurt as much, but what this drug did to my kidneys, brain, and mental state leaves something to be desired. I am afraid of the long term effects of this medication. Shortly after taking Humira, histoplasmosis raged through her body, leading to sepsis and she ended up on life support. While the makers of Humira ask doctors to test their patients for tuberculosis, they do not test for histoplasmosis. This lack of proactive testing for histoplasmosis needs to be corrected. She has had two brain bleeds and strokes since the sepsis. While the TV ads talk about 'discussing with your doctor if you've been to an area of the world where certain fungal diseases may be present....'I believe it's not sufficient. My daughter grew up in the Minnesota River Vallel in SC Minnesota. Hardly what comes to mind when the doctor asks you about travel to "fungal areas." My daughter's life will never be the same. | Add Stelara review I began taking Stelara just a few months ago. My freshman year of college I was diagnosed with psoriasis that eventually covered over 20% of my body. I started out with the creams, then to Humira. It cleared me up to about 5% body coverage after a few months, but was the most painful shot I have ever taken. It was every two weeks and I ended up just telling my dermatologist it was too much pain and I couldn't do it anymore. Then along came Stelara. It has completely change my life. It hasn't even been two months and I am now almost 100% clear (not even 1% body coverage)! I was down to 2% just a week after my first shot! It is only every three months and all you feel is a slight little pinch! I am so glad I made the switch and so glad this medication is available or I don't know what I would have done! I have had psoriasis for the past 35 years. After trying every drug from ointments to enbrel with no success my doc put me on stelara. The results were amazing after only 2 months so I put up with the side effects and my skin was plaque free for about a year. Gradually it started to come back again all over and the shots were discontinued. One year later and my skin is the worst it has ever been! | |||
