Ustekinumab can make it more difficult for your body to fight infections. People with active infections should not take ustekinumab. If you have a fever, think you have an infection or have been prescribed an antibiotic, contact your healthcare provider. People who have had frequent infections in the past or a history of tuberculosis should discuss the use of ustekinumab with their prescriber.
Also contact your healthcare provider if you are having surgery as you may need to stop ustekinumab until you are healed and there is no sign of infection.
Ustekinumab has not been studied in pregnant people or lactating parents so its effect(s) on pregnant people or nursing babies are unknown. You should tell your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant. Because of the potential for adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made on whether or not to discontinue nursing or the medication, taking into account the importance of the drug to the lactating parent.
Anyone who has had a previous allergic reaction to ustekinumab should avoid the medication.
Anyone with a history of cancer or active cancer should discuss this with your healthcare provider prior to taking ustekinumab. Tell your healthcare provider if you notice any unusual changes to your skin or health status while taking ustekinumab.
Before starting this medication, you will likely be tested for inactive (“latent”) tuberculosis (TB) B because secukinumab can dampen the immune system and cause TB to become active.
Ideally, your vaccinations should be up to date prior to starting ustekinumab. If you have already started therapy with ustekinumab, your healthcare provider will likely recommend most inactive vaccines (e.g., influenza, pneumococcal). Live vaccines are not recommended due to risk of causing infection. Before receiving any vaccinations while taking ustekinumab, you should speak with your healthcare provider.