How to take Ustekinumab

Ustekinumab (Ustekinumab) is available for injection in prefilled syringes and vials. This medication is given by injection under the skin or into a vein. Dosage and administration recommendations are based on the specific therapeutic indication and the patient's weight.

1. Psoriasis (Ps), psoriatic arthritis (PsA):

(1) Adult patients: For patients weighing 100 kg or less, the recommended dose of ustekinumab is 45 mg subcutaneously initially, after 4 weeks, then 45 mg every 12 weeks; for patients weighing more than 100 kg, the recommended dose is 90 mg initially, after 4 weeks, then 90 mg every 12 weeks.

(2) Pediatric patients: Ustekinumab is administered subcutaneously at weeks 0 and 4, then every 12 weeks. For patients weighing less than 60kg, the recommended dose is 0.75mg/kg; for patients weighing 60-100kg, the recommended dose is 45mg/kg; for patients weighing more than 100kg, the recommended dose is 90mg/kg.

2. Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC):

(1) Intravenous injection: The adult dosage regimen of ustekinumab is based on body weight. For patients weighing less than 55kg, the recommended dose is 260mg (2 bottles); for patients weighing 55-85kg, the recommended dose is 390mg (3 bottles); for patients weighing more than 85kg, the recommended dose is 520mg (4 bottles).

(2) Subcutaneous maintenance: The recommended maintenance dose of ustekinumab is 90 mg subcutaneously administered 8 weeks after the initial intravenous dose and every 8 weeks thereafter.

3. Management:

(1) Subcutaneous injection: It is recommended that each injection of ustekinumab be given in a different anatomical location than the previous injection (such as the upper arm, buttocks, thighs, or any quadrant of the abdomen) and not into areas of tender, abraded, erythematous, or indurated skin. When using single-dose vials, it is recommended to use a 1mL syringe with a 27-gauge needle.

(2) Intravenous administration: Ustekinumab must be diluted, prepared, and infused by a health care professional using sterile technique.

The generic drug ustekinumab has been launched in China and is included in the medical insurance. Reimbursement is limited to patients who meet the indications. SpecificationsThe price of each box of 130mg/26ml intravenous injection preparation may be more than 5,000 yuan, and the price of each box of 90mg: 1.0ml*1 subcutaneous injection preparation may be more than 8,000 yuan. The price of the 130mg/26ml intravenous injection preparation of Ustekinumab sold overseas may be more than 2,000 US dollars per box, and the price of 45mg: 0.5ml*1 subcutaneous injection preparation per box may be more than 10,000 US dollars. There are currently no generic versions of ustekinumab produced in other overseas countries.