What Is Stelara? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Stelara is the brand name for ustekinumab, a biologic medication made by Janssen Biotech (a Johnson & Johnson company). It was first approved by the FDA in September 2009 for plaque psoriasis and has since been approved for psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. Stelara is a specialty injectable medication — it's not a pill, and it's not available at most retail pharmacies.

In 2026, eight FDA-approved biosimilar versions of ustekinumab are also available in the US, offering the same clinical benefits at significantly lower prices.

What Conditions Does Stelara Treat?

Stelara is FDA-approved for four conditions:

Moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis: In adults and children aged 6 and older who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy.

Active psoriatic arthritis: In adults and children aged 6 and older. Can be used alone or with methotrexate.

Moderately to severely active Crohn's disease: In adults and children aged 2 and older.

Moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis: In adults (and pediatric patients for some biosimilars).

How Is Stelara Given?

Stelara comes in two forms:

Subcutaneous injection (under the skin): Available as 45 mg/0.5 mL or 90 mg/mL prefilled syringes. Given at home after training. Common injection sites are the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm.

Intravenous (IV) infusion: Available as a 130 mg/26 mL vial. Used for the induction dose for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis — given at an infusion center or hospital, not at home.

Dosage: How Much and How Often?

Dosing varies by condition and body weight:

Psoriasis (adults ≤100 kg): 45 mg SC at Weeks 0 and 4, then every 12 weeks. For adults >100 kg, 90 mg is used.

Psoriatic arthritis (adults): 45 mg SC at Weeks 0 and 4, then every 12 weeks. Patients >100 kg with co-existent plaque psoriasis: 90 mg.

Crohn's disease / ulcerative colitis (adults): Single weight-based IV induction dose (approximately 260–520 mg depending on weight), followed by 90 mg SC every 8 weeks as maintenance.

Pediatric patients: Weight-based dosing is used. Children <60 kg with psoriasis receive 0.75 mg/kg; ≥60 kg receive 45 mg; >100 kg receive 90 mg.

How Long Does It Take for Stelara to Work?

Many patients begin to see improvement in psoriasis symptoms within 4-12 weeks of starting Stelara. In clinical trials, significant skin clearance (PASI 75 response) was achieved by Week 12 in a large proportion of patients. For Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, response to induction typically becomes apparent at 8-12 weeks. Maintenance therapy keeps disease controlled on an ongoing basis.

How to Store and Handle Stelara

Store Stelara in the refrigerator (36°F–46°F / 2°C–8°C) in its original carton to protect from light.

Prefilled syringes can be kept at room temperature (up to 86°F / 30°C) for up to 30 days if needed — but once removed from refrigeration, do not return them to the refrigerator.

Do not freeze, shake, or expose to excessive heat or direct sunlight.

Rotate injection sites with each dose (thigh, abdomen, or upper arm). Avoid injecting into skin that is red, bruised, hard, or tender.

Important Things to Tell Your Doctor Before Starting Stelara

Any history of tuberculosis (TB) or a positive TB test — screening is required before starting

Any current or recent infections

If you are scheduled to receive any vaccines (especially live vaccines)

Latex allergy (the syringe needle cover contains latex)

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding

Want to understand how Stelara works at a biological level? See: How Does Stelara Work? Mechanism of Action Explained in Plain English