Ustekinumab is a powerful immunomodulator medicine used to treat selected immune-mediated ocular inflammation, administered as an injection.
| Drug class | Biologic (Anti-IL12/23) |
|---|---|
| Type | Single |
| Forms | Subcutaneous / IV |
| Common strength | Varies |
| Common Indian brands | Stelara |
| Prescription status | Prescription |
What Ustekinumab is used for
Ustekinumab is a specialized medicine used to treat certain types of inflammation in the eye. These conditions are often caused by the body’s own immune system mistakenly attacking healthy eye tissues. Your doctor will determine if Ustekinumab is the right treatment for your specific condition.
- Selected immune-mediated ocular inflammation
How it works
Ustekinumab is a type of medicine called a biologic, which means it is made from living cells. It works by targeting and blocking two specific proteins in your body, Interleukin-12 (IL-12) and Interleukin-23 (IL-23). These proteins play a key role in causing inflammation. By blocking them, Ustekinumab helps to reduce the inflammation in your eyes and manage your condition.
How it’s used
Ustekinumab is administered as an injection, either under the skin (subcutaneous) or directly into a vein (intravenous). The strength of the medicine will vary depending on your specific needs and your doctor’s instructions. Typically, this medicine is given every 8 to 12 weeks. Your doctor or a trained healthcare professional will administer the injection and guide you on the exact schedule.
It is crucial to attend all your scheduled appointments for the injections to ensure the medicine works effectively and to monitor your progress.
Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.
Brands available in India
- Stelara
Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.
Please note
Powerful medicine that suppresses the immune system. Screening for tuberculosis and hepatitis is usually required before starting, and it raises the risk of infection. Used only under specialist supervision with regular monitoring.
Precautions & side effects
Ustekinumab is a powerful medicine that suppresses the immune system, and therefore, it requires careful consideration and monitoring. Here are some important precautions:
- Specialist Use: This medicine is only used under the supervision of a specialist doctor who has experience with such treatments.
- Immune Suppression: Ustekinumab works by suppressing your immune system. While this helps reduce inflammation, it also means you may have a higher risk of developing infections.
- Screening for Infections: Before starting Ustekinumab, your doctor will usually screen you for certain infections, such as tuberculosis and hepatitis. This is to ensure it is safe for you to take this medicine.
- Regular Monitoring: Because it is a powerful medicine, regular monitoring by your specialist doctor is essential. This helps to check how you are responding to the treatment and to watch for any potential side effects.
- Prescription Only: Ustekinumab is a prescription-only medicine. You cannot obtain it without a valid prescription from your doctor.
- Report Infections: If you develop any signs of infection (like fever, cough, flu-like symptoms, or any unusual sores) while on Ustekinumab, contact your doctor immediately.
Understanding Immune-Mediated Ocular Inflammation
Immune-mediated ocular inflammation refers to a group of eye conditions where your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues within your eyes. Normally, your immune system protects you from harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses. However, in autoimmune conditions, this system becomes overactive or confused and starts targeting your own cells, leading to inflammation, pain, redness, blurred vision, and potentially long-term damage if not managed effectively. These conditions can affect various parts of the eye, including the uvea (the middle layer of the eye), retina, or optic nerve. The exact cause of these conditions is often unknown, but a combination of genetic and environmental factors is thought to play a role. Symptoms can range from mild irritation to severe vision loss. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial to preserve vision and prevent complications. Your ophthalmologist will conduct thorough examinations and tests to determine the specific type of inflammation you have and tailor a treatment plan accordingly. Ustekinumab is one such advanced treatment option considered for selected severe cases.
Living with an immune-mediated eye condition can be challenging, but with proper medical care and adherence to your treatment plan, many patients can effectively manage their symptoms and maintain good vision. It’s important to communicate openly with your doctor about any changes in your symptoms or any concerns you may have. Regular follow-up appointments are vital to monitor the condition’s activity and the effectiveness of your treatment. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, can also support your overall well-being.
General Advice for Eye Care and Hygiene
While Ustekinumab is administered as an injection, maintaining good general eye hygiene and care is always important, especially when dealing with an eye condition. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eyes or any eye medication. This helps prevent the introduction of germs that could lead to infections. Avoid rubbing your eyes, especially if they are inflamed or irritated, as this can worsen the condition or cause further damage. If you wear contact lenses, ensure you follow your optometrist’s instructions for cleaning and storage meticulously. It’s often advisable to avoid wearing contact lenses during periods of active inflammation or as advised by your doctor.
Store all medicines, including Ustekinumab (which will typically be stored and prepared by your healthcare provider), as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Keep them out of reach of children and pets. Do not use any medicine past its expiry date. Protect your eyes from harsh sunlight by wearing sunglasses when outdoors, especially if your eyes are sensitive to light due to inflammation. If you experience any new or worsening eye symptoms, such as increased pain, redness, blurred vision, or discharge, contact your eye doctor promptly. Do not self-medicate or change your treatment plan without consulting your specialist. Regular eye check-ups are essential, even if your symptoms are well-controlled, to monitor your eye health and detect any potential issues early.
When to Seek Medical Help
It is crucial to know when to seek medical attention, especially when you are on a powerful medicine like Ustekinumab that affects your immune system. While your specialist team will monitor you closely, there are certain signs and symptoms that warrant immediate contact with your doctor or a visit to the emergency room. If you experience any signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, severe rash, or dizziness, seek emergency medical help immediately. These reactions, though rare, can be serious. Furthermore, because Ustekinumab suppresses your immune system, you are at a higher risk of infections. If you develop any signs of infection, such as a fever (temperature of 100.4°F or 38°C or higher), chills, persistent cough, sore throat, unusual fatigue, painful urination, or any new skin sores or rashes, inform your doctor without delay. Even a seemingly minor infection can become serious when your immune system is suppressed. Also, report any new or worsening eye symptoms, such as sudden vision changes, increased eye pain, severe redness, or discharge, as these could indicate a flare-up of your eye condition or a new problem. Do not hesitate to contact your Pristine Eye Hospitals care team if you have any concerns or questions about your treatment or your health. Your health and safety are our top priority.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ustekinumab used for?
Ustekinumab is used to treat selected immune-mediated ocular inflammation, which are conditions where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the eyes.
How does Ustekinumab work?
Ustekinumab works by blocking specific proteins called IL-12 and IL-23, which are involved in causing inflammation in the body. By blocking these proteins, it helps to reduce the inflammation in your eyes.
What are the common Indian brands for Ustekinumab?
The brand name for Ustekinumab available is Stelara.
How is Ustekinumab administered?
Ustekinumab is given as an injection, either under the skin (subcutaneous) or into a vein (intravenous), typically every 8 to 12 weeks.
Do I need a prescription for Ustekinumab?
Yes, Ustekinumab is a prescription-only medicine and can only be used under the supervision of a specialist doctor.
What are the key precautions to take with Ustekinumab?
Ustekinumab is a powerful medicine that suppresses the immune system, increasing the risk of infection. Screening for tuberculosis and hepatitis is usually required before starting, and it must be used only under specialist supervision with regular monitoring.
References
- Eye health – MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine)
- Eye health information – American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Learn about eye health – National Eye Institute (NIH)
- Blindness and vision impairment – World Health Organization
- StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.
This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.