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Stelara use

Sun, January 19, 2025 10:01 AM

My first year on Stelara was difficult at times. I have found that I can not take any type of steroid while I am on it. If I do, as soon as I am finished with the steroid treatment, I end up with cellulitis and have to go on another course of antibiotics. In 2024, I was on antibiotics 6 times because of sinus infections and cellulitis. Has anyone else had this problem with Stelara? Does it get better? Is the first year the hardest? I have an appointment with my gastro this week and he already knows I want to talk about a medication change. I am a teacher and I am around little kids all day. I know I have a higher risk of catching something, but with UC I can't be on antibiotics all the time. I am interested to hear from other Stelara users as to how they are when they take the medication.

clb
Joined Apr 16, 2009

Sat, July 05, 2025 2:05 AM

Reply posted for clb.

I'm sorry to hear about your tough year with Stelara and the recurring cellulitis after steroids. Your experience with infections aligns with Stelara’s immunosuppressive effects, which can increase infection risk, especially with steroids. Your teaching environment likely adds exposure to infections, complicating things with UC. It’s great you’re discussing a medication change with your gastro. Have others noticed similar issues with Stelara and steroids, or found ways to manage infections while teaching? Sharing experiences could help!

Folder
Joined Apr 4, 2025

Thu, July 03, 2025 4:18 AM

Reply posted for clb.

You're right to raise these concerns — being sick that often, especially with a chronic illness like UC, is unsustainable. It might not be just a “rough first year” — your body could be signaling that Stelara isn’t the right fit for you. It’s good you're seeing your gastroenterologist soon and planning to discuss other options.

Switching medications: If Stelara isn’t working for you, there are others for UC like:

Entyvio (vedolizumab) – gut-specific and often lower systemic infection risk.

Rinvoq (upadacitinib) or Zeposia – oral options, different immune pathways.

Remicade or Humira – older TNF inhibitors, but still effective for many

Fnaf

run74909
Joined Jul 3, 2025

Sat, January 25, 2025 2:40 PM

Reply posted for clb.

Hello. I will be starting Stelara soon, and I am very nervous about it. I hope you are doing better now. I understand because my journey has had ups and downs as well.

bwgreene
Joined Sep 12, 2022

Mon, January 20, 2025 3:48 PM

Reply posted for clb.

I'm sorry to hear about your experience with this biologic medication. This may not be the best space for medical advice, however, your experience with side effects are very important to discuss with your doctor. It sounds like you may have already had the discussion and I hope it helped to provide some direction in your treatment plan.

There are many types of biologics and so there may be several questions that patients may typically need to address with their doctor. The page below lists a few educational programs where we discuss changing IBD medications. Please feel free to view!

Treatment and Research | Crohn's & Colitis Foundation (latest webinars)

IBD Medication Guide (lists information about all medications approved by the FDA for IBD)

If you ever have further questions about these resources or IBD in general, please feel free to reach out to us at info@crohnscolitisfoundation.org

administrator
Joined Oct 12, 2017

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