The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has approved Johnson and Johnson’s new psoriasis drug, Stelara, for use in the U.K. The drug has also been approved for use in Canada but is still under review by the FDA.
It’s also expensive: 10,000 pounds, or about $16,000 USD per year.
Stelara works by targeting two specific proteins that play a major role in the body’s immune system: Interleukin 12 and Interleukin 23. Regulating these proteins should reduce swelling and bring excessive skin cell production under control.
Administering this new drug should prove to be much more convenient than most other psoriasis treatments — it only needs to be taken 5 times a year via injection. Thus far it has also proven to be safe.
In light of the unpredictable nature of psoriasis it is good to have as many treatment options, or as many avenues of attack, as possible. In addition to developing resistance to certain treatments over time, psoriasis can also behave differently depending on the individual in question. A treatment that works well for one individual might not work for another person and visa versa.
At this stage in the game Stelara is meant to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (this is the most common type of psoriasis). It is viewed as an option that should be tried only after other alternatives have proved to be ineffective. This will most likely include a large percentage of the masses who currently suffer from psoriasis since so many are at their wits’ end trying to find an effective treatment for it.
I am on Enbrel and have to pay for it myself. It costs me about $26,000 US per year. Stelara seems cheap compared to that!
yikes that’s expensive… maybe someday I’ll understand why drugs would cost so much (if someone does know, feel free to let me know).
I have just started Stelara on
13 Oct 09 (90mg dose)
this will be my 4th Biological
so early days yet to see how this new drug is going to work
only noticed so far it has made me very light sensitive slight sun burn on face next one due 10 Nov 09
john
i’d be interested to find out how it works for you long term, thx John
thats fine
only problem at this time is being light sensitive hope this will pass soon
Have just started Stelara (2 days ago. Will keep this list posted of progress, etc.
thx Wayne, appreciate it
its still going very well no scale at all and feeling good will be having injection number 3 in January
out of 5 people in London on this drug its only helping 2 of us
but feel very well on this drug
happy xmas from the UK john
Congrats, John, well done
Message for John (or anyone who can help). How do I persuade my (nhs) dermatologist to let me be London patient number six? I’ve asked about biologics in the past, because my psoriasis is quite severe, but been told that (due to expense) they need to have tried everything else first. UVB, PUVA, Acitretin, have all failed and I don’t want to have to go through methotrexate and cyclosporin as well – i just want to get straight onto the biologics. Any tips? Thanks, Simon
Simon, me too! Where does one go, in London, to get this new treatment? My GP says that I should write a letter to him first. My dermatologist has me back on Acetetin and tells me that they, at Charing X Hospital, don’t do it. Too expensive. Any advice?
Thanks, Roger
Try contacting the pharmaceutical company. I’m in the US but it took two months of Stelara Support hammering away before I was approved by my insurance co. They need people on it in order to market it so they willing to expend a lot of effort to help launch it right now.
Just a thought. Good Luck!
I will start Stellara within the next 2 days. I’ll keep you posted.
By the way, in Greece (where I come from ) it’s 4750 Euros per dose…. (the basic salary is 700 Euros!!!!)thank god for insurance
It’s been 3 days since I got the first injection. I’m in a lot of pain. I cannot seem to understand if it works or not! Is it 2 soon? I don’t know
Well, it’s been a week since I had the first injection. the first 3 days was quite difficult. I was dipressed. Now, I see some inprovement, but not much. I’m trying to keep my hopes up and wait to see what will happen with the second injection as well. I’m giving the whole thing 3 months. If I’m not clear, I’ll go back to cyclosporine.
Tina,
In the clinical trials it took an average of 20 weeks to see maximum efficacy. Thats 3 injections. So be patient and hang in there!
I am on injection #2, with Derma zinc with clobatasol, I am 98% clear, I stopped the uv rays.
Juan, you give me hope!
I got my first shot of Stelara a week ago, tomorrow. I was on Remicade, previously. Unfortunately, my P manifested itself in my feet for the first time in my life, and as of today, my hands! Ugh. I hope this Stelara kicks in and works in the coming weeks. I can’t stand this! And, I’ve had this since the age of 6, age 54 now, and I’m in good shape, eat well, exercise, all that stuff – ugh!
Just had my first Stelara injection today! I have horrible hand and foot psoriasis and can’t wait to see if this works. My doctor has tried every other treatment out there with no success.
How are you making out with Stelara Jennifer? Remicade did my hands and feet too. So hang in there kido:0)
I’m sorry to tell you that guys, but 3 months later, I know. Stelara is not working for me. After 2 injections, the doctor said no to the third. I’m back to cyclosporine (Neoral in Greece) 100% clear, and happy. I see the photos from March, and I cannot believe that was me. The improvment I had with stelara was 50% tops. With only one month of Neoral, I’m 100% clean, ready to go to the beach!!!
I’m from the US currently living in London for at least four years. I came to the US to see my dermatologist and he is going to start me on Stelara. My only question, if I get the drug in the US can I get in administered in London from any doctor? Even if I transport the drug from the US to the UK will the NHS allow me to see a dermatologist?
I have tried everything. Two years ago had 95% clearing on Remicade then had a severe allergic reaction and my body could no longer tolerate the infusion.
Started Stelara in May and just received my second shot June 24 2010. So far so good. My arms are looking great. My scalp, ears, chest,face clear. I definitely know it is working. It just seems to be erasing away very slowly. Still have a large amount on stomach and back but I for the first time in 2 years feel good and can wear short sleeves. Hoping this keeps going positively.
Well just a few days later and the psoriasis on my armsis reappearing. Come on…I need a break.
I have been on the STELARA clinical study for the past 5 years, I do not have any side effects that I know of. I did see results about a year after my first injection and got about 60% cleared.Now with my last injection in November I’m still the same it’s the psoriasis below the knees that is stubborn for me.
Starting Stel tomorrow. A little nervous, but excited too. Have relatively severe plaque. MTX affected libido, any similar side-effects with Stel?
I am going on stel now almost a year, this is the best thing that ever worked for me. 90% clear. After 6 weeks into the injection I start minor flare ups. I use topical to control until the the next hit.
I’m starting Stel soon just waiting for confirmation of insurance coverage. I’ve been on Mexo for 2/3 years with about 70% improvement. Hoping Stel will work better. Only concern is noone knows what the long term effects are. Thank good I live in Canada and have great insurance otherwise couldn’t afford it.
I have had severe “P” since I was 5 years old. I will be 54 in March. I have done every treatment there is and spent hundreds of thousands of dollars. I am into my second dose and will third does in March. I am 99% clear through the worst part of the season. I have been covered in over 60% of my body and I am CLEAR… Not just a little but completely clearexcept for a tiny patch on my scalp!!! Oh My God!!! Thank God!!!
I have been on Stelara for about a year now. A good thing about Stelara is that they offer the support where you can get the first 3 shots free. After my second shot I was 100% clear. This injection is GREAT.
I was part of a 60 month trial for the study drug Stelara and it’s subsequent approval. It has worked wonders for my psoriasis as i am almost completely free except for my scalp.
Now that it is approved my study coordinators are fighting to get us extra doses from the company. I just 10 minutes ago dosed myself with 90 mg which was a freebie and it shows as costing over 11,000.00!
I’ve used stelara for about a year and my body is 98% clear. I’ve tried almost everything and I’ve been living with severe psoriasis for sixteen years and my results with stelara are amazing. I feel pretty again.
My husband has severe “P” and I have been fighting with the doctor and insurance companies to get him Stel for weeks with no luck (USA). We have been denied twice and just appealed again! I am so amazed how difficult and draining this process is. Does anyone have any tips on how to get approved? My husband has tried creams, sun UV, sprays, pills and was on Enbrel for the last 3 years and he is worse than ever! I am so sorry for all of you suffering. I don’t have “P” but living with it first hand is a nightmare. Thanks for any help!
I have been on almost everything someone with the horrible ‘p’ has tried. I had signs when I was training to be a cop, then wala, I was denied to become a police woman, after passing everything.. because I have psoriasis…
Anyways, I’m going to start this new drug. I will update you. Ps my legs and arms are all white, from psoriasis and I am an aboriginal with dark skin
I was on Cyclosporin for years with 99% clear when suddenly my blood pressure spiked so have been off it for 18 months now with 80% coverage of Psoriasis on my body.
I have quietly be going mad…..
I tried Humira without any improvment. Just started Stelara on Tues. $4601.42 !!
But I can ‘feel’ the difference already! Here’s hoping