A few days ago I wrote an article anticipating the eventually approved of Stelara by the FDA and now… it is done. As of right now, you can obtain this groundbreaking new psoriasis treatment in the UK, the general European Union, Canada and the United States for the treatment of moderate to sever plaque psoriasis (the most common type of psoriasis) by prescription only.
Stelara (a product of Johnson and Johnson) is groundbreaking for the dramatic improvements it produces in people suffering from plaque psoriasis (70% improvement according to FDA sanctioned tests), convenient dosing (5 shots per year) and it seems to pose very mild, if any, side effects. It is a selective immunosuppressant… which is to say that it is designed to target and suppress only certain proteins (interleukin-12 and interleukin-23), which are key players in creating the symptoms of plaque psoriasis. The active ingredient is called ustekinumab.
As you might be able to guess by the word “immunosuppressant,” however, Stelara is the kind of drug that can open you up to infections that otherwise would have been held off by your body”s natural defenses.
Most researchers have believed for a while now that psoriasis throws off the immune system, causing an excess of skin cell production, which results in the itchy, red, scaly, irritated skin symptoms that have made this disease notorious. This is why drug companies have been focusing on drugs that either alter or suppress the body’s immune system. Altering the immune system is one of the most direct ways medical professionals know of to attack psoriasis.
Also of note: Stelara is supposed to be very expensive, upwards of $16,000 per year (if you had to pay for the whole thing out of pocket). My optimistic guess for why it would cost this much (for 5 doses) is that a lot of money was poured into research and development, thus a high cost is needed to recoup. Of course, drug companies are businesses first and foremost, so this is probably also a factor. But if Stelara works and people are willing to pay, then I guess it is worth it.
My psoriasis is not nearly severe enough to justify using this drug (right now anyway). My game plan as of now is to seek out natural, less expensive, lifestyle oriented solutions to root out the disease and keep it rooted out.
When YOUR skin hurts and itches all day every day, interrupting your sleep, which affects your quality of life the next day — you’ll understand that a new drug’s price is set somewhat arbitrarily by the pharma’s, but totally worth it to us patients! Other therapies have stopped working, and I’m looking fwd to Stelara to get my life back…
Biologics like Stelara tend to come at a very high price. Their development is quite different than the standard medications and may require stricter FDA standards.
That said, I haven’t seen the numbers behind the scenes so to speak =)
Nothing has worked for me except total immunesuppression. Believe me when I say that I’m willing to cut my life short than live with the pain, cracking and bleeding one day more. It’s not a life, it’s a living hell. I’m 80% covered with PA. Stelara is the last option for me, I just hope it works!
I’ve been on Abt-874 test drug for a year and a half and my psoriasis at present consists of three spots 1/8″ each. Before starting these monthly injections my arms and legs were 50% covered. Topicals and UV ceased to work. I’ve got about a year and a half to go in the study. Enjoying psoriasis free life while I can.
I’ve never written about my psoriasis before but thought that it might give a little hope to those who are suffering like I have in the past. I am 4 1/2 years into a 5 year study with Stelara. Noone knows how I will be affected in the long run but I have to say the last 4 years have been great as far as my quality of life with psoriasis goes. For the first 3 years I was almost completely clear and for the last 1 1/2 years I have had it come back slowly on my back and scalp but nothing compared to before. Because I’m involved in the study, I’m not allowed to use any other creams, light treatment etc which might clear up the spots I now have. I’ve had no side affects compared to Soriatane and Methotrexate which never really significantly helped. I feel wonderful physically. My Dr is quite sure that my medical insurance will pay for me to continue on Selara. I’m crossing my fingers. I hope this gives some hope to those who are suffering. It is definately something to consider if you’ve exhausted other types of meds to control your psoriasis.
Prices of drugs are figured on what it cost to treat a disease otherwise plus a profit for better therapy. Research is expensive, but it only helps drive the higher costs. As long as the public buys the story line by the drug companies, prices will continue to explode. They are the robber barons of last century.
I have had psoriasis for about 5 years now (never having it before in my life). I am 57 years old. My first episode resulted in about 80% coverage. I took Humira for about a year, and was totally cleared. I went off Humira for about 18 months, and the psoriasis returned with a vengance! Now 90% coverage. It was accompanied by psoriatic arthritis this time. I have a total body burning, itching, flaking and pain, and leave a skin trail everywhere I go. The doctor disabled me this time. I trialed Enbrel and failed, Methotrexate and failed, Humira and failed, and just started Stelara. I have had one injection, and I have to tell you cautiously that I am already noticing improvement after about 10 days. I know this sounds ridiculous, but I have even asked others if they think it looks better, because I thought I was just wishful thinking, and they also say it is improved in appearance. I know the itching and pain have improved.
Hi! Just wanted to tell all of you my story. I was covered 90@ of my body…sores 10-12 inches long all over me. I tried it all. My husband left because I was so sick and unhappy from this awful disease. Started Stelara, and four weeks after the first shot, I was almost clear. Now after the second shot, my skin is perfect, and I mean perfect. NOTHING else worked, including Enbrel, Humira, etc. I encourage anyone who has no life left because of this awful disease, to demand it from your doctor. Finally have a life after all of these years. After 20 years, I just bought my first short sleeve shirts!