Stelara Dosage Details: Information on Strengths, Forms, Usage, and Additional Factors
In a significant development for the treatment of certain conditions in children, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Stelara for use in children aged 6 years and older. This brand-name prescription drug, a monoclonal antibody medication, is used to treat plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis.
Stelara is meant to be used as a long-term treatment, but it's crucial not to use more than prescribed, as overdose may lead to side effects. If a child takes too much Stelara, they should contact their doctor immediately.
The dosage for children varies based on their weight and the condition being treated. For children weighing less than 60 kg (about 132 lb), the Stelara dosage is calculated based on mg per kg of body weight. For those weighing between 60 kg to 100 kg (about 220 lb), a fixed dose of 45 mg is recommended. Children weighing more than 100 kg receive a fixed dose of 90 mg.
For treating plaque psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, the recommended starting dose is based on weight and consists of initial doses followed by maintenance doses every 12 weeks. The typical dosage for children aged 6 years and older is as follows:
| Body Weight (kg) | Dose (mg) | Dosing Schedule | |---------------------|----------------------|-----------------------------------| | Less than 60 kg | 0.75 mg/kg | Weeks 0, 4, then every 12 weeks | | 60 to 100 kg | 45 mg | Weeks 0, 4, then every 12 weeks | | More than 100 kg | 90 mg | Weeks 0, 4, then every 12 weeks |
For treating psoriatic arthritis, the recommended dosage is a 45-mg subcutaneous injection followed by maintenance doses every 12 weeks. For plaque psoriasis, the dosage is based on weight.
The manufacturer of Stelara provides step-by-step instructions and instructional videos for self-injection. For the first dose, a healthcare professional will administer it, and may teach the child or their caregiver how to self-inject for future doses. Subsequent doses are administered every 12 weeks for both plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
It's important to note that the exact dosage and use of Stelara should always be determined and supervised by a healthcare provider. For children with both plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, doctors may prescribe a higher Stelara dose than usual.
Stelara is available in the following forms and strengths: single-dose prefilled syringe for subcutaneous injection (45 mg/0.5 mL and 90 mg/mL), single-dose vial for subcutaneous injection (45 mg/0.5 mL), and single-dose vial for IV infusion (5 mg/mL).
If a child misses a Stelara dose, they should consult their doctor to set up a new dosing schedule. As always, if you have any concerns about your child's treatment, please consult their healthcare provider.
- AbbVie's Stelara, a monoclonal antibody medication, has been approved by the FDA for treating ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, plaque psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis in children aged 6 years and older.
- Stelara is designed for long-term treatment, but excessive use could result in side effects, necessitating immediate contact with a doctor.
- The dosage for children is dependent on their weight and the condition being treated, with lighter children receiving a dose based on mg per kg of body weight.
- For children aged 6 to 100 kg, the Stelara dosage is a fixed dose of either 45 mg or 90 mg, depending on their weight.
- For plaque psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis treatment, initial doses followed by maintenance doses every 12 weeks are recommended.
- For psoriatic arthritis, the recommended dosage is a 45-mg subcutaneous injection followed by maintenance doses every 12 weeks.
- The manufacturer of Stelara offers detailed instructions and instructional videos for self-injection, with a healthcare professional administering the first dose and teaching children or caregivers for future self-injections.
- The exact dosage and use of Stelara should always be determined and supervised by a healthcare provider, with children having both plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis potentially prescribed a higher Stelara dose.
- Stelara is available in various forms and strengths for subcutaneous injection and IV infusion, and patients should consult their doctor if they miss a dose or have concerns about their child's health and wellness, medical conditions, therapies, and treatments.
