This medication is used to treat plaque psoriasis and
psoriatic arthritis. It is also used to treat a certain bowel disease
(ulcerative colitis). Guselkumab belongs to a class of drugs known as
monoclonal antibodies. It works by blocking a certain natural substance in
your body (interleukin-23) that may cause inflammation and
swelling.
Read the Medication Guide and Instructions for Use
provided by your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each
time you get a refill. Ask your health care professional how to prepare and
use this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Before treatment with this medication, your doctor will
test you for tuberculosis (TB). Your doctor should also monitor you for
symptoms of TB during and after treatment with this drug. If needed,
treatment for tuberculosis or other infections should be given before
receiving this medication.
Inject this medication under the skin as directed by
your doctor. The injection is given in the upper arms, thighs, or abdomen
(except for a 2-inch area around your belly button). If treating ulcerative
colitis, the first 3 doses of this medication are given by injection into a
vein by a healthcare professional. The dosage is based on your medical
condition and response to treatment.
Take the medication out of the refrigerator at least 30
minutes before you inject it to allow it to reach room temperature. Do not
warm up this medication any other way (for example, do not heat it in the
microwave, place it in hot water, or leave it in direct sunlight). Do not
shake the medication. This product may contain small white or clear
particles. Before using, check this product for cloudiness, large
particles, or discoloration. If you see any of these things, do not use the
liquid. Before injecting each dose, clean the skin you are going to inject
into (the injection site) with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site
each time to lessen injury under the skin. Do not inject into skin that is
tender, bruised, red, hard, thick, scaly, or affected by psoriasis. To
lessen bruising, do not rub the injection site after a shot. Learn how to
store and discard medical supplies safely.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a
reminder.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
Bruising, redness, itching, pain, or swelling at the
injection site may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell
your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
This medication may lower your ability to fight
infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal)
infection or make any infection you have worse. Tell your doctor right away
if you have any signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go
away, fever, chills, cough).
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using guselkumab, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- current/recent/returning infection (such as tuberculosis,
herpes)
Guselkumab can make you more likely to get infections or
may make current infections worse. Stay away from anyone who has an
infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles,
flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for
more details.
Tell your health care professional that you are using
guselkumab before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact with
people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine
inhaled through the nose).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
It is important to get each dose of this medication as
scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for
a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep the
medication in the original carton to protect from light. Discard any unused
portion after use. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.