Question

A 56 y/o, 140lb patient with psoriasis will be starting Stelara (ustekinumab), but the provider wants to verify the dosing of the medication. What starting dose would you recommend?

1) Inject 45 mg subcutaneously at weeks 0 and 4, followed by 45 mg every 12 weeks
2) Inject 90 mg subcutaneously at weeks 0 and 4, followed by 90 mg every 12 weeks
3) Infuse 260 mg IV over at least 1 hour as a single dose, followed 8 weeks later with 90 mg subcutaneously every 8 weeks
4) Infuse 520 mg IV over at least 1 hour as a single dose, followed 8 weeks later with 90 mg subcutaneously every 8 weeks

Answer 1

The recommended starting dose of Stelara for a 140lb patient with psoriasis is 45 mg injected subcutaneously at weeks 0 and 4, followed by 45 mg every 12 weeks.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct starting dose of Stelara (ustekinumab) for a 56-year-old patient who weighs 140lbs with psoriasis is usually the first option: 45 mg subcutaneously. The initial dose is administered at week 0, followed by a second dose at week 4, and then 45 mg every 12 weeks thereafter. The dosing for Stelara is dependent on the patient's weight, and typically the 45 mg dose is used for patients who weigh <= 220 lbs (100 kg). Always refer to the prescribing information for the most accurate dosing recommendations as guidelines may change and dosing may be patient-specific.