Otulfi (Ustekinumab)

Otulfi is a biologic therapy that targets key inflammatory pathways involved in several chronic immune‑mediated diseases.

• Plaque psoriasis: reduces skin lesions and improves quality of life.
• Psoriatic arthritis: alleviates joint inflammation and slows structural damage.
• Crohn's disease: induces remission and maintains symptom control in moderate to severe cases.

• Ustekinumab binds selectively to the p40 subunit shared by interleukin‑12 and interleukin‑23, preventing these cytokines from engaging their cell‑surface receptors. This inhibition dampens Th1 and Th17‑driven immune responses, leading to reduced inflammation in affected tissues.

Adverse reactions to ustekinumab vary in frequency and severity.

Common Side Effects

• Upper respiratory tract infection.
• Headache.
• Fatigue.
• Injection site erythema.
• Diarrhea.
• Nausea.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Serious infections (e.g., tuberculosis, fungal infections).
• Malignancies such as lymphoma.
• Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis.
• New onset or worsening inflammatory bowel disease.
• Cardiovascular events.
• Neurologic disorders such as demyelinating disease.

When prescribing ustekinumab, clinicians should consider several safety aspects.

• Infection risk: screen for latent TB and monitor for signs of infection.
• Vaccination: avoid live vaccines during treatment.
• Cancer surveillance: monitor patients with a history of malignancy.
• Pregnancy and lactation: use only if the potential benefit justifies the risk.
• Storage at 2-8°C: keep refrigerated, protect from light, do not freeze or shake.

Ustekinumab may interact with other agents that affect immune function.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Live vaccines: concurrent use can cause severe infection.
• Systemic immunosuppressants (e.g., high‑dose corticosteroids): may increase infection risk.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Antifungal agents (e.g., azoles): may require monitoring for opportunistic infections.
• Antiviral drugs:
• Anticoagulants antico .
• Vaccines .
• Cytok .

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