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Ustekinumab
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC DirectoryForms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Interleukin-12 Antagonist [EPC] | EPC | All 14 members |
| Interleukin-12 Antagonists [MoA] | MoA | All 14 members |
| Interleukin-23 Antagonist [EPC] | EPC | All 17 members |
| Interleukin-23 Antagonists [MoA] | MoA | All 17 members |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 761044-001 | STELARA | INJECTABLE | USTEKINUMAB | Prescription | — |
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supplement | 21 | Efficacy | Approved | August 28, 2026 | Standard |
| Supplement | 22 | Labeling | Approved | July 15, 2026 | Standard |
| Supplement | 20 | Efficacy | Approved | April 15, 2026 | Standard |
| Supplement | 19 | Labeling | Approved | November 3, 2025 | Standard |
| Supplement | 15 | Labeling | Approved | June 27, 2025 | Standard |
| Supplement | 16 | Labeling | Approved | April 1, 2025 | Standard |
| Supplement | 14 | Labeling | Approved | November 15, 2024 | Standard |
| Supplement | 13 | Labeling | Approved | March 18, 2024 | Standard |
| Supplement | 9 | Labeling | Approved | March 6, 2023 | Standard |
| Supplement | 10 | Labeling | Approved | July 29, 2022 | Standard |
| Supplement | 8 | Labeling | Approved | December 11, 2020 | Standard |
| Supplement | 6 | Labeling | Approved | December 1, 2020 | Standard |
| Supplement | 5 | Labeling | Approved | April 7, 2020 | Standard |
| Supplement | 1 | Labeling | Approved | November 7, 2019 | Standard |
| Supplement | 3 | Efficacy | Approved | October 18, 2019 | Standard |
| Original application | 1 | Type 3 - New Dosage Form | Approved | September 23, 2016 | Standard |
Review documents
- 0 · Supplement · September 1, 2026
- 0 · Supplement · September 1, 2026
- 0 · Supplement · September 1, 2026
- 0 · Supplement · April 20, 2026
- 0 · Supplement · April 16, 2026
- 0 · Supplement · November 4, 2025
- 0 · Supplement · November 4, 2025
- 0 · Supplement · July 3, 2025
- 0 · Supplement · June 30, 2025
- 0 · Supplement · April 8, 2025
- 0 · Supplement · April 2, 2025
- 0 · Supplement · November 19, 2024
- 0 · Supplement · March 21, 2024
- 0 · Supplement · March 19, 2024
- 0 · Supplement · March 7, 2023
- 0 · Supplement · March 7, 2023
- 0 · Supplement · August 1, 2022
- 0 · Supplement · August 1, 2022
- 0 · Supplement · September 24, 2021
- 0 · Supplement · December 15, 2020
- 0 · Supplement · December 14, 2020
- 0 · Supplement · December 2, 2020
- 0 · Supplement · December 1, 2020
- 0 · Supplement · April 13, 2020
- 0 · Supplement · November 14, 2019
- 0 · Supplement · November 12, 2019
- 0 · Supplement · October 24, 2019
- 0 · Supplement · October 21, 2019
- 0 · Original application · January 12, 2018
- 0 · Original application · September 29, 2016
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20260831). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Recent Major Changes
openFDA Drug LabelingIndications and Usage ( 1.3 ) 4/2026 Indications and Usage ( 1.4 ) 8/2026 Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 ) 4/2026 Dosage and Administration ( 2.6 , 2.8 ) 8/2026 Warnings and Precautions Infections ( 5.1 ) 8/2026 Serious Hypersensitivity Reactions ( 5.5 ) 11/2025
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug Labeling1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Ustekinumab is a human interleukin-12 and -23 antagonist indicated for the treatment of: Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy. ( 1.1 ) Active psoriatic arthritis in adults and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older. ( 1.2 ) Moderately to severely active Crohn's disease in adults and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older. ( 1.3 ) Moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis in adults and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older. ( 1.4 ) 1.1 Plaque Psoriasis (PsO) Ustekinumab is indicated for the treatment of adults and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy. 1.2 Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) Ustekinumab is indicated for the treatment of adults and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older with active psoriatic arthritis. 1.3 Crohn's Disease (CD) Ustekinumab is indicated for the treatment of adults and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease. 1.4 Ulcerative Colitis (UC) Ustekinumab is indicated for the treatment of adults and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis.
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug Labeling2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Adult Patients with Plaque Psoriasis Subcutaneous Recommended Dosage ( 2.1 ) : Weight Range (kilograms) Recommended Dosage less than or equal to 100 kg 45 mg administered subcutaneously initially and 4 weeks later, followed by 45 mg administered subcutaneously every 12 weeks greater than 100 kg 90 mg administered subcutaneously initially and 4 weeks later, followed by 90 mg administered subcutaneously every 12 weeks Pediatric Patients 6 Years of Age and Older with Plaque Psoriasis Subcutaneous Recommended Dosage ( 2.1 ) : Weight-based dosing is recommended at the initial dose, 4 weeks later, then every 12 weeks thereafter. Weight Range (kilograms) Recommended Dose less than 60 kg 0.75 mg/kg 60 kg to 100 kg 45 mg greater than 100 kg 90 mg Psoriatic Arthritis Adult Subcutaneous Recommended Dosage ( 2.2 ) : The recommended dosage is 45 mg administered subcutaneously initially and 4 weeks later, followed by 45 mg administered subcutaneously every 12 weeks. For patients with co-existent moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis weighing greater than 100 kg, the recommended dosage is 90 mg administered subcutaneously initially and 4 weeks later, followed by 90 mg administered subcutaneously every 12 weeks. Psoriatic Arthritis Pediatric Patients 6 Years of Age and Older Subcutaneous Recommended Dosage ( 2.2 ) : Weight-based dosing is recommended at the initial dose, 4 weeks later, then every 12 weeks thereafter. Weight Range (kilograms) Recommended Dose less than 60 kg 0.75 mg/kg 60 kg or more 45 mg greater than 100 kg with co-existent moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis 90 mg Crohn's Disease Initial Adult Intravenous Recommended Dose ( 2.3 ) : A single intravenous infusion using weight-based dosing: Weight Range (kilograms) Recommended Dose 55 kg or less 260 mg greater than 55 kg to 85 kg 390 mg greater than 85 kg 520 mg Crohn's Disease Maintenance Adult Subcutaneous Recommended Dosage ( 2.3 ) : A subcutaneous 90 mg dose 8 weeks after the initial intravenous dose, then every 8 weeks thereafter. Crohn's Disease Initial Pediatric Intravenous Recommended Dose ( 2.4 ) : For patients weighing 10 kg or more : A single intravenous infusion using weight-based dosing: Weight Range (kilograms) Recommended Dose 10 kg to 25 kg 10 mg/kg greater than 25 kg to 55 kg 260 mg greater than 55 kg to 85 kg 390 mg greater than 85 kg 520 mg Crohn's Disease Maintenance Pediatric Subcutaneous Recommended Dosage ( 2.4 ) : The recommended maintenance dosage in pediatric patients using weight-based dosing is: 10 kg to 35 kg : A subcutaneous 2.5 mg/kg dose administered 8 weeks after the initial intravenous dose, then every 8 weeks thereafter. Greater than 35 kg : A subcutaneous 90 mg dose administered 8 weeks after the initial intravenous dose, then every 8 weeks thereafter. Ulcerative Colitis Initial Adult Intravenous Recommended Dose ( 2.5 ) : A single intravenous infusion using weight-based dosing: Weight Range (kilograms) Recommended Dose up to 55 kg 260 mg greater than 55 kg to 85 kg 390 mg greater than 85 kg 520 mg Ulcerative Colitis Maintenance Adult Subcutaneous Recommended Dosage ( 2.5 ) : A subcutaneous 90 mg dose 8 weeks after the initial intravenous dose, then every 8 weeks thereafter. Ulcerative Colitis Initial Pediatric Intravenous Recommended Dosage ( 2.6 ): For patients weighing 10 kg or more : A single intravenous infusion using weight-based dosing: Weight Range (kilograms) Recommended Dose 10 kg to 25 kg 10 mg/kg greater than 25 kg to 55 kg 260 mg greater than 55 kg to 85 kg 390 mg greater than 85 kg 520 mg Ulcerative Colitis Maintenance Pediatric Subcutaneous Recommended Dosage ( 2.6 ) : The recommended maintenance dosage in pediatric patients using weight-based dosing is: 10 kg to 35 kg : A subcutaneous 2.5 mg/kg dose administered 8 weeks after the initial intravenous dose, then every 8 weeks thereafter. Greater than 35 kg : A subcutaneous 90 mg dose administered 8 weeks after the initial intravenous dose, then every 8 …
Dosage Forms and Strengths
openFDA Drug Labeling3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Ustekinumab (ustekinumab) is a colorless to light yellow solution and may contain a few small translucent or white particles. Subcutaneous Injection Injection: 45 mg/0.5 mL or 90 mg/mL solution in a single-dose prefilled syringe Injection: 45 mg/0.5 mL solution in a single-dose vial Intravenous Infusion Injection: 130 mg/26 mL (5 mg/mL) solution in a single-dose vial Subcutaneous Injection ( 3 ) Injection: 45 mg/0.5 mL or 90 mg/mL solution in a single-dose prefilled syringe Injection: 45 mg/0.5 mL solution in a single-dose vial Intravenous Infusion ( 3 ) Injection: 130 mg/26 mL (5 mg/mL) solution in a single-dose vial
Contraindications
openFDA Drug Labeling4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Ustekinumab is contraindicated in patients with clinically significant hypersensitivity to any ustekinumab product or to any of the excipients in Ustekinumab [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ]. Clinically significant hypersensitivity to any ustekinumab product or to any of the excipients in Ustekinumab. ( 4 )
Warnings and Cautions
openFDA Drug Labeling5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Infections : Serious infections have occurred. Avoid starting Ustekinumab during any clinically important active infection. If a serious infection or clinically significant infection develops, discontinue Ustekinumab until the infection resolves. ( 5.1 ) Theoretical Risk for Particular Infections : Serious infections from mycobacteria, salmonella, and Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccinations have been reported in patients genetically deficient in IL-12/IL-23. Consider diagnostic tests for these infections as dictated by clinical circumstances. ( 5.2 ) Tuberculosis (TB) : Evaluate patients for TB prior to initiating treatment with Ustekinumab. Initiate treatment of latent TB before administering Ustekinumab. ( 5.3 ) Malignancies : Ustekinumab may increase risk of malignancy. The safety of Ustekinumab in patients with a history of or a known malignancy has not been evaluated. ( 5.4 ) Serious Hypersensitivity Reactions : If a severe or other clinically significant hypersensitivity reaction occurs, discontinue Ustekinumab immediately and initiate appropriate medical treatment. ( 5.5 ) Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) : If PRES is suspected, treat promptly, and discontinue Ustekinumab. ( 5.6 ) Immunizations : Avoid use of live vaccines in patients during treatment with Ustekinumab. ( 5.7 ) Noninfectious Pneumonia : Cases of interstitial pneumonia, eosinophilic pneumonia, and cryptogenic organizing pneumonia have been reported during post-approval use of Ustekinumab. If diagnosis is confirmed, discontinue Ustekinumab and institute appropriate treatment. ( 5.8 ) 5.1 Infections Ustekinumab may increase the risk of infections and reactivation of latent infections. Serious bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal, and viral infections were observed in patients receiving Ustekinumab [see Adverse Reactions (6.1 , 6.2) ] . Serious infections requiring hospitalization, or otherwise clinically significant infections, reported in clinical trials included the following: Plaque Psoriasis : diverticulitis, cellulitis, pneumonia, appendicitis, cholecystitis, sepsis, osteomyelitis, viral infections, gastroenteritis, and urinary tract infections. Psoriatic arthritis : cholecystitis. Crohn's disease in adults : anal abscess, gastroenteritis, ophthalmic herpes zoster, pneumonia, and listeria meningitis. Crohn's disease in pediatrics : Aeromonas gastroenteritis. Ulcerative colitis in adults : gastroenteritis, ophthalmic herpes zoster, pneumonia, and listeriosis. Ulcerative colitis in pediatrics : salmonellosis and cytomegalovirus. Avoid initiating treatment with Ustekinumab in patients with any clinically important active infection until the infection resolves or is adequately treated. Consider the risks and benefits of treatment prior to initiating use of Ustekinumab in patients with a chronic infection or a history of recurrent infection. Instruct patients to seek medical advice if signs or symptoms suggestive of an infection occur while on treatment with Ustekinumab and discontinue Ustekinumab for serious or clinically significant infections until the infection resolves or is adequately treated. 5.2 Theoretical Risk for Vulnerability to Particular Infections Individuals genetically deficient in IL-12/IL-23 are particularly vulnerable to disseminated infections from mycobacteria (including nontuberculous, environmental mycobacteria), salmonella (including nontyphi strains), and Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccinations. Serious infections and fatal outcomes have been reported in such patients. It is not known whether patients with pharmacologic blockade of IL-12/IL-23 from treatment with Ustekinumab may be susceptible to these types of infections. Consider appropriate diagnostic testing, (e.g., tissue culture, stool culture, as dictated by clinical circumstances). 5.3 Pre-treatment Evaluation for Tuberculosis Evaluate patients for tuberculosis infection prior to initiating treatment with Ustekinumab. Avoid …
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug Labeling6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere in the label: Infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Serious Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Noninfectious Pneumonia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Most common adverse reactions are: Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (≥3%) : nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and fatigue. ( 6.1 ) Crohn's Disease induction (≥3%): vomiting. ( 6.1 ) maintenance (≥3%): nasopharyngitis, injection site erythema, vulvovaginal candidiasis/mycotic infection, bronchitis, pruritus, urinary tract infection, and sinusitis. ( 6.1 ) Ulcerative Colitis induction (≥3%): nasopharyngitis. ( 6.1 ) maintenance (≥3%): nasopharyngitis, headache, abdominal pain, influenza, fever, diarrhea, sinusitis, fatigue, and nausea. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Janssen Biotech, Inc. at 1-800-526-7736 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adult Subjects with Plaque Psoriasis The safety data reflect exposure to Ustekinumab in 3117 adult subjects with plaque psoriasis, including 2414 exposed for at least 6 months, 1855 exposed for at least one year, 1653 exposed for at least two years, 1569 exposed for at least three years, 1482 exposed for at least four years and 838 exposed for at least five years. Table 9 summarizes the adverse reactions that occurred at a rate of at least 1% with higher rates in the Ustekinumab groups during the placebo-controlled period of Ps STUDY 1 and Ps STUDY 2 [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . Table 9: Adverse Reactions, Reported by ≥1% of Subjects with Plaque Psoriasis and at Higher Rates in the Ustekinumab Groups through Week 12 in Ps STUDY 1 and Ps STUDY 2 Ustekinumab Placebo 45 mg 90 mg Subjects treated 665 664 666 Nasopharyngitis 51 (8%) 56 (8%) 49 (7%) Upper respiratory tract infection 30 (5%) 36 (5%) 28 (4%) Headache 23 (3%) 33 (5%) 32 (5%) Fatigue 14 (2%) 18 (3%) 17 (3%) Back pain 8 (1%) 9 (1%) 14 (2%) Dizziness 8 (1%) 8 (1%) 14 (2%) Pharyngolaryngeal pain 7 (1%) 9 (1%) 12 (2%) Pruritus 9 (1%) 10 (2%) 9 (1%) Injection site erythema 3 (<1%) 6 (1%) 13 (2%) Myalgia 4 (1%) 7 (1%) 8 (1%) Depression 3 (<1%) 8 (1%) 4 (1%) Adverse reactions that occurred at rates less than 1% in the controlled period of Ps STUDIES 1 and 2 through week 12 included: cellulitis, herpes zoster, diverticulitis, and certain injection site reactions (pain, swelling, pruritus, induration, hemorrhage, bruising, and irritation). One case of PRES occurred during clinical trials in adult subjects with plaque psoriasis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] . Infections In the placebo-controlled period of clinical trials of subjects with plaque psoriasis (average follow-up of 12.6 weeks for subjects receiving placebo and 13.4 weeks for Ustekinumab-treated subjects), 27% of Ustekinumab-treated subjects reported infections (1.39 per patient-years of follow-up) compared with 24% of subjects receiving placebo (1.21 per patient-years of follow-up). Serious infections occurred in 0.3% of Ustekinumab-treated subjects (0.01 per patient-years of follow-up) and in 0.4% of subjects receiving placebo (0.02 per patient-years of follow-up) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . In the controlled and non-controlled portions of clinical trials in subjects with plaque psoriasis (median follow-up of 3.2 years), representing 8998 patient-years of exposure, 72.3% of Ustekinumab-treated subjects reported infections (0.87 per patient-years of follow-up). Serious infections were report …
Drug Interactions
openFDA Drug Labeling7 DRUG INTERACTIONS 7.1 Concomitant Therapies In trials in subjects with plaque psoriasis the safety of Ustekinumab in combination with immunosuppressive agents or phototherapy has not been evaluated. In trials in subjects with psoriatic arthritis, concomitant MTX use did not appear to influence the safety or efficacy of Ustekinumab. In trials in subjects with Crohn's disease (CD-1 and CD-2) and ulcerative colitis (UC-1), immunomodulators (6-MP, AZA, MTX) were used concomitantly in approximately 30% of subjects and corticosteroids were used concomitantly in approximately 40% and 50% of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis subjects, respectively. Use of these concomitant therapies did not appear to influence the overall safety or efficacy of Ustekinumab. 7.2 CYP450 Substrates The formation of CYP450 enzymes can be suppressed by increased levels of certain cytokines (e.g., IL-1, IL-6, TNFα, IFN) during chronic inflammation. Thus, use of Ustekinumab, an antagonist of IL-12 and IL-23, could normalize the formation of CYP450 enzymes. Upon initiation or discontinuation of Ustekinumab in patients who are receiving concomitant CYP450 substrates, particularly those with a narrow therapeutic index, consider monitoring for therapeutic effect or drug concentration and adjust the individual dosage of the CYP substrate as needed. See the prescribing information of specific CYP substrates. A CYP-mediated drug interaction effect was not observed in subjects with Crohn's disease [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 7.3 Allergen Immunotherapy Ustekinumab has not been evaluated in patients who have undergone allergy immunotherapy. Ustekinumab may decrease the protective effect of allergen immunotherapy (decrease tolerance) which may increase the risk of an allergic reaction to a dose of allergen immunotherapy. Therefore, caution should be exercised in patients receiving or who have received allergen immunotherapy, particularly for anaphylaxis.
Use in Specific Populations
openFDA Drug Labeling8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS)/MotherToBaby Ustekinumab Pregnancy Registry, published literature and pharmacovigilance in pregnant women have not identified a Ustekinumab-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes (see Data ) . There are risks to the mother and the fetus associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in pregnancy. In animal reproductive and developmental toxicity studies, no adverse developmental effects were observed in offspring after administration of ustekinumab to pregnant monkeys at exposures greater than 100 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD). All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage of clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-associated Maternal and Embryo/Fetal Risk Published data suggest that the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with IBD is associated with increased disease activity. Adverse pregnancy outcomes include preterm delivery (before 37 weeks of gestation), low birth weight (less than 2500 g) infants, and small for gestational age at birth. Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions Transport of endogenous IgG antibodies across the placenta increases as pregnancy progresses, and peaks during the third trimester. Therefore, Ustekinumab may be present in infants exposed in utero . The potential clinical impact of ustekinumab exposure in infants exposed in utero should be considered. Data Human Data An observational pregnancy registry conducted by (OTIS)/MotherToBaby in the U.S. and Canada (enrollment between 2013 and 2019) assessed the risk of major birth defects, pattern of major and minor anomalies in live-born infants, miscarriage, and adverse infant outcomes in women with Ustekinumab exposure. In the registry study, there were 101 participants and 107 pregnancies with exposure to Ustekinumab (88 prospective; 19 retrospective). Most participants had a primary indication of CD (65.4%) or psoriasis (30.8%). The pregnancy registry did not identify a Ustekinumab-associated risk of major birth defects, pattern of major or minor anomalies, increased risk of miscarriage or adverse infant outcomes. Methodological limitations of the registry include small sample size, lack of an internal comparison group, a mix of prospective and retrospective reports, and unmeasured confounders. The conclusions from the pregnancy registry were consistent with the published literature and pharmacovigilance. Animal Data Ustekinumab was tested in two embryo-fetal development toxicity studies in cynomolgus monkeys. No teratogenic or other adverse developmental effects were observed in fetuses from pregnant monkeys that were administered ustekinumab subcutaneously twice weekly or intravenously weekly during the period of organogenesis. Serum concentrations of ustekinumab in pregnant monkeys were greater than 100 times the serum concentration in patients treated subcutaneously with 90 mg of ustekinumab weekly for 4 weeks. In a combined embryo-fetal development and pre- and post-natal development toxicity study, pregnant cynomolgus monkeys were administered subcutaneous doses of ustekinumab twice weekly at exposures greater than 100 times the MRHD from the beginning of organogenesis to Day 33 after delivery. Neonatal deaths occurred in the offspring of one monkey administered ustekinumab at 22.5 mg/kg and one monkey dosed at 45 mg/kg. No ustekinumab-related-effects on functional, morphological, or immunological development were observed in the neonates from birth through six months of age. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Limited data from published literature suggests that ustekinumab is present in human breast milk. There are no available d …
Mechanism of Action
openFDA Drug Labeling12.1 Mechanism of Action Ustekinumab is a human IgG1қ monoclonal antibody that binds with specificity to the p40 protein subunit used by both the IL-12 and IL-23 cytokines. IL-12 and IL-23 are naturally occurring cytokines that are involved in inflammatory and immune responses, such as natural killer cell activation and CD4+ T-cell differentiation and activation. In in vitro models, ustekinumab was shown to disrupt IL-12 and IL-23 mediated signaling and cytokine cascades by disrupting the interaction of these cytokines with a shared cell-surface receptor chain, IL-12Rβ1. The cytokines IL-12 and IL-23 have been implicated as important contributors to the chronic inflammation that is a hallmark of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. In animal models of colitis, genetic absence or antibody blockade of the p40 subunit of IL-12 and IL-23, the target of ustekinumab, was shown to be protective.
Description
openFDA Drug Labeling11 DESCRIPTION Ustekinumab, a human IgG1κ monoclonal antibody, is a human interleukin-12 and -23 antagonist. Using DNA recombinant technology, ustekinumab is produced in a murine cell line (Sp2/0). The manufacturing process contains steps for the clearance of viruses. Ustekinumab is comprised of 1326 amino acids and has an estimated molecular mass that ranges from 148,079 to 149,690 Daltons. Ustekinumab ® (ustekinumab) injection is a sterile, preservative-free, colorless to light yellow solution and may contain a few small translucent or white particles with pH of 5.7–6.3. Ustekinumab for Subcutaneous Use Available as 45 mg of ustekinumab in 0.5 mL and 90 mg of ustekinumab in 1 mL, supplied as a sterile solution in a single-dose prefilled syringe with a 27 gauge fixed 1⁄2 inch needle and as 45 mg of ustekinumab in 0.5 mL in a single-dose Type I glass vial with a coated stopper. The syringe is fitted with a passive needle guard and a needle cover that contains dry natural rubber (a derivative of latex). Each 0.5 mL prefilled syringe or vial delivers 45 mg ustekinumab, L-histidine and L-histidine monohydrochloride monohydrate (0.5 mg), Polysorbate 80 (0.02 mg), and sucrose (38 mg). Each 1 mL prefilled syringe delivers 90 mg ustekinumab, L-histidine and L-histidine monohydrochloride monohydrate (1 mg), Polysorbate 80 (0.04 mg), and sucrose (76 mg). Ustekinumab for Intravenous Infusion Available as 130 mg of ustekinumab in 26 mL, supplied as a single-dose Type I glass vial with a coated stopper. Each 26 mL vial delivers 130 mg ustekinumab, EDTA disodium salt dihydrate (0.52 mg), L-histidine (20 mg), L-histidine hydrochloride monohydrate (27 mg), L-methionine (10.4 mg), Polysorbate 80 (10.4 mg), and sucrose (2210 mg).
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug Labeling16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Ustekinumab ® (ustekinumab) injection is a sterile, preservative-free, colorless to light yellow solution and may contain a few small translucent or white particles. It is supplied as individually packaged, single-dose prefilled syringes or single-dose vials. For Subcutaneous Use Prefilled Syringes 45 mg/0.5 mL (NDC 57894-440-01) 90 mg/mL (NDC 57894-441-01) Each prefilled syringe is equipped with a 27-gauge fixed 1⁄2 inch needle, a needle safety guard, and a needle cover that contains dry natural rubber. Single-dose Vial 45 mg/0.5 mL (NDC 57894-440-03) For Intravenous Infusion Single-dose Vial 130 mg/26 mL (5 mg/mL) (NDC 57894-444-01) Storage and Stability Store Ustekinumab vials and prefilled syringes refrigerated between 2 oC to 8 oC (36 oF to 46 oF). Store Ustekinumab vials upright. Keep the product in the original carton to protect from light until the time of use. Do not freeze. Do not shake. If needed, individual prefilled syringes may be stored at room temperature up to 30 °C (86 °F) for a maximum single period of up to 30 days in the original carton to protect from light. Record the date when the prefilled syringe is first removed from the refrigerator on the carton in the space provided. Once a syringe has been stored at room temperature, do not return to the refrigerator. Discard the syringe if not used within 30 days at room temperature storage. Do not use Ustekinumab after the expiration date on the carton or on the prefilled syringe.
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: USTEKINUMAB. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 82507-004-01 | 82507-004 | AGC Biologics A/S | 6 L in 1 BAG (82507-004-01) | July 4, 2024 |
| 57894-444-01 | 57894-444 | Janssen Biotech, Inc. | 1 VIAL, SINGLE-USE in 1 BOX (57894-444-01) / 26 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-USE | April 1, 2025 |
| 82507-004 | 82507-004 | AGC Biologics A/S | — | July 4, 2024 |
| 57894-444 | 57894-444 | Janssen Biotech, Inc. | — | April 1, 2025 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
| Purple Book | FDA | Biologic licence classification |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 11 sections on this page.