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Guselkumab

Pronounced

"GUE-sel-KOO-mab"

Common brand names:

Tremfya

Uses

This medication is used to treat plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. 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. Guselkumab can help lessen the red, scaly, itchy patches of skin caused by plaque psoriasis and lessen the pain and swelling in the joints caused by psoriatic arthritis.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Medication Guide and Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using guselkumab and each time you get a refill. 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.

This medication is given by injection under your skin as directed by your doctor. You may receive your first dose in the doctor's office. After the first dose, another dose is usually given 4 weeks later, followed by doses every 8 weeks. The injection is given in the upper arms, thighs, or abdomen (at least 2 inches from your belly button). Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

If you are using this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional and the product instructions. Wash your hands before using this medication. Remove the medication from the refrigerator 30 minutes before you inject it to allow it to reach room temperature. Do not warm up this medication any other way such as by heating in the microwave, placing in hot water, or leaving it in direct sunlight. Do not shake the medication. The medication should be colorless to light yellow. It may contain small white or clear particles. Before using, check this product visually for cloudiness, large particles, or discoloration. If you see any of these things, do not use the liquid. Before injecting each dose, clean 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. It may help to mark your calendar with a reminder.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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Information expires December 2024.