Hi There---I had to look up Sterlara! It seems to be an immune lowering medication, so for SURE one thing for you to avoid is taking any attenuated (live virus) vaccines. Also, if you are worried about getting infected with COVID while on Stelara, there is a drug called Evusheld that you can take that boosts the immunity of those on immune suppressive meds and the affects last several months. So, for example, if you are planning to be in a highly populated situation where there are not a lot of mask wearers (like a cruise), you may want to talk to your doctor about getting Evusheld beforehand. Other than this, I would recommend you look it up and see what the manufacturer says are "contraindications" or "warnings".

@RHolt posted:

Hi There---I had to look up Sterlara! It seems to be an immune lowering medication, so for SURE one thing for you to avoid is taking any attenuated (live virus) vaccines. Also, if you are worried about getting infected with COVID while on Stelara, there is a drug called Evusheld that you can take that boosts the immunity of those on immune suppressive meds and the affects last several months. So, for example, if you are planning to be in a highly populated situation where there are not a lot of mask wearers (like a cruise), you may want to talk to your doctor about getting Evusheld beforehand. Other than this, I would recommend you look it up and see what the manufacturer says are "contraindications" or "warnings".

I’m assuming you don’t take Stelara?

YTCrockpot, I do not take Stelara, but I would not hesitate to take an immune suppressor if my doctor thought it was good for me to do.  They have helped a lot of people with autoimmunity.

I’m looking for advice from pouchers that have taken it.

Stelara has been the only drug that has helped me

@Susan33 posted:

Stelara has been the only drug that has helped me

Have you had any restrictions while on it, activities, traveling or being around people?

I have been on Stelara for 3 years. Doctor didn't give me any restrictions.

Hi, @ytcrockpot - I've been on Stelara since February of this year. Before starting Stelara, I had to undergo immunizations for a bunch of illnesses including hepatitis and pneumonia, but otherwise my gastroenterologist basically told me to live my life once I began feeling better. I live and work in Greater Boston, so I continue to mask up on public transportation--as well as in supermarkets, my place of worship, and other large public indoor settings. I work for an employer which requires all employees and vendors to be fully vaxxed against COVID, so I am comfortable about working in person and being around other people there. Many restaurants here offer outdoor seating, and my family and friends have always enjoyed outdoor activities, so I haven't felt constrained by being on Stelara in any way - at least so far. I may feel differently when winter weather returns. (Even if I weren't on Stelara, I would have continued to mask up anyway in indoor public spaces.) FWIW, I got results from Stelara really quickly with a dramatic reduction in symptoms and returned to my old energy and activity level. Your mileage may vary -- the response time is usually 3-6 months--but for those it works for, Stelara can be a game-changer. I hope that's your experience. Definitely let me know if you have any more questions! Wishing you all the best!

@Portia thank you so much, hearing this gives me hope that it just might be helpful to me.  I mask up for the most part. Glad your doing so well on it

My doc hasn’t given me any restrictions but to be careful bc it lowers immunity. I do mask up in large crowds but not in all circumstances.