How long for Stelara to work? And increase of dose?

In the rheumatology world there is some flexibility in dose and frequency but this is in adult patients. Meds are often weight based in the pediatric population so this may not apply. I would talk to your son’s GI doc.

The onset of action for most biologics is fairly quick—within 1-2 months. This is of course variable between patients.  Did he receive the loading doses? There can be continued improvement after 3 months but would expect to see some effect at the 3 month mark.

I’m sorry the Stelara doesn’t seem to be working. I hope you find something that does.  

Thanks. My son is a young adult. He had the usual loading dose.

@boy's mom posted:

After 9 years of Humira it stopped working for my son ( Crohn's diagnosis after J pouch surgery 10 years ago) .He has been switched to Stelara - started 3 and 1/2 months ago. He had bridge medicines ( cipro, Entocort) but once off those  supplemental meds, it does not seem like Stelara is working.  How long have people found it takes for Stelara to work? How long do you give it? And has anyone upped their dosage to take it more frequently than 8 weeks? Thank you.

They say it can take anywhere from 3-6 months, I will be starting Stelara in 2 weeks. Fingers crossed it works for both of us.

I was on Stelara for a year. It did not work for me.

I have been on Stelara for 3 years after other medicines eventually stopped working.  I'm getting an injection every 8 weeks.  I get tested for it occasionally, and one time my doctor changed it to every 4 weeks for few months, until I was back to acceptable level.  Stelara is insanely expensive when you don't qualify for the discount.

Thanks ELH. How long did it take for the Stelara to kick in? And what level of the medicine do you need to be at?

I can't remember how long it took to kick in. The transition from previous medicine was smooth. I'm taking Stelara 90 mg per shot.