Stelara SQ Injection Therapy

See why thousands of patients choose our centers as their preferred destination for ongoing care, including Stelara SQ Injection treatments.
Important Announcement

IVX Health was recently notified by the pharmaceutical manufacturer Janssen that six Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) – Palmetto, Noridian, NGS, WPS, Novitas, and First Coast Service Options - are adding the subcutaneous (injectable) formulation of its biologic therapy STELARA to their Self-Administered Drug (SAD) Exclusion List. Effective dates for the policy changes are as follows:

  • October 15, 2021: Palmetto, Noridian, and NGS
  • November 15, 2021: WPS
  • June 6, 2022: Novitas and First Coast Service Options

Medicare will no longer cover STELARA SQ injections under the medical benefit (Part B) and instead will cover STELARA SQ under the prescription benefit (Part D). This change limits the ability of providers, including IVX, to administer STELARA for Medicare patients and generally requires patients remaining on STELARA SQ to self-administer the injection at home.

Due to this classification change, IVX Health is no longer accepting new STELARA SQ patients with Medicare in the following states:

  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Florida
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Kansas / Missouri
  • Pennsylvania
  • Tennessee
  • Railroad Medicare patients in all states

NOTE: IVX Health will continue to accept STELARA IV patients with Medicare.

This change has immediate ramifications to patient care at IVX Health. IVX Health is proactively notifying referring providers about the classification change and the appropriate next steps for their patients. If you are an existing STELARA SQ patient at IVX Health and live in one of the aforementioned states, please contact your local IVX Health center immediately to discuss next steps.

Stelara SQ is a biologic therapy that is indicated to treat:

  • moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease (CD) where treatment with immunomodulators, corticosteroids, or one or more TNF blockers failed
  • active psoriatic arthritis
  • moderate to severe plaque psoriasis with a candidacy for phototherapy or systemic therapy

What is Stelara SQ?

What Is Stelara SQ? 

Stelara SQ (ustekinumab) is a prescription medication administered for patients in all IVX Health centers via subcutaneous injection. 

How Stelara SQ Works 

People with certain conditions have elevated levels of the proteins IL-12 and IL-23 that cause inflammation in the body. Stelara works by targeting and blocking the action of IL-12 and IL-23. 

Stelara SQ Injection Dosage & Administration

Stelara SQ Injection Dosage and Administration 

Patients receive ustekinumab via subcutaneous injection. 

Dosage and Frequency  

Stelara dosage depends on the patient’s condition. 

For Crohn’s patients, Stelara is administered via a single infusion, typically at least one hour, and followed by an injection once every eight weeks until patients have received six total injections. For patients with psoriatic arthritis or plaque psoriasis, Stelara is administered subcutaneously at week one and week 4, followed by doses received every 12 weeks. 

Stelara SQ Side Effects

Stelara SQ Injection Side Effects  

As with all medications, side effects are possible.  

Common side effects include: 

  • nasal congestion, sore throat, runny nose 
  • upper respiratory infections 
  • fever 
  • headache 
  • tiredness 
  • itching 
  • nausea and vomiting 
  • redness at the injection site 
  • vaginal yeast infections 
  • urinary tract infections 
  • sinus infections 
  • bronchitis 
  • diarrhea 
  • stomach pain 
  • joint pain 

Serious side effects include: 

  • cancer 
  • serious allergic reactions 
  • posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) 
  • lung inflammation

Preparing for Your Stelara SQ Injection

Follow these steps to prepare for your Stelara SQ Injection:

Consult Your Healthcare Provider

  • Medical History Review: Ensure your healthcare provider has a complete and up-to-date medical history, including any allergies, current medications, and past reactions to Injection.
  • Pre-Injection Testing: Complete any required blood tests or other pre-Injection tests as recommended by your healthcare provider.

Pre-Injection Medications

  • Prescription Pre-Medications: Your Stelara SQ Injection may require pre-medications to reduce the risk of a reaction or adverse event. Your referring provider will include any pre-medications when sending in your prescription order.
  • Instructions: Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding these medications, including the timing and dosage. Take these medications about 30-60 minutes before the Injection as directed.

Hydration and Nutrition

  • Hydrate: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your Injection to ensure you are well-hydrated.
  • Eat Light: Have a light meal before your Injection to help maintain your energy levels during the procedure.

Prepare for Comfort

  • Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing with easy access to your arms for the Injection site.
  • Entertainment: Bring something to keep you occupied, such as a book, tablet, or music, as your treatment or observation period may take several hours.

Plan for Transportation

  • Arrange a Ride: Depending on the medication and your reaction to the Injection, you might not feel well enough to drive yourself home. Consider arranging for someone to drive you or use a ride service.

By following these steps, you can help ensure that your Stelara SQ Injection is as safe and comfortable as possible. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare team.

How to Get a Referral for Stelara SQ

Every Stelara SQ Injection referral must be accompanied by a physician’s order for treatment.

Patient information should include:

  • Name
  • Current address
  • Home and mobile phone number
  • Insurance information

Information the physician must include on the patient’s order for therapy:

  • Patient’s name and DOB
  • Order date
  • Diagnosis
  • Physician’s name and NPI#
  • Office address, phone, and fax numbers
  • Provider’s signature

Clinical documentation from the physician should include information to support a diagnosis for one or more of the following:

  • moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease (CD) where treatment with immunomodulators, corticosteroids, or one or more TNF blockers failed
  • active psoriatic arthritis
  • moderate to severe plaque psoriasis with a candidacy for phototherapy or systemic therapy

If you or someone you care about has one of the conditions that Stelara SQ treats, IVX Health would be honored to provide your care. To find an IVX Health center near you, please click here.

Patients choose IVX Health for ongoing Stelara SQ treatments because:

  • ALL private suites
  • Comfortable recliners, with chairs for guests
  • Evening & weekend appointments
  • Friendly clinical staff deliver personal service
  • Big screen TVs, high-speed WiFi, free snacks

Interested in moving your care to IVX Health?

Stelara SQ Financial Assistance Programs

Information about financial assistance programs coming soon.

Stelara SQ Related Blog Posts

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The infusion experience is a tough one. So to create this serene, peaceful environment means more than you will ever know.

Jennifer, Patient at IVX Health

Interested?

IVX Health would love to learn more about your care needs. If you’re interested in switching your infusion services – or if you just want to learn more – let us know.

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