Foods to Avoid While on Stelara

Stelara (ustekinumab) is a biologic medication used to treat plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. It works by blocking the activity of two proteins that are involved in inflammation.

While Stelara is generally well-tolerated, it can weaken the immune system. This means that people taking Stelara are more likely to get infections. There are a few foods that people taking Stelara should avoid to help reduce their risk of infection.

* **Undercooked meat, poultry, and eggs**. These foods can contain harmful bacteria, such as salmonella, that can cause serious infections in people with weakened immune systems.

* **Raw shellfish**. Raw shellfish can contain harmful bacteria, such as Vibrio vulnificus, that can cause serious infections, including sepsis, in people with weakened immune systems.

* **Soft cheeses**. Soft cheeses, such as Brie, Camembert, and blue cheese, are made with unpasteurized milk, which can contain harmful bacteria.

* **Unwashed fruits and vegetables**. Fruits and vegetables that are not washed properly can contain harmful bacteria.

* **Sprouts**. Sprouts, such as alfalfa sprouts and radish sprouts, are grown in warm, moist conditions, which can make them a breeding ground for harmful bacteria.

It is important to note that these are just a few examples of foods that people taking Stelara should avoid. It is always best to talk to your doctor about what foods you should avoid based on your individual health history.

In addition to avoiding certain foods, there are other things that people taking Stelara can do to reduce their risk of infection. These include:

* **Washing your hands often**. This is the most important thing you can do to prevent the spread of infection.

* **Avoiding contact with people who are sick**. If you must be around someone who is sick, wash your hands often and avoid touching their face or body fluids.

* **Getting vaccinated**. Make sure you are up-to-date on all of your vaccinations, especially those that protect against pneumonia, influenza, and shingles.

* **Seeing your doctor regularly**. Your doctor can monitor your health and make sure you are taking Stelara safely.

By following these tips, you can help reduce your risk of infection while taking Stelara.

What cancers can stelara cause?

Stelara (ustekinumab) is a biologic medication used to treat plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. It works by blocking the activity of two proteins that are involved in inflammation.

Stelara can weaken the immune system, which makes it more likely that a person taking the medication will develop cancer. The most common types of cancer that have been reported in people taking Stelara are:

* **Non-melanoma skin cancer**. This is the most common type of cancer in general. It is caused by abnormal cell growth in the skin.

* **Melanoma**. This is a more serious type of skin cancer that can spread to other parts of the body.

* **Lymphoma**. This is a cancer of the lymph system, which is part of the immune system.

* **Leukemia**. This is a cancer of the blood cells.

* **Other types of cancer**. There have been reports of other types of cancer in people taking Stelara, but these are less common.

It is important to note that not everyone who takes Stelara will develop cancer. The risk of cancer is increased in people who have a family history of cancer or who have other risk factors for cancer.

If you are taking Stelara, it is important to talk to your doctor about your risk of cancer. Your doctor can monitor your health and watch for any signs of cancer.

Here are some tips to help reduce your risk of cancer while taking Stelara:

* **Get regular skin checks**. Your doctor or a dermatologist can look for any changes in your skin that could be a sign of cancer.

* **Avoid sun exposure**. The sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer. If you must be in the sun, wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and protective clothing.

* **Stop smoking**. Smoking damages your DNA and increases your risk of cancer.

* **Eat a healthy diet**. A healthy diet can help reduce your risk of cancer.

* **Exercise regularly**. Exercise can help reduce your risk of cancer.

* **Maintain a healthy weight**. Obesity is a risk factor for many types of cancer.

By following these tips, you can help reduce your risk of cancer while taking Stelara.

Is stelara a high risk medication?

Stelara (ustekinumab) is a biologic medication that is used to treat a variety of autoimmune diseases, including plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. It is a relatively new medication, and it is still being studied.

Stelara is considered to be a high-risk medication because it can cause serious side effects, including:

* **Infections**. Stelara can weaken the immune system, which makes it more likely that a person taking the medication will develop infections. The most common infections reported in people taking Stelara are upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold. However, more serious infections, such as pneumonia and tuberculosis, have also been reported.

* **Cancer**. Stelara can increase the risk of certain types of cancer, including non-melanoma skin cancer, melanoma, lymphoma, and leukemia. The risk of cancer is increased in people who have a family history of cancer or who have other risk factors for cancer.

* **Allergic reactions**. Severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported in people taking Stelara. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention.

* **Other side effects**. Other side effects of Stelara can include:

    * Headache

    * Fatigue

    * Muscle pain

    * Joint pain

    * Nausea

    * Vomiting

    * Diarrhea

    * Rash

    * Itching

    * Redness at the injection site

It is important to note that not everyone who takes Stelara will experience these side effects. The risk of side effects is increased in people who have certain medical conditions or who are taking other medications.

If you are considering taking Stelara, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of the medication. Your doctor can help you decide if Stelara is right for you.

What cancers are caused by stelara?

Stelara (ustekinumab) is a biologic medication that is used to treat a variety of autoimmune diseases, including plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. It works by blocking the activity of two proteins that are involved in inflammation.

Stelara has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, particularly non-melanoma skin cancer, melanoma, lymphoma, and leukemia. The risk of cancer is increased in people who have a family history of cancer or who have other risk factors for cancer.

The following cancers have been reported in people taking Stelara:

* **Non-melanoma skin cancer:** This is the most common type of cancer in general. It is caused by abnormal cell growth in the skin.

* **Melanoma:** This is a more serious type of skin cancer that can spread to other parts of the body.

* **Lymphoma:** This is a cancer of the lymph system, which is part of the immune system.

* **Leukemia:** This is a cancer of the blood cells.

It is important to note that not everyone who takes Stelara will develop cancer. The risk of cancer is increased in people who have a family history of cancer or who have other risk factors for cancer.

If you are taking Stelara, it is important to talk to your doctor about your risk of cancer. Your doctor can monitor your health and watch for any signs of cancer.

Here are some tips to help reduce your risk of cancer while taking Stelara:

* **Get regular skin checks:** Your doctor or a dermatologist can look for any changes in your skin that could be a sign of cancer.

* **Avoid sun exposure:** The sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer. If you must be in the sun, wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and protective clothing.

* **Stop smoking:** Smoking damages your DNA and increases your risk of cancer.

* **Eat a healthy diet:** A healthy diet can help reduce your risk of cancer.

* **Exercise regularly:** Exercise can help reduce your risk of cancer.

* **Maintain a healthy weight:** Obesity is a risk factor for many types of cancer.

By following these tips, you can help reduce your risk of cancer while taking Stelara.

How long should you take stelara?

The duration of Stelara treatment varies depending on the condition being treated. For plaque psoriasis, Stelara is typically given every 12 weeks for up to 4 years. For psoriatic arthritis, Stelara is typically given every 12 weeks for up to 2 years. For Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, Stelara is typically given every 8 weeks for up to 2 years.

Your doctor will determine how long you should take Stelara based on your individual condition and response to treatment. If your condition improves and you are able to maintain remission, you may be able to stop taking Stelara. However, if your condition worsens or you experience a relapse, you may need to continue taking Stelara for a longer period of time.

It is important to note that Stelara is not a cure for any of the conditions it is used to treat. It is a treatment that helps to control the symptoms of these conditions. If you stop taking Stelara, your symptoms may return.

Here are some things to keep in mind if you are taking Stelara:

* **See your doctor regularly:** It is important to see your doctor regularly while you are taking Stelara. Your doctor will monitor your condition and make sure that Stelara is safe and effective for you.

* **Report any side effects:** If you experience any side effects while you are taking Stelara, be sure to report them to your doctor. Stelara can cause serious side effects, so it is important to be aware of any changes in your health.

* **Get regular vaccinations:** Stelara can weaken your immune system, so it is important to get regular vaccinations. This will help to protect you from infections.

* **Avoid contact with people who are sick:** If you come into contact with someone who is sick, be sure to wash your hands often. This will help to prevent the spread of infection.

* **Talk to your doctor about other medications:** If you are taking other medications, be sure to talk to your doctor about how Stelara may interact with them. Stelara can interact with other medications, so it is important to be aware of any potential risks.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your Stelara treatment is safe and effective.

Source: 😀 bard.google.com