How many injections of Ustekinumab are required a year?

Ustekinumab is a monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interleukin-23 (IL-23). It is mainly used to treat autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn's disease. The dosage regimen is relatively fixed and is generally divided into two stages: initial injection and maintenance injection. The injection frequency is adjusted according to the patient's specific condition and the doctor's guidance.

At the beginning of treatment, patients usually receive one injection each at week 0 (first injection) and week 4 to help quickly reach the effective blood concentration of the drug. After completing the initial two doses, enter the maintenance treatment phase. The injection frequency during the maintenance phase is usually once every 12 weeks (about 3 months). This interval can not only maintain the drug effect, but also facilitate long-term medication use for patients.

Over the course of a year, a standard ustekinumab treatment regimen typically consists of five injections: one at week 0, one at week 4, and then every 12 weeks for a total of three maintenance doses. The specific number of injections may be adjusted based on the patient's response and tolerance, and some patients may appropriately extend or shorten the maintenance injection interval under the guidance of a doctor.
In general, the administration frequency of ustekinumab is relatively low, making it easier for patients to adhere to long-term treatment, while reducing the discomfort and medical resource consumption caused by the number of injections. Patients should undergo regular follow-up visits during medication, and the injection plan should be adjusted based on efficacy and adverse reactions to ensure safe and effective treatment.
Reference: https://www.drugs.com/