Can Ustekinumab be used again after 3 years of discontinuation?

Ustekinumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that regulates immune responses mainly by targeting the interleukin -12 and interleukin -23 (IL-12/23) pathways. It is widely used in the treatment of chronic immune diseases such as moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Due to its stable onset of action and long-lasting effect, it is considered a biological agent suitable for long-term management.

As to whether ustekinumab can be restarted after 3 years after discontinuation, the answer is yes in most cases. Many patients who interrupt treatment due to remission or other reasons can still restart ustekinumab treatment if their disease relapses. Clinical research and practice have shown that the drug still has a good therapeutic response when used again, and immune tolerance is usually not significantly changed.

Although ustekinumab can usually be restarted many years after discontinuation, a thorough evaluation is recommended before restarting, including disease activity, previous drug reactions, adverse event records, and infectious or potential immune risks. In addition, basic blood tests and liver and kidney function assessments are also required to ensure that the physical condition is suitable for receiving biologic treatment again.

Patients who resume using ustekinumab should gradually resume medication under the guidance of a physician, while closely monitoring the response to the medication. Use special caution if you have had a previous severe allergic reaction or injection-related complications. During treatment, attention should be paid to whether injection site reactions, signs of infection, or other immune-related side effects occur, and the dosing frequency and schedule should be adjusted based on the treatment response. Overall, under scientific management, ustekinumab can be safely and effectively reused for disease control.

Reference materials:https://www.drugs.com/