Otulfi (Ustekinumab-Aauz) for Psoriasis

Overview
Otulfi is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis ages 6 years and older who are candidates for phototherapy (light therapy) or systemic therapy (treatment affecting the entire body). It is also indicated for people 6 and up with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Otulfi is also known by its drug name, ustekinumab-aauz.

Otulfi is a biosimilar, meaning it is highly similar to an already approved biologic drug, Stelara (ustekinumab), with no significant clinical differences in safety or effectiveness. It works by blocking the activity of proteins called interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-23. These proteins contribute to inflammation in the body. By inhibiting IL-12 and IL-23, Otulfi helps reduce the immune system's response, which can improve symptoms of psoriasis and PsA.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Otulfi is administered as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. For adults with psoriasis, the recommended dosage is initially given, followed by another dose four weeks later, and then every 12 weeks thereafter. The dose depends on body weight. For PsA, the same initial and subsequent dosing schedule is used. Otulfi should be administered exactly as prescribed by a health care provider.

Side effects
According to prescribing information, common side effects of Otulfi for treating psoriasis and PsA include nasopharyngitis (cold-like symptoms), upper respiratory tract infections, headache, and fatigue. Some people may experience injection site reactions, such as skin discoloration or swelling.

Rare but serious side effects may include severe infections like tuberculosis (TB) and fungal infections, certain types of cancers, hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylaxis), posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES, a brain condition that can cause headache, seizures, and confusion), and noninfectious pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs not caused by an infection). 

For more information about this treatment, visit:
Otfuli (Ustekinumab-Aauz) Injection, for Subcutaneous or Intravenous Use — U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Otfuli — Drugs.com