Stelara Caution For Usage

Special precautions for disposal and other handling: The solution in the STELARA pre-filled syringe or vial should not be shaken. The solution should be visually inspected for particulate matter or discoloration prior to administration.
Solution for injection (SC): The solution is clear to slightly opalescent, colourless to light yellow and may contain a few small translucent or white particles of protein. This appearance is not unusual for proteinaceous solutions. The medicinal product should not be used if the solution is discoloured or cloudy, or if foreign particulate matter is present. Before administration, STELARA should be allowed to reach room temperature (approximately half an hour). Detailed instructions for use are provided in Instructions for administration under Patient Counselling Information.
STELARA does not contain preservatives; therefore any unused medicinal product remaining in the syringe should not be used. STELARA is supplied as a sterile single-use pre-filled syringe. The syringe and needle must never be re-used. Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
Concentrate for solution for infusion (IV): The solution is clear, colourless to light yellow. The medicinal product should not be used if the solution is discoloured or cloudy, or if foreign particulate matter is present.
Dilution: STELARA concentrate for solution for infusion must be diluted and prepared by a healthcare professional using aseptic technique.
1. Calculate the dose and the number of STELARA vials needed based on patient weight (see Table 10 in Dosage & Administration). Each 26 mL vial of STELARA contains 130 mg of ustekinumab. Only use complete vials of STELARA.
2. Withdraw and discard a volume of the sodium chloride 9 mg/mL (0.9%) solution from the 250 mL infusion bag equal to the volume of STELARA to be added. (Discard 26 mL sodium chloride for each vial of STELARA needed, for 2 vials - discard 52 mL, for 3 vials - discard 78 mL, for 4 vials - discard 104 mL).
3. Withdraw 26 mL of STELARA from each vial needed and add it to the 250 mL infusion bag. The final volume in the infusion bag should be 250 mL. Gently mix.
4. Visually inspect the diluted solution before administration. Do not use if visibly opaque particles, discoloration or foreign particles are observed.
5. Administer the diluted solution over a period of at least one hour. Once diluted, the infusion should be completed within eight hours of the dilution in the infusion bag.
6. Use only an infusion set with an in-line, sterile, non-pyrogenic, low protein-binding filter (pore size 0.2 micrometer).
7. Each vial is for single use only and any unused medicinal product should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
Incompatibilities: In the absence of compatibility studies, this medicinal product must not be mixed with other medicinal products.
Concentrate for solution for infusion (IV): STELARA should only be diluted with sodium chloride 9 mg/mL (0.9%) solution. STELARA should not be administered concomitantly in the same intravenous line with other medicinal products.