Guselkumab is used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (a type of skin disease that allows the skin cells to rapidly build up causing itchy patches of thick, red skin and silvery scales).
This medicine is also used on its own or together with other medicines to treat psoriatic arthritis (joint pain and inflammation associated with psoriasis).
Guselkumab may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Guselkumab is to be injected subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the thigh, upper arm or abdomen area).
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you. If you or your caregiver had been given the proper training on the preparation and injection techniques of this medicine, you or your caregiver may do the administration.
Use Guselkumab exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not administer more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Remember to rotate the injection sites. Do not inject into the same area all the time. New injection sites should be at least 1.5 inches away from the previous injection site. Do not inject at least 2 inches around the navel (belly button), and into areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red, hard, thick, scaly or affected by psoriasis.
This medicine is available as a single-use pre-filled pen or syringe. Make sure you know how to use the specific device you have been given. If you have problems or do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If you are using the pre-filled injection pen, follow these steps:
- Prepare the injection pen as instructed by your doctor or nurse.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.
- Swab the injection site area with alcohol and allow it to dry.
- Twist and pull off the bottom cap of the injection pen. Ensure to keep your hands away from the needle guard and inject within 5 minutes of removing the cap. Do not shake the pen.
- Hold the handle of the injection pen with your hand and place its needle end straight onto the skin of the injection site.
- Push the handle straight down to release the medicine. Continue pushing the handle down until you hear a clicking sound and the green body of the injection pen is no longer visible to get a full dose. Do not lift the pre-filled pen during the injection.
- After administering your full dose, lift the injection pen straight up. You will see a yellow band indicating the needle guard is locked and the pen can no longer be used.
- Press a cotton ball or gauze pad on the injection site to stop any bleeding. Do not rub on it. You may also cover the injection site with a bandage if needed.
- Throw the pen according to your doctor or pharmacist's instructions. Do not throw away in household trash.
If you are using the pre-filled injection syringe, follow these steps:
- Prepare the injection syringe as instructed by your doctor or nurse.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.
- Swab the injection site area with alcohol and allow it to dry.
- Hold the pre-filled syringe in the middle of its body and keep your hand away from the plunger. Do not shake the syringe. Pull off the needle cap when you are ready to inject.
- Gently pinch the skin at the injection site using your other hand. Hold the syringe like a pencil and insert the needle into the pinched skin at a 45-degree angle using a quick dart-like motion.
- Slowly press the plunger down until the syringe becomes empty.
- Release the pressure from the plunger. The safety guard will cover the needle and lock into place which automatically retracts the needle from your skin.
- Press a cotton ball or gauze pad over the injection site to stop any bleeding. Do not rub on it. You may also cover the injection site with a bandage if needed.
- Dispose of your used pre-filled syringes according to your doctor or pharmacist's instructions. Do not throw away in the household trash.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of the treatment depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Guselkumab must be administered regularly for it to be effective. Continue using this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop using it unless instructed by the doctor.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Guselkumab.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
If you or a caregiver had been trained to administer this medicine and missed a dose, inject the missed dose as soon as you remember and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you forgot to administer your dose.
Do not use this medicine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to Guselkumab or other similar medicines.
Alert your doctor if you have an active infection (e.g. tuberculosis or TB) as Guselkumab may not be suitable for you.
Alert your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated. You must avoid any vaccinations without consulting with your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of long-term or recurring infections
- history of TB
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Screening for TB or hepatitis B must be done before treatment to know if Guselkumab is suited for you to use.
- Routine tests (e.g. complete blood count, liver function) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of infection and TB may be needed.
Guselkumab may cause any of the following side effects: headache, diarrhoea, joint pain, and redness, pain, swelling, itching or bruising at the injection site.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs and symptoms of allergic reaction e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- signs and symptoms of infection e.g. fever, flu-like symptoms, shortness of breath, muscle aches, weight loss, stomach pain
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Avoid vaccinations with live vaccines during treatment with Guselkumab. Alert your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated or if you are planning to get vaccinated.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C. Do not allow to freeze. If frozen, Guselkumab will become ineffective and should not be used.
Keep the pre-filled syringes or pens in their original package to protect from light.
If you notice that the injection has changed colour or has become cloudy, do not use it. Throw it away and use a new injection.
Keep away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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