Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

← Back to all medicines

WEZENLA 45 mg solution for injection

⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued

The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.

If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Ustekinumab may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.

Active substance: Ustekinumab

Equivalent medicines (same active substance, strength and form)

and 8 more with the same active substance, strength and form

Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc)
Official leaflet: Read the PIL on emc

What it is and what it is used for

for

What WEZENLA is WEZENLA contains the active substance 'ustekinumab', a monoclonal antibody. Monoclonal antibodies are proteins that recognise and bind specifically to certain proteins in the body. WEZENLA belongs to a group of medicines called 'immunosuppressants'. These medicines work by weakening part of the immune system. What WEZENLA is used for WEZENLA is used to treat the following inflammatory diseases: • Plaque psoriasis – in adults and children aged 6 years and older • Psoriatic arthritis – in adults • Moderate to severe Crohn's disease – in adults • Moderate to severe ulcerative colitis – in adults Plaque psoriasis Plaque psoriasis is a skin condition that causes inflammation affecting the skin and nails. WEZENLA will reduce the inflammation and other signs of the disease. WEZENLA is used in adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, who cannot use ciclosporin, methotrexate or phototherapy, or where these treatments did not work. WEZENLA is used in children and adolescents aged 6 years and older with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are unable to tolerate phototherapy or other systemic therapies or where these treatments did not work. 1

Psoriatic arthritis Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints, usually accompanied by psoriasis. If you have active psoriatic arthritis you will first be given other medicines. If you do not respond well enough to these medicines, you may be given WEZENLA to: • Reduce the signs and symptoms of your disease. • Improve your physical function. • Slow down the damage to your joints. Crohn's disease Crohn's disease is an inflammatory disease of the bowel. If you have Crohn's disease you will first be given other medicines. If you do not respond well enough or are intolerant to these medicines, you may be given WEZENLA to reduce the signs and symptoms of your disease. Ulcerative colitis Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease of the bowel. If you have ulcerative colitis you will first be given other medicines. If you do not respond well enough or are intolerant to these medicines, you may be given WEZENLA to reduce the signs and symptoms of your disease. 2.

What you need to know before you take it

e WEZENLA

Do not use WEZENLA • If you are allergic to ustekinumab or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6). • If you have an active infection which your doctor thinks is important. If you are not sure if any of the above applies to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using WEZENLA. Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using WEZENLA. Your doctor will check how well you are before each treatment. Make sure you tell your doctor about any illness you have before each treatment. Also tell your doctor if you have recently been near anyone who might have tuberculosis. Your doctor will examine you and do a test for tuberculosis, before you have WEZENLA. If your doctor thinks you are at risk of tuberculosis, you may be given medicines to treat it. Look out for serious side effects WEZENLA can cause serious side effects, including allergic reactions and infections. You must look out for certain signs of illness while you are taking WEZENLA. See 'Serious side effects' in section 4 for a full list of these side effects. Before you use WEZENLA tell your doctor: • If you ever had an allergic reaction to ustekinumab. Ask your doctor if you are not sure. • If you have ever had any type of cancer – this is because immunosuppressants like WEZENLA weaken part of the immune system. This may increase the risk of cancer. • If you have been treated for psoriasis with other biologic medicines (a medicine produced from a biological source and usually given by injection) – the risk of cancer may be higher. • If you have or have had a recent infection. • If you have any new or changing lesions within psoriasis areas or on normal skin. • If you are having any other treatment for psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis – such as another immunosuppressant or phototherapy (when your body is treated with a type of ultraviolet (UV) light). These treatments may also weaken part of the immune system. Using these therapies together with WEZENLA has not been studied. However, it is possible it may increase the chance of diseases related to a weaker immune system.

2

• •

If you are having or have ever had injections to treat allergies – it is not known if WEZENLA may affect these. If you are 65 years of age or over – you may be more likely to get infections.

If you are not sure if any of the above applies to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using WEZENLA. Some patients have experienced lupus-like reactions including skin lupus or lupus-like syndrome during treatment with ustekinumab. Talk to your doctor right away if you experience a red, raised, scaly rash sometimes with a darker border, in areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun or with joint pains. Heart attack and strokes Heart attack and strokes have been observed in a study in patients with psoriasis treated with ustekinumab. Your doctor will regularly check your risk factors for heart disease and stroke in order to ensure that they are appropriately treated. Seek medical attention right away if you develop chest pain, weakness or abnormal sensation on one side of your body, facial droop, or speech or visual abnormalities. Children and adolescents WEZENLA is not recommended for use in children with psoriasis under 6 years of age, or for use in children under 18 years of age with psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis because it has not been studied in this age group. Other medicines, vaccines and WEZENLA Tell your doctor or pharmacist: • If you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. • If you have recently had or are going to have a vaccination. Some types of vaccines (live vaccines) should not be given while using WEZENLA. • If you received WEZENLA while pregnant, tell your baby's doctor about your WEZENLA treatment before the baby receives any vaccine, including live vaccines, such as the BCG vaccine (used to prevent tuberculosis). Live vaccines are not recommended for your baby in the first twelve months after birth if you received WEZENLA during the pregnancy unless your baby's doctor recommends otherwise. Pregnancy and breast-feeding • It is preferable to avoid the use of WEZENLA in pregnancy. The effects of WEZENLA in pregnant women are not known. If you are a woman of childbearing potential, you are advised to avoid becoming pregnant and must use adequate contraception while using WEZENLA and for at least 15 weeks after the last WEZENLA treatment. • WEZENLA can pass across the placenta to the unborn baby. If you received WEZENLA during your pregnancy, your baby may have a higher risk for getting an infection. • It is important that you tell your baby's doctors and other health care professionals if you received WEZENLA during your pregnancy before the baby receives any vaccine. Live vaccines such as the BCG vaccine (used to prevent tuberculosis) are not recommended for your baby in the first twelve months after birth if you received WEZENLA during the pregnancy unless your baby's doctor recommends otherwise. • Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby. • Ustekinumab may pass into breast milk in very small amounts. Talk to your doctor if you are breast-feeding or are planning to breast-feed. You and your doctor should decide if you should breast-feed or use WEZENLA – do not do both. Driving and using machines WEZENLA has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.

3

WEZENLA contains polysorbate 80 WEZENLA contains 0.02 mg of polysorbate 80 (E 433) in each dosage unit which is equivalent to 0.04 mg/mL. Polysorbates may cause allergic reactions. Tell your doctor if you have any known allergies. 3.

How to use WEZENLA

WEZENLA is intended for use under the guidance and supervision of a doctor experienced in treating conditions for which WEZENLA is intended. Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor if you are not sure. Talk to your doctor about when you will have your injections and follow-up appointments. How much WEZENLA is given Your doctor will decide how much WEZENLA you need to use and for how long. Adults aged 18 years or older Psoriasis or Psoriatic Arthritis • The recommended starting dose is 45 mg WEZENLA. Patients who weigh more than 100 kilograms (kg) may start on a dose of 90 mg instead of 45 mg. • After the starting dose, you will have the next dose 4 weeks later, and then every 12 weeks. The following doses are usually the same as the starting dose. Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis • During treatment, the first dose of approximately 6 mg/kg WEZENLA will be given by your doctor through a drip in a vein in your arm (intravenous infusion). After the starting dose, you will receive the next dose of 90 mg WEZENLA after 8 weeks, then every 12 weeks thereafter by an injection under the skin ('subcutaneously'). • In some patients, after the first injection under the skin, 90 mg WEZENLA may be given every 8 weeks. Your doctor will decide when you should receive your next dose. Children and adolescents aged 6 years or older Psoriasis • The doctor will work out the right dose for you, including the amount (volume) of WEZENLA to be injected to give the right dose. The right dose for you will depend on your body weight at the time each dose is given. • If you weigh less than 60 kg, the recommended dose is 0.75 mg of WEZENLA per kg body weight. • If you weigh 60 kg to 100 kg, the recommended dose is 45 mg WEZENLA. • If you weigh more than 100 kg, the recommended dose is 90 mg WEZENLA. • After the starting dose, you will have the next dose 4 weeks later, and then every 12 weeks.

How to take it

• WEZENLA is given as an injection under the skin ('subcutaneously'). At the start of your treatment, medical or nursing staff may inject WEZENLA. • However, you and your doctor may decide that you may inject WEZENLA yourself. In this case you will get training on how to inject WEZENLA yourself. • For instructions on how to inject WEZENLA, see 'Instructions for use' at the end of this leaflet. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about giving yourself an injection. If you use more WEZENLA than you should If you have used or been given too much WEZENLA, talk to a doctor or pharmacist straight away. Always have the outer carton of the medicine with you, even if it is empty.

4

If you forget to use WEZENLA If you forget a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. If you stop using WEZENLA It is not dangerous to stop using WEZENLA. However, if you stop, your symptoms may come back. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 4.

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Serious side effects Some patients may have serious side effects that may need urgent treatment. Allergic reactions – these may need urgent treatment. Tell your doctor or get emergency medical help straight away if you notice any of the following signs. • Serious allergic reactions ('anaphylaxis') are rare in people taking ustekinumab (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people). Signs include: ‒ difficulty breathing or swallowing ‒ low blood pressure, which can cause dizziness or light-headedness ‒ swelling of the face, lips, mouth or throat. • Common signs of an allergic reaction include skin rash and hives (these may affect up to 1 in 100 people). In rare cases, allergic lung reactions and lung inflammation have been reported in patients who receive ustekinumab. Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, and fever. If you have a serious allergic reaction, your doctor may decide that you should not use WEZENLA again. Infections – these may need urgent treatment. Tell your doctor straight away if you notice any of the following signs. • Infections of the nose or throat and common cold are common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people). • Infections of the chest are uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people). • Inflammation of tissue under the skin ('cellulitis') is uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people). • Shingles (a type of painful rash with blisters) are uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people). WEZENLA may make you less able to fight infections. Some infections could become serious and may include infections caused by viruses, fungi, bacteria (including tuberculosis), or parasites, including infections that mainly occur in people with a weakened immune system (opportunistic infections). Opportunistic infections of the brain (encephalitis, meningitis), lungs, and eye have been reported in patients receiving treatment with ustekinumab. You must look out for signs of infection while you are using WEZENLA. These include: • fever, flu-like symptoms, night sweats, weight loss • feeling tired or short of breath; cough which will not go away • warm, red and painful skin, or a painful skin rash with blisters • burning when passing water • diarrhoea • visual disturbance or vision loss • headache, neck stiffness, light sensitivity, nausea or confusion. 5

Tell your doctor straight away if you notice any of these signs of infection. These may be signs of infections such as chest infections, skin infections, shingles or opportunistic infections that could have serious complications. Tell your doctor if you have any kind of infection that will not go away or keeps coming back. Your doctor may decide that you should not use WEZENLA until the infection goes away. Also tell your doctor if you have any open cuts or sores as they might get infected. Shedding of skin – increase in redness and shedding of skin over a larger area of the body may be symptoms of erythrodermic psoriasis or exfoliative dermatitis, which are serious skin conditions. You should tell your doctor straight away if you notice any of these signs. Other side effects Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): • Diarrhoea • Nausea • Vomiting • Feeling tired • Feeling dizzy • Headache • Itching ('pruritus') • Back, muscle or joint pain • Sore throat • Redness and pain where the injection is given • Sinus infection Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people): • Tooth infections • Vaginal yeast infection • Depression • Blocked or stuffy nose • Bleeding, bruising, hardness, swelling and itching where the injection is given • Feeling weak • Drooping eyelid and sagging muscles on one side of the face ('facial palsy' or 'Bell's palsy'), which is usually temporary • A change in psoriasis with redness and new tiny, yellow or white skin blisters, sometimes accompanied by fever (pustular psoriasis) • Peeling of the skin (skin exfoliation) • Acne Rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people): • Redness and shedding of skin over a larger area of the body, which may be itchy or painful (exfoliative dermatitis). Similar symptoms sometimes develop as a natural change in the type of psoriasis symptoms (erythrodermic psoriasis) • Inflammation of small blood vessels, which can lead to a skin rash with small red or purple bumps, fever or joint pain (vasculitis) Very rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people): • Blistering of the skin that may be red, itchy, and painful (Bullous pemphigoid) • Skin lupus or lupus-like syndrome (red, raised scaly rash on areas of the skin exposed to the sun possibly with joint pains) Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly (see details below). By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. 6

Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. 5.

How to store it

WEZENLA

• • • •

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Store in a refrigerator (2°C – 8°C). Do not freeze. Keep the vial in the outer carton in order to protect from light. If needed, individual WEZENLA vials may also be stored at room temperature up to 30°C for a maximum single period of up to 30 days in the original carton in order to protect from light. Record the date when the vial is first removed from the refrigerator and the discard date. The discard date must not exceed the original expiry date printed on the carton. Once a vial has been stored at room temperature (up to 30°C), it should not be returned to the refrigerator. Discard the vial if not used within 30 days at room temperature storage or by the original expiry date, whichever is earlier. Do not shake the WEZENLA vials. Prolonged vigorous shaking may damage the medicine.

•

Do not use this medicine: • After the expiry date which is stated on the label and the carton after 'EXP'. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. • If the liquid is discoloured, cloudy or you can see foreign particles floating in it (see section 6 'What WEZENLA looks like and contents of the pack'). • If you know, or think that it may have been exposed to extreme temperatures (such as accidentally frozen or heated). • If the product has been shaken vigorously. • If the seal is broken. WEZENLA is for single use only. Any unused product remaining in the vial and the syringe should be thrown away. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment. 6.

Contents of the pack and other information

What WEZENLA contains • The active substance is ustekinumab. Each vial contains 45 mg ustekinumab in 0.5 mL. • The other ingredients are L-histidine, L-histidine hydrochloride monohydrate, polysorbate 80 (E 433), sucrose and water for injections. What WEZENLA looks like and contents of the pack WEZENLA is a clear to opalescent, colourless to light yellow solution for injection. It is supplied as a carton pack containing 1 single-dose, glass 2 mL vial. Each vial contains 45 mg ustekinumab in 0.5 mL of solution for injection. Marketing Authorisation Holder Amgen Limited 216 Cambridge Science Park Milton Road Cambridge CB4 0WA United Kingdom

7

Manufacturer Amgen Europe B.V. Minervum 7061 4817 ZK, Breda The Netherlands Manufacturer Amgen Technology (Ireland) UC Pottery Road Dun Laoghaire Co. Dublin Ireland For any information about this medicine, please contact the Marketing Authorisation Holder: Amgen Limited Tel: +44 (0)1223 420305 This leaflet was last revised in April 2026. Instructions for use At the start of treatment, your healthcare provider will assist you with your first injection. However, you and your doctor may decide that you may inject WEZENLA yourself. If this happens, you will get training on how to inject WEZENLA. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about giving yourself an injection. • Do not mix WEZENLA with other liquids for injection. • Do not shake WEZENLA vials. This is because strong shaking may damage the medicine. Do not use the medicine if it has been shaken strongly. 1. Check the number of vials and prepare the materials: Take the vial(s) out of the refrigerator. Let the vial stand for about half an hour. This will let the liquid come to a comfortable temperature for injection (room temperature). Check the vial(s) to make sure: • the number of vials and strength is correct ‒ If your dose is 45 mg or less, you will get one 45 mg vial of WEZENLA. ‒ If your dose is 90 mg you will get two 45 mg vials of WEZENLA and you will need to give yourself two injections. Choose two different sites for these injections (for example one injection in the right thigh and the other injection in the left thigh), and give the injections one right after the other. Use a new needle and syringe for each injection. • it is the right medicine • it has not passed its expiry date • the vial is not damaged and the seal is not broken • the solution in the vial is clear to opalescent and colourless to light yellow • the solution is not discoloured or cloudy and does not contain any foreign particles • the solution is not frozen. Children weighing less than 60 kg need a dose lower than 45 mg. Make sure you know the proper amount (volume) to remove from the vial and type of syringe needed for dosing. If you don't know the amount or type of syringe needed, contact your healthcare provider for further instruction. Get everything together that you need and lay out on a clean surface. This includes a syringe, needle, antiseptic wipes, a cotton ball or gauze, and a sharps container (see figure 1). 8

Figure 1 2. Choose and prepare the injection site: Choose an injection site (see figure 2) • WEZENLA is given by injection under the skin (subcutaneously). • Good places for the injection are the upper thigh or around the belly (abdomen) at least 5 cm away from the navel (belly button). • If possible, do not use areas of skin that show signs of psoriasis. • If someone will assist in giving you the injection, then he or she may also choose the upper arms as an injection site.

Upper arm

Belly

Thigh

Areas in grey are recommended injection sites.

Figure 2 Prepare the injection site • Wash your hands very well with soap and warm water. • Wipe the injection site on the skin with an antiseptic wipe. • Do not touch this area again before giving the injection. 3. Prepare the dose: •

Take the cap off the top of the vial (see figure 3).

9

Figure 3 • • • • • • • • •

Do not remove the stopper. Clean the stopper with an antiseptic swab. Put the vial on a flat surface. Pick up the syringe and remove the needle cover. Do not touch the needle or let the needle touch anything. Push the needle through the rubber stopper. Turn the vial and the syringe upside down. Pull on the syringe plunger to fill the syringe with the amount of liquid prescribed by your doctor. It is important that the needle is always in the liquid. This stops air bubbles forming in the syringe (see figure 4).

Figure 4 • • •

Remove the needle from the vial. Hold the syringe with the needle pointing up to see if it has any air bubbles inside. If there are air bubbles, tap the side gently until the air bubbles go to the top of the syringe (see figure 5).

Figure 5 • •

Then press the plunger until all of the air (but none of the liquid) has been removed. Do not lay the syringe down or allow the needle to touch anything.

4. Inject the dose: •

Gently pinch the cleaned skin between your thumb and index finger. Do not squeeze it tightly. 10

• • •

Push the needle into the pinched skin at a 45-degree angle. Push the plunger with your thumb as far as it will go to inject all of the liquid. Push it slowly and evenly, keeping the skin gently pinched. When the plunger is pushed as far as it will go, take out the needle and let go of the skin.

5. After the injection: • • • •

Press an antiseptic wipe over the injection site for a few seconds after the injection. There may be a small amount of blood or liquid at the injection site. This is normal. You can press a cotton ball or gauze over the injection site and hold for 10 seconds. Do not rub the skin at the injection site. You may cover the injection site with a small plaster, if necessary.

6. Disposal: • • •

Used syringes and needles should be placed in a puncture-resistant container, like a sharps container. Never re-use needles and syringes, for your safety and health, and for the safety of others. Dispose of your sharps container according to your local regulations. Keep the sharps container out of the sight and reach of children. Empty vials, antiseptic wipes, and other supplies can be disposed of in your household waste.

11

Frequently asked questions about WEZENLA 45 mg solution for injection

How do I take WEZENLA 45 mg solution for injection?

WEZENLA 45 mg solution for injection comes as injection containing 45mg. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.

What is the active substance in WEZENLA 45 mg solution for injection?

The active substance in WEZENLA 45 mg solution for injection is ustekinumab.

Are there equivalent medicines to WEZENLA 45 mg solution for injection?

Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Otulfi 45 mg Solution for injection, Otulfi 45 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe, Pyzchiva 45 mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen. In total there are 13 equivalent products. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.

Where does this information come from?

This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for WEZENLA 45 mg solution for injection, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.

Can I get WEZENLA 45 mg solution for injection without a prescription?

Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.

About this leaflet

The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.

Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you are unwell, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999.

Medicines with the same active substance: Ustekinumab (31 medicines)
See every medicine containing this substance, or browse the full A–Z of active substances.
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
Technical information intended for healthcare professionals (doctors and pharmacists). The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is the official document approved by the MHRA/EMA. It does not replace the patient leaflet or a doctor’s advice.

4.1. Therapeutic indications

Plaque psoriasis

WEZENLA is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults who failed to respond to, or who have a contraindication to, or are intolerant to other systemic therapies including ciclosporin, methotrexate (MTX) or PUVA (psoralen and ultraviolet-A) (see section 5.1).

Paediatric plaque psoriasis

WEZENLA is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in children and adolescent patients from the age of 6 years and older, who are inadequately controlled by, or are intolerant to, other systemic therapies or phototherapies (see section 5.1).

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA)

WEZENLA, alone or in combination with MTX, is indicated for the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis in adult patients when the response to previous non-biological disease-modifying anti‑rheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy has been inadequate (see section 5.1).

Crohn's Disease

WEZENLA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease who have had an inadequate response with, lost response to, or were intolerant to either conventional therapy or a TNFα antagonist or have medical contraindications to such therapies.

Ulcerative colitis

WEZENLA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis who have had an inadequate response with, lost response to, or were intolerant to either conventional therapy or a biologic or have medical contraindications to such therapies (see section 5.1).

4.2. Posology and method of administration

WEZENLA is intended for use under the guidance and supervision of physicians experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions for which WEZENLA is indicated.

Posology

Plaque psoriasis

The recommended posology of WEZENLA is an initial dose of 45 mg administered subcutaneously, followed by a 45 mg dose 4 weeks later, and then every 12 weeks thereafter.

Consideration should be given to discontinuing treatment in patients who have shown no response up to 28 weeks of treatment.

Patients with body weight > 100 kg

For patients with a body weight > 100 kg the initial dose is 90 mg administered subcutaneously, followed by a 90 mg dose 4 weeks later, and then every 12 weeks thereafter. In these patients, 45 mg was also shown to be efficacious. However, 90 mg resulted in greater efficacy (see section 5.1, table 4).

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA)

The recommended posology of WEZENLA is an initial dose of 45 mg administered subcutaneously, followed by a 45 mg dose 4 weeks later, and then every 12 weeks thereafter. Alternatively, 90 mg may be used in patients with a body weight > 100 kg.

Consideration should be given to discontinuing treatment in patients who have shown no response up to 28 weeks of treatment.

Elderly (≥ 65 years)

No dose adjustment is needed for elderly patients (see section 4.4).

Renal and hepatic impairment

Ustekinumab has not been studied in these patient populations. No dose recommendations can be made.

Paediatric population

The safety and efficacy of ustekinumab in children with psoriasis less than 6 years of age or in children with psoriatic arthritis less than 18 years of age have not yet been established.

Paediatric plaque psoriasis (6 years and older)

The recommended dose of WEZENLA based on body weight is shown below (see tables 1 and 2). WEZENLA should be administered subcutaneously at Weeks 0 and 4, then every 12 weeks thereafter.

Table 1. Recommended dose of WEZENLA for paediatric psoriasis

Body weight at the time of dosing

Recommended Dose

< 60 kg

0.75 mg/kg

≥ 60-≤ 100 kg

45 mg

> 100 kg

90 mg

To calculate the volume of injection (mL) for patients < 60 kg, use the following formula: body weight (kg) × 0.0083(mL/kg) or see table 2. The calculated volume should be rounded to the nearest 0.01 mL and administered using a 1 mL graduated syringe. The 45 mg vial is available for paediatric patients < 60 kg who need to receive less than the full 45 mg dose.

Table 2. Injection volumes of WEZENLA for paediatric psoriasis patients < 60 kg

Body weight at time of dosing (kg)

Dose (mg)

Volume of injection (mL)

15

11.3

0.12

16

12.0

0.13

17

12.8

0.14

18

13.5

0.15

19

14.3

0.16

20

15.0

0.17

21

15.8

0.17

22

16.5

0.18

23

17.3

0.19

24

18.0

0.20

25

18.8

0.21

26

19.5

0.22

27

20.3

0.22

28

21.0

0.23

29

21.8

0.24

30

22.5

0.25

31

23.3

0.26

32

24.0

0.27

33

24.8

0.27

34

25.5

0.28

35

26.3

0.29

36

27.0

0.30

37

27.8

0.31

38

28.5

0.32

39

29.3

0.32

40

30.0

0.33

41

30.8

0.34

42

31.5

0.35

43

32.3

0.36

44

33.0

0.37

45

33.8

0.37

46

34.5

0.38

47

35.3

0.39

48

36.0

0.40

49

36.8

0.41

50

37.5

0.42

51

38.3

0.42

52

39.0

0.43

53

39.8

0.44

54

40.5

0.45

55

41.3

0.46

56

42.0

0.46

57

42.8

0.47

58

43.5

0.48

59

44.3

0.49

Consideration should be given to discontinuing treatment in patients who have shown no response up to 28 weeks of treatment.

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis

In the treatment regimen, the first dose of WEZENLA is administered intravenously. For the posology of the intravenous dosing regimen, see section 4.2 of the WEZENLA 130 mg concentrate for solution for infusion SmPC.

The first subcutaneous administration of 90 mg WEZENLA should take place at week 8 after the intravenous dose. After this, dosing every 12 weeks is recommended.

Patients who have not shown adequate response at 8 weeks after the first subcutaneous dose, may receive a second subcutaneous dose at this time (see section 5.1).

Patients who lose response on dosing every 12 weeks may benefit from an increase in dosing frequency to every 8 weeks (see sections 5.1 and 5.2).

Patients may subsequently be dosed every 8 weeks or every 12 weeks according to clinical judgement (see section 5.1).

Consideration should be given to discontinuing treatment in patients who show no evidence of therapeutic benefit 16 weeks after the IV induction dose or 16 weeks after switching to the 8-weekly maintenance dose.

Immunomodulators and/or corticosteroids may be continued during treatment with WEZENLA. In patients who have responded to treatment with WEZENLA, corticosteroids may be reduced or discontinued in accordance with standard of care.

In Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, if therapy is interrupted, resumption of treatment with subcutaneous dosing every 8 weeks is safe and effective.

Elderly (≥ 65 years)

No dose adjustment is needed for elderly patients (see section 4.4).

Renal and hepatic impairment

Ustekinumab has not been studied in these patient populations. No dose recommendations can be made.

Paediatric population

The safety and efficacy of ustekinumab in treatment of Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis in children less than 18 years have not yet been established. No data are available.

Method of administration

WEZENLA 45 mg vials are for subcutaneous injection only. If possible, areas of the skin that show psoriasis should be avoided as injection sites.

After proper training in subcutaneous injection technique, patients or their caregivers may inject WEZENLA if a physician determines that it is appropriate. However, the physician should ensure appropriate follow-up of patients. Patients or their caregivers should be instructed to inject the prescribed amount of WEZENLA according to the directions provided in the package leaflet. Comprehensive instructions for use are given in the package leaflet.

For further instructions on preparation and special precautions for handling, see section 6.6.

4.3. Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

Clinically important, active infection (e.g. active tuberculosis; see section 4.4).

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

Traceability

In order to improve the traceability of biological medicinal products, the tradename and the batch number of the administered product should be clearly recorded.

Infections

Ustekinumab may have the potential to increase the risk of infections and reactivate latent infections. In clinical studies and a post-marketing observational study in patients with psoriasis, serious bacterial, fungal, and viral infections have been observed in patients receiving ustekinumab (see section 4.8).

Opportunistic infections including reactivation of tuberculosis, other opportunistic bacterial infections (including atypical mycobacterial infection, listeria meningitis, pneumonia legionella, and nocardiosis), opportunistic fungal infections, opportunistic viral infections (including encephalitis caused by herpes simplex 2), and parasitic infections (including ocular toxoplasmosis) have been reported in patients treated with ustekinumab.

Caution should be exercised when considering the use of WEZENLA in patients with a chronic infection or a history of recurrent infection (see section 4.3).

Prior to initiating treatment with WEZENLA, patients should be evaluated for tuberculosis infection. WEZENLA must not be given to patients with active tuberculosis (see section 4.3). Treatment of latent tuberculosis infection should be initiated prior to administering WEZENLA. Anti-tuberculosis therapy should also be considered prior to initiation of WEZENLA in patients with a history of latent or active tuberculosis in whom an adequate course of treatment cannot be confirmed. Patients receiving WEZENLA should be monitored closely for signs and symptoms of active tuberculosis during and after treatment.

Patients should be instructed to seek medical advice if signs or symptoms suggestive of an infection occur. If a patient develops a serious infection, the patient should be closely monitored and WEZENLA should not be administered until the infection resolves.

Malignancies

Immunosuppressants like ustekinumab have the potential to increase the risk of malignancy. Some patients who received ustekinumab in clinical studies and in a post-marketing observational study in patients with psoriasis developed cutaneous and non-cutaneous malignancies (see section 4.8). The risk of malignancy may be higher in psoriasis patients who have been treated with other biologics during the course of their disease.

No studies have been conducted that include patients with a history of malignancy or that continue treatment in patients who develop malignancy while receiving ustekinumab. Thus, caution should be exercised when considering the use of WEZENLA in these patients.

All patients, in particular those greater than 60 years of age, patients with a medical history of prolonged immunosuppressant therapy or those with a history of Psoralen and ultraviolet-A (PUVA) treatment, should be monitored for the appearance of skin cancer (see section 4.8).

Systemic and respiratory hypersensitivity reactions

Systemic

Serious hypersensitivity reactions have been reported in the post-marketing setting, in some cases several days after treatment. Anaphylaxis and angioedema have occurred. If an anaphylactic or other serious hypersensitivity reaction occurs, appropriate therapy should be instituted and administration of WEZENLA should be discontinued (see section 4.8).

Respiratory

Cases of allergic alveolitis, eosinophilic pneumonia, and non-infectious organising pneumonia have been reported during post-approval use of ustekinumab. Clinical presentations included cough, dyspnoea, and interstitial infiltrates following one to three doses. Serious outcomes have included respiratory failure and prolonged hospitalisation. Improvement has been reported after discontinuation of ustekinumab and also, in some cases, administration of corticosteroids. If infection has been excluded and diagnosis is confirmed, discontinue ustekinumab and institute appropriate treatment (see section 4.8).

Cardiovascular events

Cardiovascular events including myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular accident have been observed in patients with psoriasis exposed to ustekinumab in a post-marketing observational study. Risk factors for cardiovascular disease should be regularly assessed during treatment with WEZENLA.

Vaccinations

It is recommended that live viral or live bacterial vaccines (such as Bacillus of Calmette and Guérin (BCG)) should not be given concurrently with WEZENLA. Specific studies have not been conducted in patients who had recently received live viral or live bacterial vaccines. No data are available on the secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines in patients receiving ustekinumab. Before live viral or live bacterial vaccination, treatment with WEZENLA should be withheld for at least 15 weeks after the last dose and can be resumed at least 2 weeks after vaccination. Prescribers should consult the Summary of Product Characteristics for the specific vaccine for additional information and guidance on concomitant use of immunosuppressive agents post-vaccination.

Administration of live vaccines (such as the BCG vaccine) to infants exposed in utero to ustekinumab is not recommended for twelve months following birth or until ustekinumab infant serum levels are undetectable (see sections 4.5 and 4.6). If there is a clear clinical benefit for the individual infant, administration of a live vaccine might be considered at an earlier timepoint, if infant ustekinumab serum levels are undetectable.

Patients receiving WEZENLA may receive concurrent inactivated or non-live vaccinations.

Long term treatment with ustekinumab does not suppress the humoral immune response to pneumococcal polysaccharide or tetanus vaccines (see section 5.1).

Concomitant immunosuppressive therapy

In psoriasis studies, the safety and efficacy of ustekinumab in combination with immunosuppressants, including biologics, or phototherapy have not been evaluated. In psoriatic arthritis studies, concomitant MTX use did not appear to influence the safety or efficacy of ustekinumab. In Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis studies, concomitant use of immunosuppressants or corticosteroids did not appear to influence the safety or efficacy of ustekinumab. Caution should be exercised when considering concomitant use of other immunosuppressants and WEZENLA or when transitioning from other immunosuppressive biologics (see section 4.5).

Immunotherapy

Ustekinumab has not been evaluated in patients who have undergone allergy immunotherapy. It is not known whether WEZENLA may affect allergy immunotherapy.

Serious skin conditions

In patients with psoriasis, exfoliative dermatitis has been reported following ustekinumab treatment (see section 4.8). Patients with plaque psoriasis may develop erythrodermic psoriasis, with symptoms that may be clinically indistinguishable from exfoliative dermatitis, as part of the natural course of their disease. As part of the monitoring of the patient's psoriasis, physicians should be alert for symptoms of erythrodermic psoriasis or exfoliative dermatitis. If these symptoms occur, appropriate therapy should be instituted. WEZENLA should be discontinued if a drug reaction is suspected.

Lupus-related conditions

Cases of lupus-related conditions have been reported in patients treated with ustekinumab, including cutaneous lupus erythematosus and lupus-like syndrome. If lesions occur, especially in sun exposed areas of the skin or if accompanied by arthralgia, the patient should seek medical attention promptly. If the diagnosis of a lupus-related condition is confirmed, ustekinumab should be discontinued and appropriate treatment initiated.

Special populations

Elderly (≥ 65 years)

No overall differences in efficacy or safety in patients aged 65 and older who received ustekinumab were observed compared to younger patients in clinical studies in approved indications, however the number of patients aged 65 and older is not sufficient to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients. Because there is a higher incidence of infections in the elderly population in general, caution should be used in treating the elderly.

Polysorbate 80

WEZENLA contains 0.02 mg (45 mg/0.5 mL) of polysorbate 80 (E 433) in each dosage unit which is equivalent to 0.04 mg/mL. Polysorbates may cause allergic reactions.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Live vaccines should not be given concurrently with WEZENLA.

Administration of live vaccines (such as the BCG vaccine) to infants exposed in utero to ustekinumab is not recommended for twelve months following birth or until ustekinumab infant serum levels are undetectable (see sections 4.4 and 4.6). If there is a clear clinical benefit for the individual infant, administration of a live vaccine might be considered at an earlier timepoint, if infant ustekinumab serum levels are undetectable.

In the population pharmacokinetic analyses of the phase 3 studies, the effect of the most frequently used concomitant medicinal products in patients with psoriasis (including paracetamol, ibuprofen, acetylsalicylic acid, metformin, atorvastatin, levothyroxine) on pharmacokinetics of ustekinumab was explored. There were no indications of an interaction with these concomitantly administered medicinal products. The basis for this analysis was that at least 100 patients (> 5% of the studied population) were treated concomitantly with these medicinal products for at least 90% of the study period. The pharmacokinetics of ustekinumab was not impacted by concomitant use of MTX, NSAIDs, 6-mercaptopurine, azathioprine and oral corticosteroids in patients with psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, or prior exposure to anti-TNFα agents, in patients with psoriatic arthritis or Crohn's disease or by prior exposure to biologics (i.e., anti-TNFα agents and/or vedolizumab) in patients with ulcerative colitis.

The results of an in vitro study and a phase 1 study in subjects with active Crohn's disease do not suggest the need for dose adjustments in patients who are receiving concomitant CYP450 substrates (see section 5.2).

In psoriasis studies, the safety and efficacy of ustekinumab in combination with immunosuppressants, including biologics, or phototherapy have not been evaluated. In psoriatic arthritis studies, concomitant MTX use did not appear to influence the safety or efficacy of ustekinumab. In Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis studies, concomitant use of immunosuppressants or corticosteroids did not appear to influence the safety or efficacy of ustekinumab (see section 4.4).

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Women of childbearing potential

Women of childbearing potential should use effective methods of contraception during treatment and for at least 15 weeks after treatment.

Pregnancy

There are no adequate data from the use of ustekinumab in pregnant women. Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to pregnancy, embryonic/foetal development, parturition or postnatal development (see section 5.3). As a precautionary measure, it is preferable to avoid the use of WEZENLA in pregnancy.

Ustekinumab crosses the placenta and has been detected in the serum of infants born to female patients treated with ustekinumab during pregnancy. The clinical impact of this is unknown, however, the risk of infection in infants exposed in utero to ustekinumab may be increased after birth.

Administration of live vaccines (such as the BCG vaccine) to infants exposed in utero to ustekinumab is not recommended for twelve months following birth or until ustekinumab infant serum levels are undetectable (see sections 4.4 and 4.5). If there is a clear clinical benefit for the individual infant, administration of a live vaccine might be considered at an earlier timepoint, if infant ustekinumab serum levels are undetectable.

Breast-feeding

Limited data from published literature suggests that ustekinumab is excreted in human breast milk in very small amounts. It is not known if ustekinumab is absorbed systemically after ingestion. Because of the potential for adverse reactions in nursing infants from ustekinumab, a decision on whether to discontinue breast-feeding during treatment and up to 15 weeks after treatment or to discontinue therapy with WEZENLA must be made taking into account the benefit of breast-feeding to the child and the benefit of WEZENLA therapy to the woman.

Fertility

The effect of ustekinumab on human fertility has not been evaluated (see section 5.3).

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

WEZENLA has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.

4.8. Undesirable effects

Summary of the safety profile

The most common adverse reactions (> 5%) in controlled periods of the adult psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis clinical studies with ustekinumab were nasopharyngitis and headache. Most were considered to be mild and did not necessitate discontinuation of study treatment. The most serious adverse reaction that has been reported for ustekinumab is serious hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis (see section 4.4). The overall safety profile was similar for patients with psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Tabulated list of adverse reactions

The safety data described below reflect exposure in adults to ustekinumab in 14 phase 2 and phase 3 studies in 6,710 patients (4,135 with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis, 1,749 with Crohn's disease and 826 patients with ulcerative colitis). This includes exposure to ustekinumab in the controlled and non-controlled periods of the clinical studies in patients with psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis for at least 6 months (4,577 patients) or at least 1 year (3,648 patients). 2,194 patients with psoriasis, Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis were exposed for at least 4 years while 1,148 patients with psoriasis or Crohn's disease were exposed for at least 5 years.

Table 3 provides a list of adverse reactions from adult psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis clinical studies as well as adverse reactions reported from post-marketing experience. The adverse reactions are classified by System Organ Class and frequency, using the following convention: Very common (≥ 1/10), Common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10), Uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100), Rare (≥ 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000), Very rare (< 1/10,000), Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data). Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.

Table 3. List of adverse reactions

System Organ Class

Frequency: Adverse reaction

Infections and infestations

Common: Upper respiratory tract infection, nasopharyngitis, sinusitis

Uncommon: Cellulitis, dental infections, herpes zoster, lower respiratory tract infection, viral upper respiratory tract infection, vulvovaginal mycotic infection

Immune system disorders

Uncommon: Hypersensitivity reactions (including rash, urticaria)

Rare: Serious hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylaxis, angioedema)

Psychiatric disorders

Uncommon: Depression

Nervous system disorders

Common: Dizziness, headache

Uncommon: Facial palsy

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

Common: Oropharyngeal pain

Uncommon: Nasal congestion

Rare: Allergic alveolitis, eosinophilic pneumonia

Very rare: Organising pneumonia*

Gastrointestinal disorders

Common: Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Common: Pruritus

Uncommon: Pustular psoriasis, skin exfoliation, acne

Rare: Exfoliative dermatitis, hypersensitivity vasculitis

Very rare: Bullous pemphigoid, cutaneous lupus erythematosus

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders

Common: Back pain, myalgia, arthralgia

Very rare: Lupus-like syndrome

General disorders and administration site conditions

Common: Fatigue, injection site erythema, injection site pain

Uncommon: Injection site reactions (including haemorrhage, haematoma, induration, swelling and pruritus), asthenia

* See section 4.4, Systemic and respiratory hypersensitivity reactions.

Description of selected adverse reactions

Infections

In the placebo-controlled studies of patients with psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, the rates of infection or serious infection were similar between ustekinumab-treated patients and those treated with placebo. In the placebo-controlled period of these clinical studies, the rate of infection was 1.36 per patient-year of follow-up in ustekinumab-treated patients, and 1.34 in placebo-treated patients. Serious infections occurred at the rate of 0.03 per patient-year of follow-up in ustekinumab-treated patients (30 serious infections in 930 patient-years of follow-up) and 0.03 in placebo-treated patients (15 serious infections in 434 patient-years of follow-up) (see section 4.4).

In the controlled and non-controlled periods of psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis clinical studies, representing 15,227 patient-years of ustekinumab exposure in 6,710 patients, the median follow-up was 1.2 years; 1.7 years for psoriatic disease studies, 0.6 year for Crohn's disease studies, and 2.3 years for ulcerative colitis studies. The rate of infection was 0.85 per patient-year of follow-up in ustekinumab-treated patients, and the rate of serious infections was 0.02 per patient-year of follow-up in ustekinumab-treated patients (289 serious infections in 15,227 patient-years of follow‑up) and serious infections reported included pneumonia, anal abscess, cellulitis, diverticulitis, gastroenteritis and viral infections.

In clinical studies, patients with latent tuberculosis who were concurrently treated with isoniazid did not develop tuberculosis.

Malignancies

In the placebo-controlled period of the psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis clinical studies, the incidence of malignancies excluding non-melanoma skin cancer was 0.11 per 100 patient-years of follow-up for ustekinumab-treated patients (1 patient in 929 patient-years of follow-up) compared with 0.23 for placebo-treated patients (1 patient in 434 patient-years of follow‑up). The incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer was 0.43 per 100 patient-years of follow-up for ustekinumab-treated patients (4 patients in 929 patient-years of follow-up) compared to 0.46 for placebo-treated patients (2 patients in 433 patient-years of follow-up).

In the controlled and non-controlled periods of psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis clinical studies, representing 15,205 patient-years of ustekinumab exposure in 6,710 patients, the median follow-up was 1.2 years; 1.7 years for psoriatic disease studies, 0.6 year for Crohn's disease studies and 2.3 years for ulcerative colitis studies. Malignancies excluding non‑melanoma skin cancers were reported in 76 patients in 15,205 patient-years of follow-up (incidence of 0.50 per 100 patient‑years of follow-up for ustekinumab-treated patients). The incidence of malignancies reported in ustekinumab-treated patients was comparable to the incidence expected in the general population (standardised incidence ratio = 0.94 [95% confidence interval: 0.73, 1.18], adjusted for age, gender and race). The most frequently observed malignancies, other than non‑melanoma skin cancer, were prostate, melanoma, colorectal, and breast cancers. The incidence of non‑melanoma skin cancer was 0.46 per 100 patient-years of follow-up for ustekinumab-treated patients (69 patients in 15,165 patient‑years of follow-up). The ratio of patients with basal versus squamous cell skin cancers (3:1) is comparable with the ratio expected in the general population (see section 4.4).

Hypersensitivity reactions

During the controlled periods of the psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis clinical studies of ustekinumab, rash and urticaria have each been observed in < 1% of patients (see section 4.4).

Paediatric population

Paediatric patients 6 years and older with plaque psoriasis

The safety of ustekinumab has been studied in two phase 3 studies of paediatric patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. The first study was in 110 patients from 12 to 17 years of age treated for up to 60 weeks and the second study was in 44 patients from 6 to 11 years of age treated for up to 56 weeks. In general, the adverse events reported in these two studies with safety data up to 1 year were similar to those seen in previous studies in adults with plaque psoriasis.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via:

Yellow Card Scheme

Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

4.9. Overdose

Single doses up to 6 mg/kg have been administered intravenously in clinical studies without dose‑limiting toxicity. In case of overdose, it is recommended that the patient be monitored for any signs or symptoms of adverse reactions and appropriate symptomatic treatment be instituted immediately.

💬 Ask about this leaflet

Ask anything about WEZENLA 45 mg solution for injection. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.

Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.

Pharmacies in major towns and cities — see the list
Pharmacies by county and region — see the full list

Browse all 2,009 towns and cities →