Guselkumab (By injection)
Guselkumab (gus-ELK-ue-mab)
Treats plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ulcerative colitis.
Brand Name(s):
Tremfya, Tremfya PEN, Tremfya PFS
There may be other brand names for this medicine.When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to guselkumab.How to Use This Medicine:
Injectable
- Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through an IV catheter that is placed into a vein or as a shot under your skin of your stomach, thigh, or upper arm.
- A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
- You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
- You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas. Do not inject into areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red, hard, thick, scaly, affected by psoriasis, or areas with scars or stretch marks.
- This medicine is available in 4 forms: vial, One-Press® injector, prefilled pen, and prefilled syringe.
- Allow the medicine to warm to room temperature for 30 minutes before you use it. Do not warm it in any other way.
- Check the liquid in the prefilled pen, prefilled syringe, or One-Press® injector. It should be clear and colorless or slightly yellow and may contain small particles. Do not use the medicine if it is cloudy, discolored, or has large particles in it. Do not shake.
- One-Press® injector:
- Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
- Pull off the bottom cap. Inject within 5 minutes of removing the cap. Do not put the cap back on.
- Place straight on the skin. Push the handle all the way down until the teal body is not visible. You will hear a click when the injection begins. Once complete, you may see the yellow band which indicates that the needle guard is locked.
- Prefilled pen:
- Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
- Pull the cap straight off. Inject the pen within 5 minutes of removing the cap. Do not put the cap back on.
- Place the pen straight onto the injection site with the yellow needle guard against the skin and the viewing window facing you. Press down on the pen and keep holding it down against the skin. You will hear the first click.
- Firmly hold the pen or about 10 seconds to hear a second click. Once complete, the plunger rod stops moving and fills the viewing window. Lift the pen straight up.
- Prefilled syringe:
- Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
- Remove the needle cover when you are ready to inject. Inject within 5 minutes of removing the needle cover. Do not put the needle cover back on.
- Pinch the skin and insert the needle at about a 45 degree angle with a quick dart-like motion. Slowly press the plunger all the way down until it stops. Slowly release pressure from the plunger.
- You might not use all of the medicine in each prefilled syringe or One-Press® injector. Use each prefilled syringe and One-Press® injector only 1 time. Do not save an open syringe or One-Press® injector.
- Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
- This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
- Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
- If you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep the medicine in its original carton until you are ready to use it. Protect it from light. Do not shake.
- Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Some medicines can affect how guselkumab works. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines that you are using.
- This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines. You should not receive live vaccines while you are using this medicine.
Warnings While Using This Medicine:
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, an infection, active tuberculosis (TB), or a history of TB or any infection that keeps coming back.
- This medicine may also cause you to get infections more easily. Tell your doctor if you have any type or history of infection before you start treatment.
- You will need to have a skin test for tuberculosis (TB) before you start this medicine. Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your home has ever had a positive TB skin test or has been exposed to TB.
- Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
- Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
- Diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, stomach pain
- Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, body aches
- Painful cold sores or blisters on lips, nose, eyes, or genitals
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
- Headache
- Joint pain
- Redness, pain, swelling, or itching where the shot was given
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
Last Updated: 2/4/2025