The Charlton Centre

Ustekinumab was first launched in Canada in 2008 under the name Stelara by the manufacturer Janssen. It is a protein-based treatment, which we refer to as a biologic. It treats many immune-mediated conditions such as psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s, and Ulcerative Colitis. Depending on the condition being treated, standard dosing is based on injections given every 8-12 weeks. When the patent for the original Stelara expired, it allowed other pharmaceutical companies to produce ustekinumab after studies were conducted to show it was as effective and safe as the originator product. Health Canada has now approved a few biosimilars of ustekinumab.

Until now, ustekinumab has only been available as a standard pre-filled syringe from either the original manufacturer or from other companies making a biosimilar. Patients self-inject using a traditional syringe or get assistance from a medical professional.

Wezlana is an ustekinumab biosimilar made by the manufacturer Amgen, and they have just launched the first ustekinumab as an autoinjector. This device is referred to as the Confipen. Most biologic medication manufacturers offer a pen option. Patients appreciate that it can make injections at home easier and reduces anxiety for those with a fear of seeing a needle. We are excited that a pen option now exists for ustekinumab. For patients currently using the syringe format of ustekinumab who would benefit from a pen, you can reach out to your specialist to see if a change in prescription is appropriate. There is no cost difference between the pen and syringe, and private insurance plans that cover the syringe have now added the pen as a benefit. Government-based plans such as the seniors plan (ODB) and Trillium are likely to cover the Confipen soon. We will post an update when the pen becomes a benefit for these plans.

Carolyn Whiskin is the Pharmacy Manager for Charlton Health. Carolyn specializes in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, pharmaceutical compounding, women’s health, pain, and smoking cessation. Carolyn has won provincial and national awards for her commitment to patient care and public service.