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Overview: Tremfya is used for plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's disease. Common side effects include headache, diarrhea, and infection in the nose or throat. Tell your health care provider right away if you get an infection, especially if you have a fever, cough, or shortness of breath. This medicine may damage your liver, so also tell your health care provider right away if you get nausea, appetite loss, or a yellowish color to your skin or the whites of your eyes.

Uses

What is Tremfya used for?

Tremfya (guselkumab) is commonly used for the following conditions.

Learn more about Managing Plaque Psoriasis With Tremfya, Tremfya for Crohn’s Disease, and Managing Psoriatic Arthritis With Tremfya.

Tremfya may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Tremfya work (mechanism of action)?

Tremfya works by blocking the effect of a substance called interleukin-23 (IL-23). This substance is normally made by your body and is part of your body’s response to inflammation. Blocking this substance can help treat the symptoms of plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis.

How is Tremfya supplied (dosage forms)?

Tremfya is available in the following dosage forms that are injected under the skin (subcutaneous).

  • 100 mg/mL, 200 mg/2 mL single-dose prefilled syringe

    200 mg/2 mL single-dose prefilled pen

  • 100 mg/mL single-dose One-Press patient-controlled injector

    Tremfya is also available in an injectable form given by a health care provider.

How should I store Tremfya?

Tremfya should be stored in the refrigerator between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C). Keep Tremfya in the original carton to protect from light until you are ready to use it. Do not freeze or shake it. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Tremfya?

The most common side effects of Tremfya are listed below. These side effects may vary based upon the condition that is being treated. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms
  • Headache
  • Pain, itching, swelling, or redness near the injection site
  • Joint pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach flu
  • Fungal infections of the skin
  • Herpes simplex infections

There may be other side effects of Tremfya that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Tremfya?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Tremfya are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Tremfya may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Tremfya and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems 
  • Chest tightness
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when using Tremfya. Your health care provider may do blood tests before and while using Tremfya to check your liver function. Keep all appointments with your health care provider while using the medicine. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)

Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Infections. Tremfya lowers the ability of your immune system to fight infections and can increase the risk of infections, including tuberculosis. Your health care provider should check for infections and tuberculosis before starting Tremfya. Tell your health care provider right away if you have an infection or develop any of the following symptoms of an infection during and after treatment with Tremfya.

  • Fevers, sweats, or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Blood in your mucus
  • Muscle aches
  • Warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body not caused by psoriasis
  • Weight loss
  • Diarrhea or stomach pain
  • Burning when peeing or peeing more frequently than usual

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Tremfya?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Tremfya.

  • Tremfya
  • Guselkumab
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Tremfya.

What should I know about Tremfya before using it?

Do not use Tremfya unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share Tremfya with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Tremfya out of the reach of children. Since this medicine must be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

This medicine is injected under the skin when used for plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, or the maintenance treatment of either ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. You may also get this medicine this way when you first start this medicine for Crohn’s disease. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use Tremfya. If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Tremfya?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Tremfya is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Vaccines. Talk with your health care provider about any vaccines that you may need. You should not receive live vaccines while using Tremfya. Tell your health care provider about any vaccines you have recently received or have scheduled.

Infection. Tell your health care provider if you have any signs and symptoms of an infection or fever before receiving Tremfya.

Tuberculosis. Tell your health care provider if you have a history of tuberculosis, have active tuberculosis, or have been in contact with someone who has tuberculosis before using Tremfya.

Liver Problems. Tell your health care provider if you have had any problems with your liver, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, before receiving Tremfya.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Tremfya may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Tremfya, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Tremfya could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will advise you if you should use Tremfya while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you become pregnant while using Tremfya, you can enroll in the Mother to Baby Registry by calling 877-311-8972, emailing [email protected], or at mothertobaby.org/ongoing-study/tremfya-guselkumab. This registry collects safety information about the use of Tremfya during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Tremfya passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will tell you if you should use Tremfya while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Tremfya?

For more information about Tremfya, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.tremfya.com or call them at 800-526-7736.

Interactions

Does Tremfya interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Tremfya and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Tremfya. 

Does Tremfya interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Tremfya may alter the blood levels of some other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Tremfya?

If you or someone else has used too much Tremfya, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Tremfya?

If you miss a dose, administer a dose as soon as you remember, then take your next dose at your usual time. Do not take double or extra doses.

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