From the Research
I recommend consulting with a healthcare provider before taking Stelara (ustekinumab) and tadalafil together, as there are no significant known drug interactions between these medications, but individual health factors may affect their combined use. Stelara is a biologic medication that targets specific immune system components to treat conditions like psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and inflammatory bowel diseases, while tadalafil (commonly known as Cialis) is used for erectile dysfunction, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Both medications work through different mechanisms in the body - Stelara affects immune pathways by blocking interleukin-12 and interleukin-23, while tadalafil inhibits phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) to increase blood flow. Although they don't directly interact pharmacologically, both medications can have side effects that might compound each other, such as fatigue or headaches. Your doctor needs to evaluate your complete medical history, including any cardiovascular conditions, as tadalafil can cause blood pressure changes that might be relevant to your overall treatment plan, as noted in studies comparing tadalafil with other PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil 1. It's also important to consider the patient's preference and the characteristics of their partner, as these factors can influence the choice of medication, as discussed in a review of patient-preference studies 2. In terms of efficacy and safety, tadalafil has been shown to be similar to sildenafil, with some studies suggesting that patients prefer tadalafil due to its longer duration of action and improved psychological outcomes 1. However, the most recent and highest quality study on the topic of oral combination therapy for erectile dysfunction when PDE5 inhibitor monotherapy fails, published in 2019, highlights the need for further research on the efficacy of combining PDE5 inhibitors with other medications, including biologics like Stelara 3. Therefore, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment and to monitor for any potential interactions or side effects. Some key points to consider when taking Stelara and tadalafil together include:
- Monitoring for increased risk of side effects, such as fatigue or headaches
- Evaluating the patient's complete medical history, including cardiovascular conditions
- Considering the patient's preference and the characteristics of their partner
- Discussing the potential benefits and risks of combining Stelara with tadalafil, as well as alternative treatment options.