From the Research
There is no evidence that ustekinumab (Stelara) directly causes blood samples to clump. Ustekinumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets interleukin-12 and interleukin-23, used to treat conditions like psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn's disease. Blood sample clumping, also known as agglutination, is not listed among the known side effects of this medication in clinical trials or post-marketing surveillance, as seen in studies such as 1 which focused on the pharmacokinetics and exposure response of ustekinumab in patients with ulcerative colitis, without mentioning any effects on blood sample clumping.
If you're experiencing issues with blood samples clumping during laboratory testing while on ustekinumab, this is more likely due to other factors such as:
- Improper sample collection technique
- Delayed processing of samples
- Exposure to extreme temperatures
- Underlying medical conditions that affect blood properties
Studies like 2, 3, 4, and 5 provide insights into the efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of ustekinumab but do not report any association with blood sample clumping. For instance, 2 discusses the efficacy and safety of ustekinumab in patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus, while 3 analyzes the positive treatment effects of ustekinumab in psoriasis, and 4 reports a case of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage associated with ustekinumab treatment, none of which mention blood sample clumping as a side effect. Similarly, 5 investigates the association between clinical response to ustekinumab and immunogenicity to ustekinumab and prior adalimumab, without any reference to effects on blood samples.
If you notice persistent problems with blood tests while taking ustekinumab, it's essential to discuss this with your healthcare provider, as they may need to investigate other potential causes or adjust the timing of blood draws in relation to your medication schedule. However, you should continue taking your prescribed dose of ustekinumab unless specifically instructed otherwise by your doctor.