Humira vs Stelara
A side-by-side look at two autoimmune medications advertised on TV. Informational only — not medical advice.
| US Humira | US Stelara | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | adalimumab | ustekinumab |
| Drug class | TNF Inhibitor (Biologic) | IL-12/IL-23 Inhibitor (Biologic) |
| Treats | Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn's disease | Psoriasis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis |
| Category | Autoimmune | Autoimmune |
| Manufacturer | AbbVie | Janssen |
| Year approved | 2002 | 2009 |
| FDA warning | Black box warning | Moderate warnings |
| Est. TV ad spend | $500M | $130M |
| Common side effects | Serious infections, Increased cancer risk, Allergic reactions, Injection site reactions | Serious infections, Headache, Fatigue, Injection site reactions |
Frequently asked questions
Is Humira or Stelara better?
Neither is universally "better." Humira (adalimumab) and Stelara (ustekinumab) are both used for autoimmune, but the right choice depends on your medical history, insurance and your doctor's guidance. This comparison is informational only.
What's the difference between Humira and Stelara?
Humira is a TNF Inhibitor (Biologic) made by AbbVie, while Stelara is a IL-12/IL-23 Inhibitor (Biologic) made by Janssen. See the table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
Which one spends more on TV ads?
Humira has the larger estimated TV advertising budget of the two.