Tremfya (guselkumab) is a prescription medication used to treat certain inflammatory conditions in adults. It is approved for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, active psoriatic arthritis, moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis, and moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease. This guide provides general instructions for administering Tremfya at home, but always follow your healthcare provider’s specific advice and the detailed instructions provided in the medication’s packaging.
Preparing for Your Injection
Gather all necessary supplies: your Tremfya prefilled syringe or One-Press autoinjector, an alcohol swab, a cotton ball or gauze pad, an adhesive bandage, and an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container. Remove the Tremfya carton from the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes; do not warm it by other methods.
Once at room temperature, inspect the liquid within the viewing window. It should appear clear and colorless to light yellow, possibly with tiny white or clear particles or small air bubbles, which is normal. Do not use the medication if it appears cloudy, discolored, or contains large particles; contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a replacement.
Select an appropriate injection site, such as the front of the thighs, lower stomach (avoiding the two-inch area around the navel), or the back of the upper arms if someone else is administering. Rotate injection sites with each dose to prevent skin irritation. Avoid areas that are tender, bruised, red, scaly, thick, hard, or have scars or stretch marks.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before handling the injection device.
Administering Tremfya
With supplies ready and the injection site chosen, proceed with administering Tremfya. Wipe the selected injection site with an alcohol swab and allow the area to air dry completely without touching, fanning, or blowing on it. This minimizes the risk of infection.
For both the prefilled syringe and One-Press autoinjector, a few drops of liquid at the needle tip are normal. Do not replace the cap once removed. Inject within five minutes of removing the cap.
Using the Prefilled Syringe
Hold the syringe body firmly and pull the needle cover straight off. Do not attempt to put the needle cover back on, as this could damage the needle or result in a needle stick injury.
Gently pinch a fold of skin at the cleaned injection site, ensuring enough skin to inject beneath the skin layer and not into muscle. Position the syringe at approximately a 45-degree angle to the skin and insert the needle with a quick, dart-like motion.
Once the needle is fully inserted, use your thumb to press the plunger all the way down until the liquid has been fully delivered and the plunger stops moving. The safety guard will then automatically cover the needle and lock into place as it is removed from your skin.
Using the One-Press Autoinjector
For the One-Press autoinjector, remove the bottom cap and keep your hands away from the needle guard. Place the device straight onto the cleaned injection site, ensuring it is flush against the skin.
Push the handle all the way down until the teal body is no longer visible. Do not lift the autoinjector from the skin during the injection, as this will cause the device to lock and may prevent full dose delivery.
You may hear a click as the injection begins, and it is normal to feel some resistance. Maintain steady pressure until the injection is complete. After lifting the device, a yellow band will become visible, indicating the needle guard has locked.
After the Injection
Proper disposal of the used device is essential. Immediately place the used Tremfya prefilled syringe or One-Press autoinjector into an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container. These containers are designed to safely contain needles and prevent accidental needle stick injuries; never dispose of the device in your regular household trash.
After discarding the device, gently hold pressure over the injection site with a cotton ball or gauze pad until any minor bleeding stops. Do not rub the injection site, as this could cause irritation or bruising. If needed, you may apply a small adhesive bandage. Observing a small amount of blood or liquid at the injection site is normal.
Addressing Common Questions and Concerns
Understanding how to manage common situations and potential reactions can help ensure a smoother treatment experience.
If you miss a dose of Tremfya, inject it as soon as you remember. Continue with your next scheduled dose at the regularly appointed time, maintaining your original dosing schedule. If uncertain, contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
It is normal to see a few drops of medication or blood at the injection site immediately after the injection. If you notice a significant amount of medication leaking, contact your healthcare provider for further instructions.
Common temporary reactions at the injection site include redness, pain, bruising, itching, swelling, or discoloration. These reactions are typically mild to moderate and usually resolve on their own.
While most reactions are minor, be aware of signs that warrant immediate medical attention.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Serious Allergic Reaction:
Fainting, dizziness, lightheadedness
Swelling of face, eyelids, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
Trouble breathing, throat or chest tightness
Skin rash, hives, or itching
Signs of Infection:
Fever, sweats, or chills
Muscle aches, unexplained weight loss
Persistent cough, shortness of breath, blood in phlegm
Warm, red, painful skin or sores (different from existing condition)
Diarrhea, stomach pain
Painful or frequent urination
Symptoms of Liver Problems:
Unexplained rash, vomiting, nausea
Fatigue, loss of appetite
Yellowing of skin or eyes
Abdominal pain, dark urine
This information is not an exhaustive list of all possible side effects. Always refer to your prescribing information and consult your doctor for any concerns.