Key takeaways
- Tremfya is used to treat irritable bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease) in adults. It’s also approved for plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in adults and some children.
- Depending on your condition, Tremfya can be given as a subcutaneous injection or an IV infusion.
- Tremfya can be given every 4 or 8 weeks, depending on your age, condition, and the strength you’re prescribed.
Your specific dosage will depend on the condition being treated and the severity of your symptoms. Your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
Forms and strengths
Tremfya is available in several forms and strengths to accommodate different dosing needs. The strength is measured in milligrams of medication per milliliter of liquid (mg/mL).
| Form | Strength | Administration |
|---|---|---|
| Prefilled syringe | • 100 mg/1 mL, or • 200 mg/2 mL | Subcutaneous injection |
| Prefilled pen (Tremfya Pen) | • 100 mg/1 mL, or • 200 mg/2 mL | Subcutaneous injection |
| One-Press injector | • 100 mg/1 mL | Subcutaneous injection |
| Single-dose vial | • 200 mg/20 mL | Intravenous (IV) infusion |
Keep reading to learn more about Tremfya’s recommended dosages for each condition it’s approved to treat.
Plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
Tremfya is approved to treat plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in adults and children ages 6 years and older who weigh at least 40 kilograms (kg). For this use, Tremfya is given as a subcutaneous injection.
The dosing schedule is generally the same for both adults and children.
- Initial dose: 100 mg at Week 0
- Second dose: 100 mg at Week 4
- Maintenance dose: 100 mg every 8 weeks after
Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
Treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) occurs in two phases: induction (to achieve remission) and maintenance (to stay in remission).
1. Induction phase (Weeks 0, 4, and 8)
Tremfya’s induction dosage can be given in two different ways. You and your doctor will discuss the best route for you:
- IV Infusion: 200 mg given through a vein over at least one hour at Weeks 0, 4, and 8
- Subcutaneous injection: 400 mg (given as two consecutive 200-mg injections) at Weeks 0, 4, and 8
2. Maintenance phase
Tremfya’s maintenance doses are given as subcutaneous injections. There are two common schedules:
- 100 mg every 8 weeks (starting at Week 16)
- 200 mg every 4 weeks (starting at Week 12)
What is remission?
For inflammatory conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, remission is a period where your symptoms significantly decrease or disappear entirely.
Self-injection
If you use the prefilled syringe, pen, or One-Press injector, a healthcare professional will train you to give injections at home.
- Preparation: Remove Tremfya from the refrigerator 30 minutes before use to reach room temperature naturally. Do not use a microwave or external heat.
- Injection sites: Front of thighs or lower abdomen (at least 2 inches from the belly button). A caregiver can also use the back of the upper arm.
- Disposal: Use a sharps container immediately after use. Never reuse devices.
IV infusion
If you receive IV induction for ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, this will be performed by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting (such as an infusion center). The process takes approximately 1 hour.
If you miss a dose, inject it as soon as you remember. Then, continue your next dose at your regularly scheduled time. If you miss an IV infusion appointment, call your doctor immediately to reschedule.
If you need help remembering to inject your dose of Tremfya on time or getting to infusion appointments, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm, downloading a reminder app, or setting a timer on your phone. A kitchen timer can work, too.
It’s important not to inject more Tremfya than you’re prescribed. Doing so can increase the risk of serious side effects.
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve used too much Tremfya. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers, or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.
It depends on the condition being treated.
For plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, the standard dosage is 100 mg every 8 weeks. For UC and Crohn’s disease, doctors have some flexibility to adjust the maintenance dose from 100 mg every 8 weeks to 200 mg every 4 weeks. They may do this if the less frequent dosing schedule isn’t effective at managing your symptoms.
If you feel that your current Tremfya dose isn’t working for you, talk with your doctor about a dose adjustment or alternative treatments.
For details on other treatment options and tips for managing your condition, see Healthline’s hubs for psoriasis and digestive health.
Tremfya is a biologic treatment for adults and children with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, and adults with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. Treatment begins with an induction phase to reach remission, followed by maintenance injections every 4 or 8 weeks.
While most doses can be self-administered at home, some people may start with an IV infusion from a healthcare professional. Always follow your doctor’s instructions and attend regular follow-ups for the best results.
Disclaimer: While Healthline strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses. Learn more about our approach to content integrity.
