How much does ustekinumab cost?

Ustekinumab (brand name Stelara) is a biologic used for conditions such as psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. Because it’s a specialty drug, the list (wholesale or manufacturer) price is relatively high compared with many oral or topical medications.

Typical price range in the United States

• These figures represent the wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) or the price that pharmacies or hospitals pay.
• The actual amount a patient pays depends on insurance coverage, pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) contracts, copay tiers, and any manufacturer patient‑assistance programs.

What patients typically see

1. Insurance coverage – Most commercial plans and many Medicare Part D plans cover ustekinumab, but the copay or coinsurance can range from a few hundred dollars up to about $1 000–$2 000 per infusion, depending on the plan’s tier structure.
2. Out‑of‑pocket maximums – Because it’s a specialty drug, the out‑of‑pocket maximum for the year can be high, sometimes in the $5 000–$10 000 range.
3. Patient assistance – The manufacturer offers a patient assistance program that can provide the medication at no charge to eligible patients who meet income and insurance criteria.

International perspective

• In Canada, the list price per vial is roughly CAD 4 000–5 000 (~USD 3 200–4 000), though provincial drug plans negotiate discounts.
• In the UK, the NHS typically pays around £3 000–£4 000 (~USD 3 800–5 100) per course, but patients may have no cost if fully covered.

Key take‑away

• The drug itself is expensive—roughly $10 000–$12 000 for the first loading dose and $6 000–$10 000 for each subsequent infusion.
• Insurance usually covers most of that cost, but patients can face significant copays or coinsurance.
• Always check with your insurer or pharmacy, and ask your provider about any manufacturer assistance programs that might reduce your out‑of‑pocket bill.