Short answer:
Stelara (ustekinumab) is usually given as a subcutaneous injection, not an IV infusion. The cost per dose in the United States typically ranges from $4,200 – $6,000 (average wholesale price), and if you do need it to be administered in an infusion center (e.g., because you’re receiving it through a hospital or specialty clinic), you’ll also pay additional infusion‑center fees (usually $200–$500 per visit).
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1. What is Stelara and how is it usually given?
| Condition | Typical dosing schedule | Route of administration | Typical vial strength |
|-----------|------------------------|------------------------|------------------------|
| Psoriasis (moderate‑to‑severe) | 45 mg at weeks 0, 4, then every 12 weeks | Subcutaneous injection (self‑administered) | 45 mg or 90 mg vials |
| Crohn’s disease | 90 mg at week 0, 4, then every 12 weeks | Subcutaneous injection (self‑administered) | 45 mg or 90 mg vials |
| Ulcerative colitis | 90 mg at week 0, 4, then every 8 weeks | Subcutaneous injection (self‑administered) | 45 mg or 90 mg vials |
Because the drug is formulated for subcutaneous delivery, “infusions” are uncommon. If a hospital or infusion clinic gives it by IV, it’s usually to accommodate patients who can’t self‑inject or for a research protocol. Those infusions are billed separately from the drug cost.
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2. Typical cost in the United States
| Item | Estimated cost (average) |
|------|--------------------------|
| Drug (single dose, 45 mg vial) | $4,200 – $4,800 (average wholesale price, AWP) |
| Drug (single dose, 90 mg vial) | $8,000 – $9,200 |
| Infusion‑center administration fee | $200 – $500 (per infusion) |
| Total per 12‑week cycle (45 mg) | $4,400 – $5,300 |
These figures are average wholesale prices. In practice, the amount you actually pay depends on:
1. Insurance coverage – many commercial plans cover Stelara after prior authorization; copays can range from $100–$500 per dose.
2. Pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) contracts – negotiated discounts may reduce the list price.
3. Patient assistance programs – AbbVie (the manufacturer) offers the Stelara Patient Assistance Program for patients who qualify, potentially covering the drug cost entirely.
4. State Medicaid programs – Medicaid typically covers the drug, but out‑of‑pocket costs can vary.
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3. If you’re actually looking for infusion costs (e.g., in a hospital)
| Scenario | Typical cost (US) |
|----------|------------------|
| IV infusion of ustekinumab (45 mg) | $4,200 – $5,200 (drug) + $200 – $400 infusion fee |
| IV infusion (90 mg) | $8,400 – $9,600 + $300 – $500 fee |
Again, these numbers can vary widely based on the hospital’s billing practices and whether the infusion is billed through a specialty pharmacy.
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4. What to do next
1. Confirm the route – ask your prescriber whether the plan is for subcutaneous injection or IV infusion.
2. Check your insurance – call your benefits administrator for a “cost‑estimate” (copay, coinsurance, deductible).
3. Ask about patient assistance – if you’re uninsured or underinsured, talk to the pharmacist or a social‑services coordinator about the AbbVie Patient Assistance Program.
4. Track pharmacy discounts – if you have a specialty pharmacy, they often negotiate a lower price than the list price.
5. Use online cost calculators – sites like GoodRx or the FDA’s “Drug Pricing” portal can give you a more precise estimate based on your ZIP code and insurance.
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Bottom line
- Standard Stelara dosing is subcutaneous; costs per dose are roughly $4–$6 k (or less if covered).
- If you’re actually getting it IV, expect an additional $200–$500 infusion fee on top of the drug cost.
- Insurance, discounts, and patient‑assistance programs can dramatically lower your out‑of‑pocket expense.
Feel free to let me know if you’d like help locating a patient‑assistance program or figuring out what your insurance will cover!