Sotyktu Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

Sotyktu in 2026: Is There a Shortage?

If you've been trying to fill a Sotyktu (Deucravacitinib) prescription and keep hitting dead ends, you're probably wondering: is Sotyktu in shortage? The short answer is that Sotyktu is not currently on the FDA's official drug shortage list. However, many patients are still having difficulty finding it at their local pharmacies — and there are real reasons for that.

In this article, we'll break down the current availability picture, explain why Sotyktu is hard to find, discuss the cost in 2026, and share practical steps you can take to get your prescription filled.

Is Sotyktu Still in Shortage?

Technically, no. The FDA has not listed Sotyktu as being in shortage. Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) continues to manufacture and distribute the medication. However, "not in shortage" and "easy to find" are two very different things.

Sotyktu is distributed through a limited specialty pharmacy network. This means that even though the drug is being produced, it's only available at certain pharmacies — and most retail chains don't carry it. This creates a practical access gap that feels like a shortage to patients.

Why Is Sotyktu Hard to Find?

Several factors contribute to the difficulty:

• Specialty distribution: Sotyktu is primarily dispensed through specialty pharmacies, not your neighborhood drugstore.
• High cost: At $2,000–$2,400 per month without insurance, most retail pharmacies won't stock it unless a patient has already been approved.
• Insurance barriers: Prior authorization and step therapy requirements delay access. Many patients must try and fail other treatments before their insurance will cover Sotyktu.
• Limited prescribing: As a relatively new medication (approved in 2022), not all dermatologists are prescribing Sotyktu yet, which means pharmacy demand remains uneven.

For a deeper dive into these factors, read Why is Sotyktu so hard to find?

How Much Does Sotyktu Cost in 2026?

The cash price for Sotyktu remains in the range of $2,000 to $2,400 per month, or roughly $72,000 to $80,000 per year. There is no generic version of Deucravacitinib available, and one is not expected until the late 2030s.

However, many patients pay significantly less — or even $0 — through insurance coverage and savings programs:

• BMS Sotyktu Savings Card: Eligible commercially insured patients may pay as little as $0 per month.
• BMS Patient Assistance Foundation: Uninsured or underinsured patients may qualify for free medication.
• Discount cards: Services like SingleCare and GoodRx may offer reduced pricing at participating pharmacies.

Read our full guide on how to save money on Sotyktu in 2026.

New Options for Psoriasis Patients in 2026

The psoriasis treatment landscape continues to evolve. If Sotyktu isn't accessible, several other effective treatments are available:

• Skyrizi (Risankizumab): An IL-23 inhibitor biologic with excellent clearance rates. Injection every 12 weeks.
• Tremfya (Guselkumab): Another IL-23 blocker with strong efficacy. Injection every 8 weeks.
• Otezla (Apremilast): An oral PDE4 inhibitor, best suited for mild-to-moderate psoriasis.

Learn more in our article on alternatives to Sotyktu.

How to Find Sotyktu in Stock

If you want to stay on Sotyktu, here's what to do:

1. Search on Medfinder — check real-time pharmacy stock near your location.
2. Ask your dermatologist about specialty pharmacies — they can send your prescription directly to a pharmacy that carries Sotyktu.
3. Contact BMS Access Support — the manufacturer can help locate pharmacies and assist with insurance approvals.
4. Try independent pharmacies — they're often more willing to order specialty medications.
5. Plan refills early — request your refill at least 7 days before running out.

For a complete walkthrough, see How to find Sotyktu in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

While Sotyktu is not officially in shortage in 2026, the real-world experience for many patients tells a different story. Limited distribution, high cost, and insurance barriers all create access challenges that can feel overwhelming.

The good news is that there are tools and resources to help. Start with Medfinder to check availability, explore savings programs to reduce your cost, and work closely with your dermatologist to find the best path forward — whether that means finding Sotyktu or exploring an effective alternative.