Updated: February 5, 2026

Stelara Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

Author

Peter Daggett

Summarize with AI

Is Stelara Currently in a Drug Shortage?
What's Actually Causing Access Problems in 2026?
Timeline: How the Stelara Biosimilar Rollout Unfolded
What Should Patients Do Right Now?
Will the Access Situation Improve?

Is there a Stelara shortage in 2026? Here's the latest update on Stelara (ustekinumab) availability, the biosimilar transition, and what patients can do right now.

If you've searched for information about a Stelara shortage in 2026, you've likely heard conflicting reports — some saying supplies are fine, others experiencing real difficulties getting their prescriptions filled. The truth is nuanced: Stelara is not on the FDA's official drug shortage list, but patients are facing significant real-world access barriers due to the transition from brand-name Stelara to biosimilars, insurance formulary changes, and specialty pharmacy logistics.

Here's a clear-eyed update on what's actually happening with Stelara availability in 2026 and what you can do about it.

Is Stelara Currently in a Drug Shortage?

No. As of 2026, Stelara (ustekinumab) is not listed on the FDA's official drug shortage database. The medication is being manufactured by Janssen Biotech and is available through specialty pharmacy networks. Additionally, eight FDA-approved biosimilar versions have launched in the US market starting January 2025, which has significantly increased the total supply of ustekinumab available to patients.

However, a supply shortage and an access problem are two different things. Patients across the country are encountering barriers that make it feel like the drug is unavailable — even though supply technically exists.

What's Actually Causing Access Problems in 2026?

The real barriers to finding Stelara in 2026 stem from:

Formulary changes: A survey representing 83% of commercial insurance lives found that most payers were likely to remove brand Stelara from their formularies by Q2 2026. If your plan has dropped Stelara, your pharmacy cannot bill insurance for it even if the drug is in stock.

Biosimilar transition confusion: Your prescription may say "Stelara" but your plan now only covers a specific biosimilar version — or your pharmacy is waiting to confirm which ustekinumab product your plan has authorized.

Exclusive pharmacy networks: Some biosimilars are restricted to specific pharmacy networks. Wezlana (ustekinumab-auub) by Amgen is only available through Optum Specialty Pharmacy, for example.

Prior authorization delays: Insurance prior authorization must be in place before any specialty pharmacy will dispense ustekinumab. These approvals can take 3-14+ days.

Timeline: How the Stelara Biosimilar Rollout Unfolded

September 2023: Stelara's composition-of-matter patent expires, opening the door for biosimilar competition.

2023-2024: FDA approves seven ustekinumab biosimilars (Wezlana, Pyzchiva, Selarsdi, Yesintek, Otulfi, Imuldosa, Steqeyma) — but launches are delayed by patent litigation settlements.

January 2025: Wezlana launches as the first ustekinumab biosimilar in the US market.

February 2025: Selarsdi (85% discount), Pyzchiva (80% discount), and Yesintek (~90% discount) all launch.

May 2025: Starjemza (ustekinumab-hmny) approved as the eighth biosimilar.

2026: Majority of commercial insurance plans have moved Stelara biosimilars to preferred formulary positions, often dropping brand Stelara entirely. Medicare Part D pricing reflects IRA negotiated price (66% reduction from 2023 list price) but most Part D plans now prefer biosimilars.

What Should Patients Do Right Now?

Check your 2026 insurance formulary to confirm which ustekinumab product is covered (brand vs. specific biosimilar).

Ask your prescriber to update your prescription to the covered biosimilar if brand Stelara has been removed from your plan.

Contact your designated specialty pharmacy to confirm availability and delivery timeline for your medication.

If coverage is delayed, contact Janssen CarePath (877-227-3728) for brand Stelara, or the relevant biosimilar manufacturer's patient support line for assistance.

If you're having trouble locating any ustekinumab product, use medfinder to identify which pharmacies can fill your prescription.

Will the Access Situation Improve?

Yes — the general trend is toward broader access and lower costs. As biosimilar competition intensifies in 2026, prices are falling and more pharmacies are stocking ustekinumab products. The transitional chaos of the biosimilar launch year (2025) should stabilize as payers, pharmacies, and patients adapt to the new landscape. The main remaining challenge is navigating which biosimilar your specific plan covers and in which pharmacy network.

Learn more about saving money on ustekinumab in our guide: How to Save Money on Stelara in 2026: Coupons, Discounts, and Patient Assistance

Frequently Asked Questions

Stelara (ustekinumab) is not on the FDA's official drug shortage list in 2026. However, many patients face real-world access challenges due to insurance formulary changes (most plans now prefer biosimilars over brand Stelara), prior authorization requirements, and specialty pharmacy distribution restrictions — not a supply shortage.

Yes. As of 2026, eight FDA-approved ustekinumab biosimilars are commercially available in the US, with prices 80-95% below brand Stelara. This has substantially increased the total supply of ustekinumab available to patients, though navigating which biosimilar your insurance covers can be challenging.

Yes. Stelara's composition-of-matter patent expired in September 2023. This paved the way for biosimilar competition, though patent litigation with biosimilar manufacturers delayed US market entry until January 2025. By 2026, eight biosimilars have launched in the US.

Many insurance plans have dropped brand-name Stelara from their formularies in favor of biosimilar versions. Contact your insurer to find out which ustekinumab biosimilar is now covered on your plan, then ask your prescriber to update your prescription accordingly. Biosimilars are clinically equivalent to brand Stelara and typically offer $0 copay cards for commercially insured patients.

Medfinder Editorial Standards

Medfinder's mission is to ensure every patient gets access to the medications they need. We are committed to providing trustworthy, evidence-based information to help you make informed health decisions.

Read our editorial standards