Comprehensive medication guide to Pyzchiva including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–$200 per treatment for commercially insured patients; Sandoz's co-pay assistance program can reduce costs to as little as $0 for eligible commercially insured patients. Medicare patients benefit from the 2025 Part D $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$2,047–$4,147 per syringe at cash prices with a GoodRx coupon (45 mg and 90 mg respectively). Pyzchiva is a specialty biologic with no generic available — savings programs through Sandoz can dramatically reduce out-of-pocket costs for eligible patients.
Medfinder Findability Score
72/100
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Pyzchiva (pronounced "piz-chi-va") is an FDA-approved biosimilar to Stelara (ustekinumab), one of the best-selling biologic medications in the world. The generic name for Pyzchiva is ustekinumab-ttwe. It was developed by Samsung Bioepis and is commercialized in the United States by Sandoz. Pyzchiva received FDA approval on June 28, 2024 and launched commercially in the US in February 2025.
Pyzchiva is indicated for four conditions: moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (adults and children 6+), active psoriatic arthritis (adults and children 6+), moderately-to-severely active Crohn's disease (adults), and moderately-to-severely active ulcerative colitis (adults). The FDA has provisionally determined Pyzchiva to be interchangeable with Stelara, meaning pharmacists may substitute it without a new prescription in many states.
Pyzchiva is available as 45 mg/0.5 mL and 90 mg/mL prefilled syringes and autoinjectors for subcutaneous use, and as a 130 mg/26 mL single-dose vial for IV infusion. It must be refrigerated at 36–46°F (2–8°C).
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Pyzchiva is a humanized monoclonal antibody that works by blocking two inflammatory cytokines: interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interleukin-23 (IL-23). These signaling proteins play a central role in the chronic immune-mediated inflammation that underlies psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis.
Pyzchiva binds specifically to the p40 protein subunit shared by both IL-12 and IL-23, preventing them from attaching to their receptors on immune cells. This blocks the downstream Th1 and Th17 inflammatory pathways that drive the symptoms of these autoimmune conditions. By interrupting this signaling cascade, Pyzchiva reduces inflammation in the skin, joints, and gastrointestinal tract.
Because of its long half-life, Pyzchiva provides sustained therapeutic effect between doses — which is why patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis only need an injection every 12 weeks after loading doses, and IBD maintenance patients inject every 8 weeks.
45 mg/0.5 mL — prefilled syringe (subcutaneous)
Used for patients weighing 100 kg or less with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis; and for some IBD patients
90 mg/mL — prefilled syringe (subcutaneous)
Used for patients weighing over 100 kg with psoriasis/PsA; and for IBD maintenance dosing
130 mg/26 mL (5 mg/mL) — single-dose vial (intravenous infusion)
Used for induction dosing in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis patients
45 mg / 90 mg — autoinjector (subcutaneous)
Self-injection device available in both 45 mg and 90 mg strengths
Pyzchiva is not on the FDA drug shortage list, and it launched commercially in February 2025 with full supply available from Sandoz. However, as a specialty biologic, Pyzchiva is not stocked at most retail pharmacies. It is distributed through specialty pharmacy channels, which means patients often need to work with their prescriber to route the prescription correctly — and navigate insurance prior authorization before the medication can be dispensed.
The ustekinumab biosimilar market is highly competitive, with seven FDA-approved products now available. Some insurance plans have signed exclusive deals with specific biosimilar manufacturers, which can mean that Pyzchiva is not the formulary-preferred option for all patients. In those cases, patients may face step therapy or higher co-pays. Most specialty pharmacies that handle biologic medications can obtain Pyzchiva.
If you are having trouble locating Pyzchiva at a pharmacy near you, medfinder can call pharmacies in your area and find which ones have it in stock, saving you the time and frustration of calling around yourself.
Pyzchiva is not a controlled substance, so no special DEA registration is required to prescribe it. Any licensed healthcare provider with prescribing authority can write a prescription for Pyzchiva. However, because it is a specialty biologic for complex autoimmune conditions, it is most commonly managed by specialists.
Telehealth options are available for appropriate patients, particularly those renewing an existing biologic prescription or switching from Stelara to Pyzchiva. Note that patients starting Pyzchiva for Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis require an in-person IV infusion for the induction dose.
No. Pyzchiva (ustekinumab-ttwe) is not a controlled substance and is not scheduled under the DEA Controlled Substances Act. It does not have abuse or dependence potential. Any licensed prescriber — including physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants — can write a prescription for Pyzchiva without a DEA registration for this medication.
While Pyzchiva is not a controlled substance, it is a specialty biologic that requires a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. It is subject to insurance prior authorization requirements and is typically dispensed through specialty pharmacies rather than standard retail locations.
Most patients tolerate Pyzchiva well. Common side effects include:
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Stelara (ustekinumab)
The original reference biologic by Janssen. Pyzchiva is its biosimilar. Same mechanism and indications — significantly higher list price.
Wezlana (ustekinumab-auub)
Amgen's ustekinumab biosimilar; launched January 2025. First interchangeable ustekinumab biosimilar. Available through Optum formularies.
Selarsdi (ustekinumab-aekn)
Alvotech/Teva ustekinumab biosimilar. FDA-approved April 2024, launched February 2025. Interchangeable with Stelara.
Skyrizi (risankizumab)
IL-23-specific inhibitor by AbbVie. Approved for psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn's. Some clinical data suggest higher skin clearance rates than ustekinumab for psoriasis.
Tremfya (guselkumab)
IL-23 inhibitor by Janssen for plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Dosed every 8 weeks after loading doses.
Prefer Pyzchiva? We can find it.
Live vaccines (MMR, Varicella, Yellow Fever, BCG)
majorContraindicated while on Pyzchiva. Live vaccines may cause serious infection due to immunosuppression. Avoid live vaccines and do not give BCG for 1 year before or after therapy.
Warfarin (Coumadin)
moderatePyzchiva may affect CYP2C9 enzyme activity, potentially altering warfarin metabolism. Monitor INR closely when starting or stopping Pyzchiva in patients on warfarin.
Cyclosporine
moderateCYP3A4 substrate. Pyzchiva may affect cyclosporine metabolism. Monitor drug levels when starting, stopping, or adjusting Pyzchiva dose.
Allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots)
moderatePyzchiva may decrease the protective effect of allergen immunotherapy. Use caution in patients currently on or recently completing allergy immunotherapy.
Methotrexate, azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine
minorCan be used concurrently with Pyzchiva under physician supervision. Clinical data show no significant effect on Pyzchiva clearance from these immunomodulators.
Pyzchiva represents an important advancement in access to ustekinumab therapy. As a biosimilar to Stelara launched at approximately 80% below Stelara's list price, it has the potential to significantly reduce costs for patients and healthcare systems. The drug's FDA interchangeability designation means patients already on Stelara may be able to switch seamlessly through the pharmacy.
For new patients, the access journey starts with finding the right specialist, getting a prescription, and navigating specialty pharmacy and insurance prior authorization. Sandoz's co-pay program can reduce out-of-pocket costs to as little as $0 for commercially insured patients. And for those who struggle with the pharmacy navigation process, practical help is available.
If you need help finding a pharmacy near you that has Pyzchiva in stock, medfinder calls pharmacies on your behalf and texts you the results — so you can skip the frustration of calling around and focus on your health.
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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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