Stelara (ustekinumab)

Product Name:

Stelara (ustekinumab)

Categories: Dermatology, Gastroenterology, Immunology, Rheumatology

Discover Savings on Your Medication Access

Trusted concierge service, secure process, and real savings for patients in the U.S.

Table of Contents

Stelara (Ustekinumab)

Product Category

Immunosuppressant – Biologic Therapy

Brand Name

Stelara

Generic Name or Biosimilar

No

Active Ingredient

Ustekinumab

Prescription Status

Prescription-only

Targeted Conditions

Stelara is FDA-approved for the treatment of several chronic inflammatory conditions, including:

  • Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis
  • Active psoriatic arthritis
  • Moderate to severe Crohn’s disease
  • Moderate to severe ulcerative colitis

Off-Label Usage

Stelara may be prescribed off-label for certain autoimmune diseases not covered under its official indications, such as:

  • Hidradenitis suppurativa
  • Behçet’s disease
  • Sarcoidosis
  • Other treatment-resistant inflammatory disorders

Drug Classification Overview

Stelara is a human monoclonal antibody that targets interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interleukin-23 (IL-23), two proteins involved in inflammatory and immune responses. By inhibiting these cytokines, Stelara reduces inflammation associated with autoimmune diseases.

Manufacturer in the USA, Mexico, and Canada

  • USA: Janssen Biotech, Inc. (Johnson & Johnson)
  • Canada: Janssen Inc.
  • Mexico: Janssen-Cilag S.A. de C.V.

Available Strengths and Dosage Forms – United States, Mexico, and Canada

Country Comparison – United States vs Mexico and Canada

  • Identical active ingredient (ustekinumab)
  • Available in both prefilled syringes and vials
  • Packaging, language, or branding may vary slightly
  • Same clinical safety and efficacy when sourced through licensed and verified pharmacies

Average Retail Price (Monthly Treatment) USA vs Mexico vs Canada

  • 1
    Canada: ~50–60% savings vs U.S. retail
  • 2
    Mexico: ~40–50% savings vs U.S. retail

Savings may vary depending on availability, prescription type, temperature-control needs, and pharmacy logistics.

Where to Buy USA

Stelara is available through the following channels:

  • CVS
  • Walgreens
  • Walmart
  • Rite Aid
  • Costco
  • Kroger
  • Albertsons
  • Sam’s Club
  • Publix
  • Target (via CVS Pharmacy)
  • Online mail-order specialty care pharmacies

Availability depends on insurance, specialty pharmacy access, and provider authorization.

Storage Requirements

Stelara must be refrigerated at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). It must not be frozen or shaken. Protect from light. Cold chain shipping is required to preserve product integrity.

Shipping from Canada

This medication is accessed through fully licensed Canadian pharmacies regulated by Health Canada. All pharmacies included in the MedicalMex network undergo a rigorous review and verification process to ensure compliance with national standards, patient safety, and medication authenticity.

MedicalMex facilitates:

  • Prescription verification and fulfillment coordination
  • Secure, compliant medication logistics
  • Access to licensed Canadian pharmacists
  • Access to our network of certified physicians if a Telehealth consultation is needed
  • Case management, payment handling, and personalized boutique-level support
  • Cold chain shipping with next-generation temperature-monitored coolers, when required
  • Refill tracking and patient adherence programs

You are working directly with MedicalMex Inc., a U.S.-based company that helps eligible patients safely access affordable medications from Canada — with compliance and full-service concierge support at every step.

Buying from Mexico

This medication is also available through certified pharmacies in Mexico regulated by COFEPRIS (Mexico’s national health authority). All partners in the MedicalMex network must pass a rigorous review and certification process before being approved for patient access.

MedicalMex facilitates:

  • Transportation support to our affiliate clinic in Tijuana, Mexico
  • Prescription handling through licensed physicians within our certified network
  • Access to our network of accredited physicians if a Telehealth consultation is needed
  • Travel coordination, including flights and/or hotel reservations when required
  • Travel insurance
  • Cold chain shipping with advanced temperature-monitored coolers, when applicable
  • Personalized, boutique-level service
  • Refill tracking and patient adherence support

You are working directly with MedicalMex Inc., a U.S.-based company that manages every detail — from medical and travel logistics to prescription compliance — providing secure, affordable access to life-saving medications from Mexico.

Key Benefits

  • Targets two key inflammatory cytokines (IL-12 and IL-23)
  • FDA-approved for multiple inflammatory conditions
  • Long-acting injection (dosing once every 8 or 12 weeks after loading)
  • Reduces symptoms and promotes remission in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
  • Improves skin clearance in psoriasis
  • Minimal need for frequent lab monitoring compared to traditional immunosuppressants

Side Effects

Common side effects:

  • Upper respiratory infections
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Injection site reactions
  • Diarrhea or nausea

Serious side effects:

  • Serious infections (e.g., tuberculosis, bacterial infections)
  • Hypersensitivity reactions
  • Increased risk of malignancy
  • Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS) (rare)
  • Liver enzyme elevations

Warnings and Precautions

  • Screen for tuberculosis prior to initiation
  • Do not administer live vaccines during treatment
  • Use caution in patients with a history of cancer or serious infections
  • Monitor for new onset of neurological symptoms (possible RPLS)
  • Regular monitoring may be required in long-term use
  • Avoid in pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks

Alternative Medications (by Indication)

For Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis:

  • Humira (adalimumab)
  • Remicade (infliximab)
  • Entyvio (vedolizumab)
  • Rinvoq (upadacitinib)

For plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis:

  • Skyrizi (risankizumab)
  • Cosentyx (secukinumab)
  • Taltz (ixekizumab)
  • Tremfya (guselkumab)

Medication FAQs (Patient-Oriented Answers)

Stelara is used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.

Yes. Stelara is a biologic drug, which means it is derived from living cells and targets specific immune system proteins.

It is given as a subcutaneous injection, typically starting with a loading dose followed by maintenance injections every 8 to 12 weeks. The first dose for Crohn’s disease may be given as an IV infusion in a clinical setting.

No. As of now, there is no biosimilar or generic version approved in the United States.

Most side effects are mild and include headaches, infections, and injection site reactions. Serious infections and allergic reactions are rare but possible.

Improvements may be seen within 3 to 6 weeks for psoriasis and 8 to 16 weeks for inflammatory bowel disease, but results vary by individual.

Use in pregnancy should be discussed with a healthcare provider. Stelara may be used if the benefits outweigh the risks.

No, it selectively targets IL-12 and IL-23, making it more focused than older immunosuppressants like methotrexate or corticosteroids.

Yes, but proper refrigeration is required. Use insulated containers with temperature monitors if traveling for extended periods.

MedicalMex coordinates prescription fulfillment through licensed Canadian and Mexican pharmacies. We manage compliance, cold chain logistics, and support services so patients receive safe, affordable access to Stelara without compromising quality.

Patients may save approximately 50–60% in Canada and 40–50% in Mexico compared to typical U.S. pharmacy prices, depending on availability, formulation, and fulfillment method.