Sotyktu (deucravacitinib) is a brand-name oral tablet that’s prescribed for plaque psoriasis in adults. The cost of the drug with and without insurance can depend on several factors, such as whether Sotyktu has a savings program.

Sotyktu belongs to a drug class called tyrosine kinase 2 inhibitors. Sotyktu isn’t available in a generic version.

Read on to learn about Sotyktu and cost, as well as how to save money on prescriptions. If you’d like other information about Sotyktu, refer to this article.

As with all medications, the cost of Sotyktu can vary. Factors that may affect the price you’ll pay include:

  • your treatment plan
  • your insurance coverage
  • the pharmacy you use
  • whether Sotyktu has a savings program (see the “Financial and insurance assistance” section below)

To find out what the cost of Sotyktu will be for you, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Note: If you have insurance, your insurance company may require prior authorization before it covers Sotyktu. This means the company and your doctor will discuss Sotyktu in regard to your treatment. The insurance company will then determine whether the medication is covered. If a drug requires prior authorization but you start treatment without the prior approval, you could pay the full cost of the medication. You can ask your insurance company whether Sotyktu requires prior authorization.

Sotyktu is only available as a brand-name drug. It doesn’t come in a generic version. Agenericdrug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication.

Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

WHY ARE COSTS DIFFERENT FOR BRAND-NAME DRUGS VS. GENERIC DRUGS?

Brand-name drugs can be expensive because of the research needed to test their safety and effectiveness. The manufacturer of a brand-name drug can sell it for up to 20 years. When the brand-name drug’s patent expires, multiple manufacturers can create generic versions. This marketplace competition may lead to lower costs for generics. Also, because generics contain the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs, they don’t require the same costly testing.

If you take Sotyktu long term, you may be able to lower its cost in the following ways.

Getting a 3-month supply

You may be able to get a 90-day supply of Sotyktu. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-daysupply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Using a mail-order pharmacy

Sotyktu may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this type of service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to receive your medication without leaving home. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications. You may also be able to get a 90-day supply of the drug via mail order.

If you don’t have health insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest online pharmacy options that could work for you.

If you need financial support to pay for Sotyktu, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available. For example:

  • A program called the Sotyktu Co-Pay Assistance Program is available for Sotyktu. For more information and to find out whether you’re eligible for support, call 888-768-9588 or visit the program website.
  • Some websites provide details about drug assistance programs, ways to make the most of your insurance coverage, and links to savings cards and other services. Two such websites are:

To learn more about saving money on prescriptions with or without insurance, check out this article.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about drug cost and Sotyktu.

How much does Sotyktu cost with insurance?

If you have insurance, your cost for Sotyktu depends on factors such as:

  • your particular plan benefits, including your drug copay amount
  • your dosage of the drug
  • whether you apply and qualify for a savings program

To find out how much Sotyktu will cost you with insurance, contact your insurance provider or doctor.

You can also visit Optum Perks for price estimates for Sotyktu when using coupons from the site. However, Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with any insurance benefits or copays.

* Optum Perks is a sister site of Medical News Today.

Is Sotyktu covered by Medicare?

It may be. You can call your Medicare plan provider to learn whether your particular plan covers the cost of this drug. There are many types of Medicare plans, so your coverage and what you pay for prescriptions will be based on your particular plan’s benefits.

You may also need to obtain prior authorization before your plan will cover the cost of this medication.

Your doctor may also be able to provide information about your cost for Sotyktu if you have Medicare.

Now that you’ve learned about cost and Sotyktu, you may still have some questions. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist, who can provide personalized guidance about cost issues related to Sotyktu. But if you have health insurance, you’ll need to talk with your insurance provider to learn the actual cost you’d pay for Sotyktu.

Sotyktu is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults. Sotyktu may be prescribed for plaque psoriasis that responds to other systemic treatments or phototherapy.

Here are some other resources you may find helpful:

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.