Skyrizi is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for plaque psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, and other conditions. The medication is available as a solution that’s given as an intravenous (IV) infusion or a subcutaneous injection.

Skyrizi is FDA approved to treat the following conditions in certain adults:

Drug details

You’ll find key information about Skyrizi below.

Skyrizi is a brand-name biologic drug. It’s not available in biosimilar form.

Biologic drugs are made from living cells. Biologics cannot be copied exactly, so they have biosimilars instead of generics. In comparison, traditional drugs are made using chemicals. This allows them to have generics that are exact copies of the brand-name form.

As with generics, biosimilars are considered to be as safe and effective as the original brand-name drug. And like generics, biosimilars tend to cost less than brand-name medications.

Skyrizi can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Skyrizi. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

For more information about the possible side effects of Skyrizi, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Skyrizi, you can do so through MedWatch.

Mild side effects

Below is a partial list of mild side effects of Skyrizi. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or view Skyrizi’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects of Skyrizi can include:

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. However, if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* To learn more, see “Side effect details” below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Skyrizi aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening, or you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:

* To learn more, see “Side effect details” below.

Side effect details

You may wonder how often certain side effects occur with this drug. Here’s some detail on some of the side effects this drug may or may not cause. You can also refer to this article to learn more about Skyrizi’s side effects.

Headache

Headache was a common side effect in clinical trials of Skyrizi.

If you have headaches during treatment with Skyrizi, you can talk with your doctor about ways to relieve this side effect.

Infections

Several types of infection were reported in clinical trials of Skyrizi. Some infections were reported more often than others.

The most common mild infections that occurred in clinical trials were upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold. Other mild infections that were reported include:

Although less common, serious infections such as pneumonia and cellulitis (a type of skin infection) also occurred in clinical trials.

Talk with your doctor about ways to help prevent infections during your Skyrizi treatment. If you get an infection during Skyrizi treatment, tell your doctor right away.

ALLERGIC REACTION

For some people, Skyrizi can cause an allergic reaction.

In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Skyrizi, your doctor may recommend a different medication instead.

The Skyrizi dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • the type and severity of the condition you’re using Skyrizi to treat
  • the form of Skyrizi you take

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

You can refer to this article for more details about the dosage of Skyrizi.

Drug forms and strengths

Skyrizi comes as a liquid solution in several forms and strengths. These include:

  • single-use, prefilled injection pens:
    • 150 milligrams per milliliter of solution (mg/mL)
  • single-use, prefilled syringes:
    • 90 mg/mL
    • 150 mg/mL
  • single-use, prefilled cartridges for use with an on-body injector:
    • 180 mg per 1.2 mL of solution (150 mg/mL)
    • 360 mg per 2.4 mL of solution (150 mg/mL)
  • single-use vials:
    • 600 mg per 10 mL of solution (60 mg/mL)

Depending on the form of Skyrizi and the condition treated, you may receive the drug as an intravenous (IV) infusion or subcutaneous injection. Your doctor can help you decide which form of Skyrizi is right for you. To learn more about what to expect with each type of injection, see “How to inject” below.

Dosage for plaque psoriasis

For plaque psoriasis, you’ll receive Skyrizi as a subcutaneous injection.

For this use, the typical dose of Skyrizi is 150 mg per injection. You’ll receive one injection at the start of treatment and a second injection 4 weeks later. After that, you’ll receive 150 mg (one injection) every 12 weeks.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about the dosage they’ve prescribed.

Dosage for Crohn’s disease

For Crohn’s disease, you’ll receive the first three doses of Skyrizi as an IV infusion. After that, your doctor will recommend that you receive the drug as a subcutaneous injection.

For this use, the typical starting dose of Skyrizi is 600 mg (one vial) per infusion. You’ll receive one infusion every 4 weeks for three doses.

Your first Skyrizi injection will be given 4 weeks after your last infusion. The typical maintenance dosage of Skyrizi is either 180 mg or 360 mg per injection, with one injection given every 8 weeks.

You can talk with your doctor if you have questions about the dosage that’s right for you.

Dosage for ulcerative colitis

For ulcerative colitis, you’ll receive the first three doses of Skyrizi as an IV infusion. After that, your doctor will recommend that you receive the drug as a subcutaneous injection.

For this use, the typical starting dose of Skyrizi is 1,200 mg (two vials) per infusion. You’ll receive one infusion every 4 weeks for three doses.

Your first Skyrizi injection will be given 4 weeks after your last infusion. The typical maintenance dosage of Skyrizi is either 180 mg or 360 mg per injection, with one injection given every 8 weeks.

If you have questions about the dosage that’s right for you, talk with your doctor.

Dosage for psoriatic arthritis

For psoriatic arthritis, you’ll receive Skyrizi as a subcutaneous injection.

For this use, the typical dose of Skyrizi is 150 mg per injection. You’ll receive one injection at the start of treatment and a second injection 4 weeks later. After that, you’ll receive 150 mg (one injection) every 12 weeks.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about when you’ll receive Skyrizi.

How to inject

Depending on the form of Skyrizi and the condition treated, you may receive the drug as an intravenous (IV) infusion or subcutaneous injection.

An IV infusion is an injection given into a vein over a period of time. Skyrizi infusions are given by a healthcare professional in a clinic, hospital, or infusion center. Each infusion is typically given over 1 or 2 hours.

A healthcare professional may administer your first few injections of Skyrizi. Then, they’ll teach you or a caregiver how to give injections at home. Skyrizi can be injected under the skin of your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.

If you have other questions about receiving Skyrizi, talk with your doctor. You can also visit the drug manufacturer’s website for these conditions:

About taking Skyrizi

Below you’ll find information about key dosage issues.

  • When to receive it: Skyrizi’s dosage schedule depends on the form you use and the condition being treated. Your doctor will determine the specific dosage for your condition.
  • If you miss a dose: If you miss an appointment for your Skyrizi infusion, call the clinic, hospital, or infusion center right away to reschedule. If you miss a dose of your Skyrizi injection, you should inject the missed dose as soon as possible. Then continue your usual dosing schedule. If you have questions about a missed dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
  • Length of use: Skyrizi is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Skyrizi is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
  • Length of time to work: Skyrizi starts working after your first dose. Your doctor will monitor the symptoms of your condition to help decide how well the drug is working. They’ll advise you on how your condition is responding to Skyrizi.

Overdose

Do not use more Skyrizi than your doctor recommends. For some drugs, doing so may lead to unwanted side effects or overdose.

What to do in case you take too much Skyrizi

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

As with all medications, the cost of Skyrizi can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use. You can learn more about the cost of Skyrizi in this article.

Drug coupons: You can visit Optum Perks for price estimates of Skyrizi. These estimates are based on the use of Optum Perks coupons. Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with any insurance copays or benefits.

Financial and insurance assistance: If you need financial support to pay for Skyrizi or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.

A program called myAbbVie Assist is available for Skyrizi. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 800-222-6885 or visit the program website.

Generic or biosimilar version: Skyrizi is not available in a biosimilar form. Skyrizi is a biologic drug, which means it’s made from living cells. Biologics cannot be copied exactly, so they have biosimilars instead of generics. Biosimilars tend to cost less than brand-name biologic drugs.

To learn more about saving money on prescriptions, check out this article.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Skyrizi to treat certain conditions.

Skyrizi for plaque psoriasis

Skyrizi is approved to treat plaque psoriasis in certain adults. Specifically, the drug is used when this condition can be treated with light therapy or systemic (whole-body) treatments.

Plaque psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes an overgrowth of skin cells. This leads to raised, scaly, and thick patches of skin that typically affect the scalp, elbows, torso, and knees.

Skyrizi can be prescribed for adults with moderate to severe symptoms of plaque psoriasis. An example includes painful skin patches that itch, burn, or bleed.

To learn more about plaque psoriasis, visit our psoriasis hub and list of psoriasis articles.

Skyrizi for Crohn’s disease

Skyrizi is approved to treat Crohn’s disease in adults.

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This condition causes inflammation that may affect any area of the digestive system between the mouth and rectum.

Skyrizi can be prescribed for adults with moderate to severe symptoms of Crohn’s disease. Examples include severe diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and unintended weight loss.

You can learn more about Crohn’s disease by visiting our IBD hub.

Skyrizi for ulcerative colitis

Skyrizi is approved to treat ulcerative colitis in adults.

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This condition causes inflammation and sores that typically affect the colon.

Skyrizi can be prescribed for adults with moderate to severe symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Examples include bloody diarrhea and feeling as though you are unable to empty your bowels.

To learn more about ulcerative colitis, visit our IBD hub and list of ulcerative colitis articles.

Skyrizi for psoriatic arthritis

Skyrizi is approved to treat psoriatic arthritis in adults.

Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune condition that affects the skin and joints. This condition causes scaly, thick skin patches and swollen joints.

Skyrizi can be prescribed for adults with active symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. Examples include pain and stiffness that affects the joints and skin patches that bleed, burn, or itch.

For this use, Skyrizi may be prescribed by itself or with certain other psoriatic arthritis treatments. These include nonbiologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as methotrexate (Otrexup, Trexall, others).

To learn more about plaque psoriasis, visit our arthritis hub and list of psoriatic arthritis articles.

Skyrizi and children

Skyrizi is not FDA-approved for use in children. It’s not known for certain whether the drug is safe or effective for children.

Skyrizi can interact with certain vaccines. It’s not known to interact with other medications, supplements, or foods.

However, this doesn’t mean that interactions won’t be recognized in the future. For example, new drugs could be approved that interact with Skyrizi.

Before taking Skyrizi, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

For more information about Skyrizi and interactions, see this in-depth article.

Interactions with vaccines

Live vaccines may interact with Skyrizi. With live vaccines, you’re injected with a small amount of a virus so your body can learn to fight it.

You should not get these vaccines while using Skyrizi because the drug may reduce your immune system activity. Live vaccines typically will not cause infection. However, getting these vaccines while activity in your immune system is reduced could lead to symptoms of the condition that the vaccine defends against.

Live vaccines to avoid while receiving Skyrizi include:

Before you begin Skyrizi treatment, talk with your doctor about whether you may need any live vaccines. You and your doctor may decide to delay your Skyrizi treatment until after you’ve received any live vaccines you need.

If you have questions about live vaccines or other drug interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Alcohol interaction

Alcohol is not known to interact with Skyrizi.

However, alcohol may worsen symptoms of the conditions Skyrizi is used to treat. For details, see these articles that discuss the effects of alcohol on psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and psoriatic arthritis.

If you have questions about drinking alcohol while taking Skyrizi, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other drugs are available that can treat your condition. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Skyrizi, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

The following drugs are similar to Skyrizi:

If you can become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or are using birth control, it’s important to consider whether Skyrizi is a safe choice for you.

You can also refer to this article for more information. If you have additional questions, talk with your doctor.

You may wonder how Skyrizi compares with other medications that are prescribed for similar uses. To find out how Skyrizi compares to Humira, see this article.

Skyrizi and Tremfya are prescribed for similar uses, but the brand-name drugs also have important differences.

Skyrizi contains risankizumab-rzaa, while Tremfya contains guselkumab. Both drugs are a type of biologic called an interleukin-23 (IL-23) inhibitor.

Both medications come in forms that can be given as an intravenous (IV) infusion or subcutaneous injection.

Skyrizi and Tremfya are used to treat plaque psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, and psoriatic arthritis. Skyrizi is also used to treat Crohn’s disease.

Skyrizi and Tremfya have many similar side effects, including infection, headache, and joint pain. However, each drug may cause unique side effects as well. For example, Skyrizi may cause anemia (low level of red blood cells), which wasn’t reported in clinical trials of Tremfya. And Tremfya may cause joint pain, which wasn’t reported in clinical trials of Skyrizi.

For other details about how Skyrizi and Tremfya compare, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for Skyrizi and Tremfya.

Skyrizi is approved to treat plaque psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and psoriatic arthritis in certain adults. With these conditions, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy areas of the body. This leads to inflammation that can affect the skin, digestive system, and joints.

Skyrizi is a type of drug called an interleukin-23 (IL-23) inhibitor. Its mechanism of action (how it works) is by attaching to IL-23, which is a protein that may play a role in inflammation. By attaching to IL-23, Skyrizi helps reduce inflammation and ease symptoms of the condition being treated.

If you have other questions about how Skyrizi works, talk with your doctor. You can also visit the drug manufacturer’s website for these conditions:

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Skyrizi.

Does Skyrizi cause weight gain or weight loss?

It’s not likely. Skyrizi is not known to cause weight gain or weight loss. However, weight loss may be a symptom of a serious infection, which can be a side effect of Skyrizi. (See the “Skyrizi side effects” section above for more information.)

Call your doctor right away if you experience unexplained weight loss during your Skyrizi treatment.

How can I lower my risk of infection while taking Skyrizi?

Skyrizi treatment reduces the activity of your immune system, which can raise your risk for infection. Examples of these infections include fungal infections and upper respiratory infections.

However, you can take steps to help prevent infections during your treatment. These include:

  • staying up to date on vaccines that your doctor recommends for you (see the question below to learn more)
  • practicing good hand hygiene, such as washing your hands with soap often
  • getting enough sleep
  • avoiding contact with people who are sick, if possible

Will Skyrizi cure my plaque psoriasis?

No, Skyrizi does not cure plaque psoriasis. There’s currently no cure for the conditions Skyrizi treats, which also include psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.

However, Skyrizi can help to relieve your symptoms. Also, Skyrizi can bring about remission of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. This is not a cure but rather a period of having no noticeable symptoms.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about how Skyrizi will work to treat your condition.

This drug comes with several precautions.

Before taking Skyrizi, discuss your health history with your doctor. Skyrizi may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Skyrizi, see the “Skyrizi side effects” section.

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.

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