Skyrizi uses, side effects and other treatments

For people with plaque psoriasis, the immune system attacks healthy skin cells, which leads to swelling.⁴ The body often then creates too many skin cells, which is what causes patches of itchy, thickened, discolored skin to form (these patches are called plaques).⁴ Many people with plaque psoriasis can manage flare-ups by avoiding or protecting themselves against triggers like sunburn, stress, and dry weather. If they do need medication, topical creams are often sufficient. However, when moisturizing and topical medications are not enough to manage symptoms, Skyrizi can be a helpful addition.^{1, 4}

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are two types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBS), and when people have either Chron’s or UC, the body attacks a person’s intestinal cells, which causes swelling and leads to uncomfortable symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, cramps, and stomach pain.⁶ Skyrizi not only reduces inflammation in the gut, but it also can induce or keep people in remission from Crohn’s.⁶

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of psoriasis that impacts the joints.⁷ When someone has psoriatic arthritis, they experience painful swelling in their fingers, ankles, wrists, knees, and sometimes even their hips and neck. Skyrizi reduces the amount of IL-23 in the body and therefore also reduces joint inflammation.⁷

The most common side effects that people taking Skyrizi experience are relatively mild and include:^{1, 7}

• Cold symptoms (fever, sore throat, upper respiratory infections)
• Headache
• Pain in the joints, stomach, or back
• Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection sight
• Anemia
• Fatigue
• Skin or bladder infection

In rare cases, more serious symptoms may occur when taking Skyrizi and require immediate medical attention. These include liver damage and severe allergic reactions.¹ Skyrizi can also make you more susceptible to developing infections—or make current infections worse.¹ If you suspect you are experiencing any of these side effects, contact your doctor immediately, and call 911 if necessary.

Skyrizi is a liquid medication delivered via subcutaneous injections in the arm, stomach, or thigh. ¹ It is typically administered by a healthcare provider in a medical facility, but you also may be eligible to give yourself the injections at home with proper training. ^1,4

Typically, the first two to three doses, known as starter doses, are taken every four weeks, and ongoing (maintenance) doses are injected every 8-12 weeks thereafter. ^4,9

There are several dosage forms and strengths for Skyrizi that vary based on the condition you have and its severity. Starter and maintenance doses are usually 150mg for people with plaque psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis; for Crohn’s disease, starter doses are usually 600mg, and maintenance doses are 180mg or 360mg. ⁹ For UC, starter doses are often 1200mg followed by 180mg or 360mg maintenance doses. ⁹

It is crucial to follow your doctor’s guidance on dosage and timing of injections to prevent a potential overdose and other adverse reactions.

The out-of-pocket cost of one dose of Skyrizi is $21,017.36 as of January 2024.^{8, 9}

If you have insurance, depending on your plan, they may cover Skyrizi up to 100%.⁸ However, the rate ultimately depends on your diagnosis, your plan, and your dosage. You should always call your insurance provider to determine the cost of starter and maintenance doses as well as if prior authorization is required.

The manufacturer of Skyrizi also offers a savings card that can help save you money whether or not you have insurance.¹⁰

Skyrizi should start working within 3 months from your first dose, and symptoms should be greatly improved by month 4.⁴

Studies on the long-term impacts of Skyrizi showed no adverse effects for patients taking the medication. ¹¹

It is currently not known if Skyrizi impacts pregnancy or breastfeeding.¹ If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider before taking Skyrizi.

In studies with participants who have plaque psoriasis, Skyrizi compared positively to placebo, adalimumab (Humira), and ustekinumab (Stelara). ⁴ Around 72-75% of participants who took Skyrizi saw a 90% reduction in symptoms compared to 47% on Humira, 42% on Stelara, and 2-5% on placebo. ⁴