Skyrizi (Risankizumab-Rzaa) for Psoriasis

Pros + Cons Top Tips Side Effects Copay Help FAQs

Skyrizi (risankizumab-rzaa) is a biologic medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for adults with moderate to severe psoriasis who need systemic (bodywide) therapy or phototherapy.

Pros and Cons From Members

MHT logo These insights are based on 973 comments about Skyrizi from MyPsoriasisTeam members. These are the experiences of a small number of members and are not meant to be medical advice.

Pros:

✔️Convenient dosing schedule of four injections per year after initial doses

✔️Effective skin clearance when other treatments have failed

✔️Can help with joint symptoms in addition to skin symptoms

Cons:

✖️ Increased infection risk

✖️Sometimes slow to show results, requiring patience through the first few months

✖️ Insurance approval challenges and high out-of-pocket costs if you don’t apply for financial assistance

How Skyrizi Works and How It’s Taken

Skyrizi works by selectively binding to a protein called interleukin (IL)-23. By blocking IL-23, Skyrizi reduces inflammation in the skin that causes psoriasis plaques.

Doctors prescribe Skyrizi when psoriasis significantly impacts quality of life and hasn’t responded well to topical treatments. The medication is given as an injection under the skin at specific intervals determined by your healthcare provider.

After proper training, many people can self-administer Skyrizi using prefilled pens or syringes. Your healthcare team will show you the correct injection technique before you start.

Top Advice From Members on Skyrizi

These insights are based on 973 comments about Skyrizi from MyPsoriasisTeam members.

1
Be patient. Results take time.
“It took about four-plus months before I got some relief.”
2
Apply for financial assistance programs if you don’t have insurance.
“If you don’t have insurance, have your doctor contact the myAbbVie Assist program and fill out forms. You can get medication cheaper or free.”
3
Track your progress with photos.
“I have tons of pictures of my progress. Maybe I will post some of them one day.”

Connect with others who understand life with psoriasis. Join MyPsoriasisTeam for free.

Skyrizi Side Effects

In clinical trials studying Skyrizi for plaque psoriasis, the most common side effects were:

Upper respiratory infections
Headache
Fatigue
Injection site reactions
Fungal infections

About 13 percent of people taking Skyrizi in clinical trials had upper respiratory infections. The other common side effects occurred in between 1 percent and 3 percent of participants.

Serious Side Effects and Warnings

Serious side effects require immediate medical attention. Always tell your doctor about new or worsening symptoms. Skyrizi’s rare but serious side effects include:

Allergic reactions including anaphylaxis
Serious infections including tuberculosis (TB testing is required before starting)
Liver issues

How To Save on Skyrizi

AbbVie offers the Skyrizi Complete support program that may help eligible people with private insurance pay as little as $0 per dose. Those without insurance may qualify for the myAbbVie Assist program.

You can find out more online, call 866-SKYRIZI, or contact your healthcare provider’s office for help with enrollment. Always check with your insurance provider about coverage details before starting treatment.

You can also ask your healthcare provider about any available samples or starter doses that might help reduce initial costs.

What To Know Before Taking Skyrizi

Before starting Skyrizi, inform your healthcare provider about:

Any history of infections or tuberculosis
All allergies to medication ingredients
Current medications and supplements you’re taking
Whether you’re pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding

You must have a tuberculosis evaluation before starting Skyrizi. People with certain health conditions may need additional tests. Your doctor will also check that you are up to date on all your vaccines before starting Skyrizi. Live vaccines (like the nasal spray flu vaccine or measles vaccine) should not be given while you are taking Skyrizi.

Skyrizi is also FDA-approved for psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis in adults.

If you miss a dose, contact your healthcare provider for guidance on when to take your next dose.

Community FAQs

These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.

How effective is Skyrizi for treating psoriasis symptoms?
Clinical studies show 3 in 4 people saw a 90 percent improvement in their skin symptoms at week 16. Between 84 percent and 88 percent had “clear or almost clear skin.”

When do most people notice Skyrizi working for their psoriasis?
Improvement can begin within weeks, with significant results typically appearing around week 16. Most people maintain their response through week 52.

What side effects do people commonly experience with Skyrizi?
The most common side effects include upper respiratory infections, headache, fatigue, injection site reactions, and fungal infections.

How is Skyrizi administered for psoriasis treatment?
Skyrizi is given as an injection under the skin at intervals determined by your healthcare provider. You can learn to administer the injections yourself after proper training.

Can I receive vaccines while taking Skyrizi for psoriasis?
You should be up to date on vaccines before starting Skyrizi. Live vaccines should not be given during treatment. Other vaccines may be given, but it’s not known how well they work while on Skyrizi.