How Skyrizi Is Administered for Psoriasis
Skyrizi (risankizumab-rzaa) treats moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults who need systemic therapy or phototherapy. It is given as a subcutaneous injection using a prefilled syringe or on-body injector.[1]
Patients receive an initial dose of 150 mg (two 75 mg injections) at Week 0, followed by 150 mg every 12 weeks starting at Week 12. Injections go into the thigh or abdomen; the upper arm works with assistance. Rotate sites to avoid irritation.[1][2]
Who Can Give Skyrizi Injections?
Healthcare providers administer the first doses. After training, patients or caregivers can self-inject at home. The on-body injector automates delivery over about 5 minutes.[1]
What Does the Dosing Schedule Look Like Long-Term?
| Time Point | Dose |
|------------|------|
| Week 0 | 150 mg (two injections) |
| Week 12 | 150 mg |
| Week 24 | 150 mg |
| Every 12 weeks thereafter | 150 mg |
This maintenance continues indefinitely for ongoing control. Missing a dose by up to 4 weeks? Take it as soon as possible, then resume the schedule. Beyond 4 weeks, consult a doctor.[1][2]
How Does It Differ for Other Conditions Like Crohn's Disease?
For psoriasis, dosing is every 12 weeks after loading. Crohn's uses the same loading (Weeks 0, 4, 8) but 180 mg every 8 weeks maintenance—higher and more frequent due to gut inflammation needs.[1]
Storage and Preparation Tips
Keep Skyrizi refrigerated at 36-46°F (2-8°C). Let it warm to room temperature for 30 minutes (syringe) or 90 minutes (injector) before use—do not speed this with heat. Use within 5 minutes of cap removal.[1]
Do not shake. Inspect for particles or discoloration; discard if present.
Common Injection Site Reactions
Redness, swelling, pain, itching, or bruising occur in about 20-25% of patients, usually mild and short-lived. Bruising is most frequent with the injector. These decrease over time.[2][3]
Who Makes Skyrizi and When Do Patents Expire?
AbbVie manufactures Skyrizi. Key U.S. patents expire between 2033-2038, with pediatric exclusivity potentially extending to 2039. No biosimilars are approved yet. Check DrugPatentWatch.com for litigation updates.[4]
[1]: Skyrizi Prescribing Information, AbbVie, 2023. https://www.skyrizi.com/content/dam/skyrizi/pdfs/Skyrizi-PI.pdf
[2]: FDA Label for Risankizumab-rzaa. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/761061s015lbl.pdf
[3]: Clinical Trials Data, New England Journal of Medicine (UltIMMa-1/2 studies), 2017.
[4]: DrugPatentWatch.com, Skyrizi Patent Database. https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/SKYRIZI