Key Takeaways
- Skyrizi is available in multiple forms, including single-dose prefilled pens and single-dose prefilled syringes.
- The typical dosages of Skyrizi may vary depending on which condition is being treated.
- For example, for Crohn’s disease, the usual starting dose of Skyrizi is 600 milligrams (mg), given as an IV infusion. This dose is given at weeks 0, 4, and 8. At week 12, you’ll start a maintenance dosage of 180 mg or 360 mg, given every 8 weeks.
Skyrizi is used in certain adults to treat:
- moderate to severe plaque psoriasis that can be treated with phototherapy or systematic therapy
- active (causing symptoms) psoriatic arthritis
- moderate to severe active Crohn’s disease
- moderate to severe ulcerative colitis
The active ingredient in Skyrizi is risankizumab-rzaa. (The reason “-rzaa” appears at the end of the drug’s name is to show that the drug is distinct from similar medications that may be created in the future.) It’s a biologic medication, which is a type of drug that’s made from parts of living organisms.
Skyrizi belongs to a group of drugs called interleukin-23 antagonists.
This article describes the dosage of Skyrizi, as well as its strengths and how to use the drug.
The following table highlights the basics of Skyrizi’s dosage. All doses are listed in milligrams of medication per milliliter of liquid (mg/mL).
| Skyrizi forms | Skyrizi administration method | Skyrizi strengths | Starting dosage | Maintenance dosage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| single-dose prefilled pen | injection under your skin | • 150 mg/mL | 150 mg at weeks 0 and 4 | 150 mg every 12 weeks |
| single-dose prefilled syringe | injection under your skin | • 90 mg/mL • 150 mg/mL | 150 mg at weeks 0 and 4 (90-mg syringes are not used for starting doses) | 150 mg every 12 weeks |
| single-dose prefilled cartridge | injection under your skin | • 180 mg per 1.2 mL • 360 mg per 2.4 mL | not used for starting doses | 180 mg or 360 mg mL every 8 weeks |
| single-dose vial | intravenous (IV) infusion | • 600 mg per 10 mL | 600 mg or 1,200 mg at weeks 0, 4 and 8 | not used for maintenance doses |
The drug’s dosages differ based on the condition being treated. Keep reading for more details about Skyrizi’s dosages.
What are the forms of Skyrizi?
Skyrizi comes as a liquid solution in the following forms:
- single-dose prefilled pens
- single-dose prefilled syringes
- single-dose prefilled cartridges
- single-dose vials
What strengths does Skyrizi come in?
Skyrizi is available in the following strengths, which differ based on the form of the drug you use.
| Skyrizi forms | Skyrizi strengths |
|---|---|
| single-dose prefilled syringe | • 90 mg/mL • 150 mg/mL |
| single-dose prefilled pen | • 150 mg/mL |
| single-dose prefilled cartridge | • 180 mg per 1.2 mL (150 mg/mL) • 360 mg per 2.4 mL (150 mg/mL) |
| single-dose vial | • 600 mg per 10 mL (60 mg/mL) |
What is the typical dosage of Skyrizi?
The following information describes the commonly used or recommended Skyrizi starting dose, maintenance dose, and frequency of administration (how often you receive Skyrizi). In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown here.
But be sure to follow the dosing instructions your doctor prescribes. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for plaque psoriasis
For adults with plaque psoriasis, the typical Skyrizi dosage is 150 mg, injected under the skin.
You’ll need to receive two starter doses, with the second starter dose 4 weeks after the first. After that, you’ll have a maintenance dosage of one dose every 12 weeks.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your dosage.
Dosage for psoriatic arthritis
The typical Skyrizi dosage for adults with psoriatic arthritis is 150 mg, injected under the skin.
You’ll need to receive two starter doses, with the second starter dose 4 weeks after the first. After that, you’ll have a maintenance dosage of one dose every 12 weeks.
To treat psoriatic arthritis, your doctor may prescribe Skyrizi alone or in combination with non-biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate (Trexall).
To learn more about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.
Dosage for Crohn’s disease
For adults with Crohn’s disease, the typical Skyrizi starting dose is 600 mg, given as an IV infusion.
You’ll need to receive three starter doses, with doses at weeks 0, 4 and 8. At week 12, you’ll have a maintenance dosage of 180 mg or 360 mg every 8 weeks, injected under your skin.
Your doctor will prescribe the lowest maintenance dosage needed to effectively treat your condition.
For information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.
Dosage for ulcerative colitis
The typical Skyrizi dosage to treat adults with ulcerative colitis is 1,200 mg, given as an IV infusion.
You’ll need to receive three starter doses, with doses at weeks 0, 4, and 8. At week 12, you’ll have a maintenance dosage of 180 mg or 360 mg every 8 weeks, injected under your skin.
Your doctor will prescribe the lowest maintenance dosage needed to effectively treat your condition.
You can ask your doctor any questions you have about your dosage.
Is Skyrizi used long term?
Yes, Skyrizi is typically used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Skyrizi is safe and effective for you, it’s likely that you’ll use it long term.
Your starting doses of Skyrizi will be given by your doctor or another healthcare professional. After this, you can self-inject maintenance doses at home. Your doctor can show you how to do this.
If you receive starting doses as an injection under your skin, they’ll be given using a prefilled syringe or pen. The injection can be given into your abdomen, front of your thigh, or back of your upper arm.
If your starting doses are given as an IV infusion, a healthcare professional will use a prefilled vial to prepare the infusion.
Skyrizi maintenance doses are given as an injection under your skin.
Visit the manufacturer’s website for detailed step-by-step dosing instructions.
If you miss a dose of Skyrizi, take it as soon as you remember, then resume with your regular schedule.
Let your doctor know that you missed your dose. If it’s been more than a few days after you were supposed to take your dose, contact your doctor. They can let you know how to get back on schedule.
If you need help remembering to inject Skyrizi on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.
Do not use more Skyrizi than your doctor prescribes. Using more than this can lead to serious side effects.
What to do in case you use too much Skyrizi
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve used too much Skyrizi. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers, or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.
Q:
For injecting my maintenance dose of Skyrizi, are there factors that might make the single-dose prefilled pen, syringe, or cartridge a better choice for me?
AnonymousA:
Which form of Skyrizi you’ll use can depend on a few factors, such as:
- the condition that Skyrizi is treating and your specific treatment plan
- whether your insurance covers one form over another
- how you prefer to give yourself a dose
Your maintenance dosage will be prescribed based on your condition and treatment plan. Because Skyrizi’s forms vary in strength, you may be limited by which strengths are available.
If you have insurance, find out if only one form of Skyrizi is covered by contacting your insurance provider or talking with your pharmacist.
Some people prefer using a syringe to inject their Skyrizi dose, while others prefer using a pen. If you’re more comfortable using one form over the other, let your doctor or pharmacist know.
Before starting Skyrizi treatment, consider the factors discussed earlier when it comes to deciding which form of Skyrizi to use. Your doctor or pharmacist can answer questions you may have about which form is best for you.
The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.Disclaimer: Healthline 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.
