Skyrizi Treatment: Your Guide to This Psoriasis Solution
Skyrizi (risankizumab-rzaa) is a prescription biologic medication developed by AbbVie for treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. This targeted immunotherapy works by blocking specific inflammatory proteins in your immune system to reduce symptoms and improve skin clearance.
What Is Skyrizi and How Does It Work?
Skyrizi is a biologic medication containing the active ingredient risankizumab-rzaa. It belongs to a class of drugs called interleukin-23 (IL-23) inhibitors, which are designed to target specific parts of the immune system that contribute to inflammation in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
The medication works by selectively binding to the p19 subunit of IL-23, a key cytokine (inflammatory protein) involved in the inflammatory process that causes the rapid skin cell growth and inflammation seen in psoriasis. By blocking this specific pathway, Skyrizi helps reduce the overactive immune response that leads to psoriasis symptoms without broadly suppressing the entire immune system.
Skyrizi is administered as an injection, typically given once every 12 weeks after two starter doses. This relatively infrequent dosing schedule makes it convenient for many patients compared to some other treatments that require more frequent administration.
Skyrizi Approval and Treatment Applications
The FDA first approved Skyrizi in 2019 for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. Since then, its approved indications have expanded to include active psoriatic arthritis in adults.
Plaque psoriasis, the most common form of psoriasis, causes raised, red, scaly patches on the skin that can be itchy, painful, and emotionally distressing. Psoriatic arthritis combines the skin symptoms of psoriasis with joint inflammation, causing pain, stiffness, and potential joint damage if left untreated.
Clinical trials have shown that many patients experience significant skin clearance with Skyrizi treatment. In pivotal studies, about 75% of patients achieved 90% clearance of their psoriasis symptoms (PASI 90) after 16 weeks of treatment, and many maintained this improvement through continued use.
Provider Comparison: Skyrizi vs. Other Psoriasis Treatments
When considering treatment options for moderate to severe psoriasis, several biologics and other medications are available. Here's how Skyrizi compares to other common options:
| Treatment | Mechanism | Dosing Schedule | Typical Efficacy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skyrizi (AbbVie) | IL-23 inhibitor | Every 12 weeks after starter doses | ~75% achieve PASI 90 |
| Humira (AbbVie) | TNF inhibitor | Every 2 weeks | ~40-50% achieve PASI 90 |
| Cosentyx (Novartis) | IL-17A inhibitor | Monthly after starter doses | ~70% achieve PASI 90 |
| Tremfya (Janssen) | IL-23 inhibitor | Every 8 weeks after starter dose | ~70% achieve PASI 90 |
Each medication has its own profile of benefits, risks, and administration schedules. While Skyrizi offers the convenience of less frequent dosing with high efficacy rates, other factors such as insurance coverage, individual response, and potential side effects should be considered when selecting treatment.
Some patients may respond better to one mechanism of action versus another, which is why having multiple options with different targets in the immune system is valuable for personalized treatment approaches.
Benefits and Potential Side Effects of Skyrizi
The primary benefits of AbbVie's Skyrizi include its high efficacy rate, with many patients achieving significant skin clearance that can be maintained with continued treatment. The 12-week maintenance dosing schedule means fewer injections compared to some competing treatments, which can improve quality of life and treatment adherence.
Clinical trials have demonstrated that many patients experience rapid improvement, with noticeable results often beginning within 4 weeks and optimal results typically achieved after 16 weeks of treatment. For many individuals with psoriasis, this improvement in skin symptoms can lead to better self-confidence and reduced psychological distress.
However, like all medications, Skyrizi comes with potential side effects and considerations:
- Common side effects include upper respiratory infections, headache, fatigue, injection site reactions, and fungal skin infections
- Serious side effects may include serious allergic reactions and increased risk of infections due to effects on the immune system
- Pre-treatment screening is required for tuberculosis and other infections before starting therapy
- Contraindications include hypersensitivity to the medication and active serious infections
Patients with a history of recurrent infections, those with chronic conditions like diabetes that increase infection risk, and those taking other immunosuppressive medications should discuss these factors with their healthcare provider before starting Skyrizi.
Cost and Insurance Considerations for Skyrizi
Biologic medications like Skyrizi represent advanced treatments for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, but they come with significant cost considerations. The list price for Skyrizi maintenance therapy (not accounting for insurance or patient assistance programs) can exceed $20,000 annually.
Most patients access Skyrizi through insurance coverage, which typically requires prior authorization. Coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary significantly based on your specific insurance plan, with many commercial insurance plans covering a substantial portion of the medication cost after meeting deductibles.
To help manage costs, AbbVie offers the Skyrizi Complete patient support program, which includes:
- Insurance verification assistance
- A savings card program for commercially insured patients that may reduce out-of-pocket costs
- Patient assistance programs for those who qualify based on financial need
- Nurse ambassador support for injection training and ongoing questions
When considering Skyrizi, it's important to work with your healthcare provider and insurance company to understand coverage options. A dermatologist or rheumatologist can also discuss whether Skyrizi is medically appropriate for your specific situation and help navigate the authorization process with your insurance provider.
Some patients may need to try and fail other treatments before insurance will approve Skyrizi, a process known as step therapy. Your healthcare provider can help determine if you meet the criteria for Skyrizi coverage under your specific plan.
Conclusion
Skyrizi represents an important advancement in the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, offering many patients significant symptom relief with a convenient dosing schedule. While its targeted approach to blocking specific inflammatory pathways provides effective results for many, the decision to use Skyrizi should be made in consultation with a dermatologist or rheumatologist who can evaluate your specific condition, medical history, and treatment goals.
Consider factors such as your insurance coverage, personal health situation, and lifestyle needs when discussing treatment options. For those who qualify and benefit from Skyrizi, the medication may provide substantial improvement in skin clearance and quality of life. As with any medication, ongoing monitoring and regular follow-up with your healthcare provider are essential to ensure the treatment continues to be safe and effective for your individual needs.
Citations
- https://www.skyrizi.com/
- https://www.abbvie.com/
- https://www.humira.com/
- https://www.cosentyx.com/
- https://www.tremfya.com/
This content was written by AI and reviewed by a human for quality and compliance.