If you have plaque psoriasis, your doctor might suggest Skyrizi as a treatment option for you. As a result, you could be looking for more information about the drug, including details about its dosage.
Skyrizi is a prescription medication that’s used to treat moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults. It’s recommended for people who can be treated with phototherapy or systematic therapy. The drug is injected under your skin.
The active drug in Skyrizi is risankizumab-rzaa. 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. To learn more about Skyrizi, see this in-depth article.
Note: The chart below highlights the basics of Skyrizi’s dosage for treating plaque psoriasis. Be sure to read on for more details. And please keep in mind that this article covers Skyrizi’s standard dosage schedule, which is provided by the drug’s manufacturer. But when using Skyrizi, always take the dosage that your doctor prescribes.
| Skyrizi forms | Skyrizi strengths | Starting dosage | Maintenance dosage |
| single-dose prefilled pen | • 150 milligrams (mg) per milliliter (mL) of solution | 150 mg/mL followed by 150 mg/mL 4 weeks later | 150 mg/mL every 12 weeks |
| single-dose prefilled syringe | • 150 mg/mL • 75 mg/0.83 mL | 150 mg/mL followed by 150 mg/mL 4 weeks later | 150 mg/mL every 12 weeks |
Below is information about Skyrizi’s recommended dosage.
What are the forms of Skyrizi?
Skyrizi comes as a liquid solution that you receive as an injection under your skin. It’s available in the following forms:
- single-dose prefilled syringes
- single-dose pens
What strengths does Skyrizi come in?
Skyrizi is available in two different strengths depending on the form of drug you use.
| Skyrizi forms | Skyrizi strengths |
| single-dose prefilled pen | • 150 milligrams (mg) per milliliter (mL) of solution |
| single-dose prefilled syringe | • 150 mg/mL • 75 mg/0.83 mL |
What is the typical dosage of Skyrizi?
The information below describes the commonly used or recommended Skyrizi starting dose, maintenance dose, and frequency of administration (how often you take Skyrizi). But be sure to follow the dosing instructions your doctor gives you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Skyrizi’s dose for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis is 150 mg/mL, injected under your skin. For prefilled syringes or pens containing 150 mg/mL of Skyrizi, you’ll use one syringe or pen for your dose. For prefilled syringes containing 75 mg/0.83 mL of the drug, you’ll use two syringes for your dose.
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.
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.
You or your doctor will inject Skyrizi under your skin using a prefilled syringe or pen. The injection can be made into your belly, front of your thigh, or back of your upper arm.
Your doctor will most likely give you the first few Skyrizi doses. Afterward, you may give yourself doses at home every 12 weeks. Your doctor will show you how to do this.
If you’re using prefilled syringes, you may need two syringes for your dose. This depends on the strength of Skyrizi your doctor prescribes. (For more information, see the “What is Skyrizi’s dosing schedule?” section above.)
Visit the manufacturer’s website for detailed step-by-step dosing instructions.
For information on Skyrizi expiration, storage, and disposal, see this article.
If you miss a dose of Skyrizi, take it as soon you remember, and then resume 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 you how to get back on schedule.
If you need help remembering to take your dose of 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.
Don’t 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 the American Association of Poison Control 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.
The sections above describe the typical dosage of Skyrizi provided by the drug manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Skyrizi for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
Remember, you shouldn’t change your dosage of Skyrizi without your doctor’s recommendation. Only use Skyrizi exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.
Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Would my dosage of Skyrizi change if I have any other health conditions?
- Should my dosage of Skyrizi change if my symptoms don’t go away?
- How is Skyrizi’s dosage different from that of other plaque psoriasis medications?
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Q:
For injecting my dose of Skyrizi, are there factors that might make the prefilled pen or the prefilled syringe a better choice for me?
AnonymousA:
Which form of Skyrizi you’ll use can depend on a few factors, such as:
- whether your insurance covers one form over the other
- how you prefer to give yourself a dose
- whether you have allergies to ingredients found in Skyrizi
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.
Finally, whether to use the syringe or pen can depend on allergies you may have to ingredients in Skyrizi. Both the syringe and the pen contain the same active drug. But each contains some different inactive ingredients. (Inactive ingredients don’t affect how a drug works.)
For example, the 150-mg/mL prefilled pen and prefilled syringe both contain acetic acid, which some people are allergic to. The 75-mg/mL prefilled syringe doesn’t contain this inactive ingredient.
Before starting Skyrizi treatment for your plaque psoriasis, consider the factors above 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.
Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBAAnswers 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.
