Skyrizi (risankizumab-rzaa) and Humira (adalimumab) are prescription drugs that treat conditions such as psoriatic arthritis. The cost of both drugs depends on several factors. Skyrizi and Humira are biologic drugs.
Skyrizi and Humira are both used to treat:
Although Skyrizi is only approved for these uses, Humira has many other uses as well. Both drugs are given as an injection under your skin. Skyrizi is also given as an intravenous (IV) infusion in certain situations.
This article explains the main ways that Skyrizi and Humira are alike and different. For more information about these drugs, including details about their uses, see the in-depth articles on Skyrizi and Humira.
Note: Biologic drugs are made from living cells. Humira and Skyrizi are both biologics. Humira is also available as a biosimilar form, but Skyrizi is available as a brand-name drug only. To learn more about biosimilars, see the “What are the ingredients in Skyrizi and Humira?” section below.
See the list below to find out whether Skyrizi or Humira is available as a biosimilar. (Biosimilars are like generic drugs. But unlike generics, which are made for nonbiologic drugs, biosimilars are made for biologic drugs.)
- Skyrizi:
- Available as a biosimilar: no
- Active ingredient*: risankizumab-rzaa†
- Drug class: IL-23 blockers
- Humira:
- Available as a biosimilar: yes
- Active ingredient: adalimumab
- Drug class: tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers
* A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication that’s made from chemicals.
† 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.
Skyrizi and Humira are both prescribed to treat plaque psoriasis that’s considered moderate to severe. Skyrizi and Humira have other uses, some of which they share.
See the table below for details on the conditions each drug treats in certain adults.
| Use | Skyrizi | Humira |
| plaque psoriasis that’s moderate to severe | ✓ | ✓ |
| psoriatic arthritis that’s active (causing symptoms) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Crohn’s disease that’s active and moderate to severe | ✓ | ✓ |
| ankylosing spondylitis that’s active | ✓ | |
| hidradenitis suppurativa that’s moderate to severe | ✓ | |
| rheumatoid arthritis that’s active and moderate to severe | ✓ | |
| ulcerative colitis that’s active and moderate to severe | ✓ | |
| uveitis in some situations | ✓ |
To learn more about using Skyrizi or Humira to treat your condition, talk with your doctor.
Skyrizi or Humira and children
Skyrizi is not used in children. Humira, on the other hand, can be used in some children.
Specifically, Humira can be used in:
- children ages 12 years and older with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa
- children ages 2 years and older with active and moderate to severe juvenile idiopathic arthritis that affects more than one joint
- children ages 6 years and older with active and moderate to severe Crohn’s disease
- children ages 5 years and older with active and moderate to severe ulcerative colitis
- children ages 2 years and older with certain types of uveitis
For more information about the use of Humira in children, talk with your child’s doctor.
Whether you have health insurance or not, cost may be a factor when you’re considering these drugs. Visit Optum Perks* to get price estimates for Skyizi and Humira when you use coupons from the site. It’s important to note that Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with any insurance copays or benefits.
Keep in mind that what you’ll pay for either drug will depend on your treatment plan, health insurance, and the pharmacy you use.
Skyrizi and Humira are both brand-name biologic drugs. (Biologic drugs are made from living cells.) Humira is also available in biosimilar forms, and Skyrizi is available as a brand-name drug only. Biosimilars are like generic† drugs. But unlike generics, which are made for non-biologic drugs, biosimilars are made for biologic drugs. You’ll usually pay more for brand-name drugs than for biosimilars or generics.
For other resources that might help you save on the price of these drugs, see the cost articles for Skyrizi and Humira.
* Optum Perks is a sister site of Healthline.
† A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication that’s made from chemicals.
Both Skyrizi and Humira can cause side effects, which may be mild or severe. To learn about some of the side effects that can occur with Skyrizi or Humira, see the “Mild side effects” and “Serious side effects” sections below.
For more information about possible side effects, see the side effect articles for Skyrizi and Humira.
Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Skyrizi or Humira, visit MedWatch.
Mild side effects
Skyrizi and Humira may cause mild side effects in some people. The chart below lists examples of mild side effects that have been reported with these drugs.
| Skyrizi | Humira | |
| reactions at the injection site, such as itching, redness, or discoloration | ✓ | ✓ |
| headache | ✓ | ✓ |
| rash | ✓ | |
| upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold | ✓ | ✓ |
| fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot | ✓ | |
| fatigue (lack of energy) | ✓ |
This chart may not include all mild side effects of these drugs. For more information on mild side effects of the two drugs, see the Skyrizi prescribing information and Humira prescribing information.
Serious side effects
In addition to the mild side effects listed above, serious side effects may occur in some people using Skyrizi or Humira. See the chart below for a list of possible serious side effects.
| Skyrizi | Humira | |
| allergic reaction | ✓ | ✓ |
| decreased blood cells, such as red or white blood cells | ✓ | ✓ |
| liver problems | ✓* | ✓ |
| serious infections, such as pneumonia | ✓ | ✓† |
| increased risk of cancer† | ✓ | |
| reactivation of hepatitis B (if you’ve had the virus before) | ✓ | |
| heart failure | ✓ | |
| lupus-like symptoms | ✓ | |
| nerve conditions, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) | ✓ |
* This side effect may occur when Skyrizi is used for Crohn’s disease.
† Humira has a
If you have questions about your risk for these serious side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about Skyrizi and Humira.
Are Skyrizi and Humira used to treat psoriatic arthritis?
Yes, Skyrizi and Humira are both approved to treat psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis is a skin disease that causes psoriasis as well as arthritis. Doctors may prescribe Skyrizi or Humira to treat psoriatic arthritis that’s considered active (causing symptoms).
Psoriatic arthritis is related to plaque psoriasis, which Skyrizi and Humira are also approved to treat. Plaque psoriasis is a skin condition that causes you to develop red or discolored scaly patches (called plaques) on your skin.
If you have psoriatic arthritis, talk with your doctor about the best treatment options for you. For more information about the uses for Skyrizi and Humira, see the “What are Skyrizi and Humira used for?” section above.
Can I take other medications along with Skyrizi or Humira to treat my plaque psoriasis?
Yes. In many cases, your doctor may recommend that you take more than one medication to treat your plaque psoriasis. This may include topical medications, such as steroid creams, that help with symptoms of plaque psoriasis.
Before you start Skyrizi or Humira, tell your doctor about all of the medications and supplements that you take. They can determine if it’s safe for you to continue taking your current medications along with Skyrizi or Humira.
How should I store my Skyrizi or Humira medication?
Both Skyrizi and Humira should be stored in a refrigerator at temperatures of 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) in the original packaging. This carton helps protect the medication from light. You should never store Skyrizi or Humira in the freezer.
Humira can be taken out of the refrigerator and stored at room temperature (up to 77°F/25°C) for up to 14 days. After 14 days at room temperature, if you haven’t used the medication, you should discard it. Skyrizi should not be stored at room temperature.
If you receive Skyrizi as an intravenous (IV) infusion to treat Crohn’s disease, a healthcare professional will store the medication. They’ll also prepare and administer your Skyrizi infusions.
If you have other questions about storing Skyrizi or Humira, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
What should I do with my used syringe or prefilled pen?
Once you inject your dose of Skyrizi or Humira, be sure to dispose of the used syringe, prefilled pen, or cartridge properly. It’s very important to use a new needle each time to prevent the risk of infection. Never use needles that have been previously used.
After each injection, you’ll need to dispose of the needle, prefilled syringe, or cartridge. You may also need to dispose of unused medication if you’ve stopped taking the drug.
It’s important to dispose of your medication properly to make sure no one is exposed to the drug or used needle. Your doctor or pharmacist can recommend the best way to dispose of your used Skyrizi or Humira. They may recommend a sharps container to keep used needles in.
Here’s an overview of the dosage and how you’ll use or receive Skyrizi and Humira for the conditions they both treat.
Humira is also used to treat other conditions, but these uses aren’t addressed below. To learn more about the dosages for all conditions these drugs treat, see the dosage articles for Skyrizi and Humira.
Dosage for plaque psoriasis
Below are the dosages of Skyrizi and Humira when used for plaque psoriasis in adults. The strengths of each drug are listed in milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL).
| Skyrizi for plaque psoriasis | Humira for plaque psoriasis | |
| Forms | liquid solution inside single-use prefilled pens, syringes, or cartridges, given as injections under your skin | liquid solution inside single-use prefilled pens, syringes, or vials, given as injection under your skin |
| Strengths | • 150 mg/mL • 90 mg/mL | • 10 mg/0.1 mL • 10 mg/0.2 mL • 20 mg/0.2 mL • 20 mg/0.4 mL • 40 mg/0.4 mL • 40 mg/0.8 mL • 80 mg/0.8 mL |
| Dose | depends on the treatment plan your doctor prescribes | depends on the treatment plan your doctor prescribes |
| How often to use | initial doses at 0 and 4 weeks, then every 12 weeks | once every other week |
Your doctor will show you or a caregiver how to give injections of Skyrizi or Humira.
Skyrizi and Humira can be given as an injection under the skin of your abdomen or upper thigh.
Dosage for psoriatic arthritis
Below are the dosages of Skyrizi and Humira when used for psoriatic arthritis in adults.
| Skyrizi for psoriatic arthritis | Humira for psoriatic arthritis | |
| Forms | liquid solution inside single-use prefilled pens, syringes, or cartridges, given as injections under your skin | liquid solution inside single-use prefilled pens, syringes, or vials, given as injection under your skin |
| Strengths | • 150 mg/mL • 90 mg/mL | • 10 mg/0.1 mL • 10 mg/0.2 mL • 20 mg/0.2 mL • 20 mg/0.4 mL • 40 mg/0.4 mL • 40 mg/0.8 mL • 80 mg/0.8 mL |
| Dose | depends on the treatment plan your doctor prescribes | depends on the treatment plan your doctor prescribes |
| How often to use | initial doses at 0 and 4 weeks, then every 12 weeks | once weekly or once every other week |
Your doctor will show you or a caregiver how to give injections of Skyrizi or Humira.
Skyrizi and Humira can be given as an injection under the skin of your abdomen or upper thigh.
Dosage for Crohn’s disease
Below are the dosages of Skyrizi and Humira when used for Crohn’s disease in adults.
| Skyrizi for Crohn’s disease | Humira for Crohn’s disease | |
| Forms | • liquid solution inside single-use prefilled pens, syringes, or cartridges, given as injections under your skin • liquid solution in single-use vials, prepared and given as intravenous (IV) infusions by a healthcare professional | • liquid solution inside single-use prefilled pens, syringes, or vials, given as injection under your skin |
| Strengths | • 150 mg/mL • 90 mg/mL • 60 mg/mL | • 10 mg/0.1 mL • 10 mg/0.2 mL • 20 mg/0.2 mL • 20 mg/0.4 mL • 40 mg/0.4 mL • 40 mg/0.8 mL • 80 mg/0.8 mL |
| Dose | depends on the treatment plan your doctor prescribes | depends on the treatment plan your doctor prescribes |
| How often to use | initial doses at 0, 4, 8, and 12 weeks, then every 8 weeks | an initial dose on the first day of treatment, then 2 weeks later, then every other week after 4 weeks |
Your doctor or another healthcare professional will administer your initial doses of Skyrizi as an IV infusion. For later doses, Skyrizi is given as an injection under your skin.
Your doctor will show you or a caregiver how to give Skyrizi or Humira injections. Both drugs can be given as an injection under the skin of your abdomen or upper thigh.
You may wonder whether Skyrizi or Humira are effective at treating your condition. Both drugs are used to treat plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn’s disease. Humira is also used to treat many other conditions. (To learn more, see the “What are Skyrizi and Humira used for?” section above.)
Studies of Skyrizi and Humira have shown that both drugs are effective for these uses. In addition, both drugs are recommended in these treatment guidelines from:
- the American Academy of Dermatology for psoriasis
- the American College of Rheumatology and National Psoriasis Foundation for
psoriatic arthritis - the American College of Gastroenterology for Crohn’s disease
It’s important to note that your results from Skyrizi or Humira may differ from those seen in studies. Talk with your doctor about whether one of these drugs is right for you.
Skyrizi and Humira may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Here, these are referred to as warnings. The two drugs share some of the same warnings, but they also have different ones. Some of these warnings are mentioned below. Before you start using Skyrizi or Humira, be sure to talk with your doctor to see if these warnings apply to you.
Boxed warnings for Humira
Humira has
- Risk of serious infections. Using Humira may lower your immune system activity. This could raise your risk for developing a serious infection such as pneumonia or tuberculosis (TB). These infections may be very serious and can lead to a hospital stay or even death. If you develop any serious infections while using Humira, your doctor will stop your treatment and switch you to another drug to treat your condition. They may also do tests before you start Humira to be sure you don’t have any infections, such as TB.
- Risk of cancer. During your Humira treatment, you may have a higher risk for certain types of cancer, such as blood cancer, colon cancer, or breast cancer. Before starting Humira, talk with your doctor about any history of cancer. Your doctor may also monitor you closely during your treatment to watch for any signs of cancer.
Other warnings
In addition to boxed warnings, Skyrizi and Humira have other warnings.
Before using Skyrizi or Humira, talk with your doctor if any of the following conditions or health factors apply to you.
- Warnings for both Skyrizi and Humira:
- if you’ve had an allergic reaction to either drug or any of its ingredients
- if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- if you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed
- if you have a history of TB
- if you have liver disease*
- if you have a current infection
- Warnings for Humira:
- if you have or have had hepatitis B
- if you have certain nerve conditions, such as multiple sclerosis
- if you have heart failure
- Warnings for Skyrizi:
- no unique warnings
To learn more about these drugs and their warnings, see the in-depth articles on Skyrizi and Humira.
* Skyrizi has this risk when it’s used for Crohn’s disease.
The short answer: It’s possible.
Details: If your current treatment is working for you, you likely won’t switch drugs. However, if you need to change treatments due to a reaction or your medication being ineffective for you, it’s possible to switch between Skyrizi and Humira.
When asking your doctor about making a change, be sure to discuss why you want to switch drugs. Their recommendation may vary depending on whether you want to switch because of side effects or if the medication is not working like you hoped it would.
You’ll likely have to wait a certain amount of time between using these two medications.
You’ll likely have to wait a certain amount of time between using these two medications. This may vary depending on the condition you’re using either drug to treat. If your doctor recommends switching between Skyrizi and Humira, they’ll recommend how to adjust your dosage.
If you’re interested in changing drugs, talk with your doctor about the possible benefits of switching and the best way to do so.
Reminder: You shouldn’t switch drugs or stop your current treatment unless your doctor recommends it. This can be dangerous, and if your doses are not properly spaced out, you may experience side effects from the medications.
Skyrizi and Humira are both used to treat plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn’s disease. In addition, Humira can also be used for many other conditions.
Both Skyrizi and Humira are given as an injection under your skin when used to treat plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn’s disease. But initial doses of Skyrizi for Crohn’s disease are given as intravenous (IV) infusion.
Both medications can increase your risk for infection and may cause reactions at the injection site. Humira has some other serious side effects as well, including
If you have any questions about these drugs, talk with your doctor. They can recommend the best treatment option for you. Examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor include:
- How can I lower my risk for an infection while using Skyrizi or Humira?
- Do any of my current medications interact with Skyrizi or Humira?
- What blood tests will I need to have done before I start treatment with either Skyrizi or Humira?
- How long should it take before I feel a difference from Skyrizi or Humira?
To learn more about Skyrizi or Humira, see these articles:
And to learn how Humira compares with other medications, see these articles:
To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline’s newsletters. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It’s a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others.
Q:
Will either Skyrizi or Humira work better to treat my plaque psoriasis, or will the effects be about the same?
AnonymousA:
Skyrizi and Humira are both effective treatment options for plaque psoriasis. However, one
Your doctor can determine the best treatment option for you based on certain factors, such as other conditions you have or other medications you use.
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 other 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.