Skyrizi vs. Taltz for Plaque Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Skyrizi (risankizumab) and Taltz (ixekizumab) are both interleukin antagonists used to treat inflammatory conditions like plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. However, they differ in several ways. Skyrizi is also approved for Crohn's disease, while Taltz is approved for ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. Skyrizi is typically administered as an injection every 2 to 3 months after initial doses, whereas Taltz is injected once a month. Skyrizi is available in prefilled syringes, pens, and an On-Body Injector, while Taltz comes as a prefilled syringe and autoinjector. Both medications can increase the risk of infections, but Taltz may also cause flare-ups in people with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Common side effects for Skyrizi include joint pain and upper respiratory infections, while Taltz often causes injection site reactions and upper respiratory infections. Neither medication has a generic version available.

Skyrizi

(risankizumab)

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Taltz

(ixekizumab)

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Summary for Skyrizi

Prescription only

Skyrizi (risankizumab or risankizumab-rzaa) is an injection used to treat different inflammatory conditions in adults. This includes plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. It belongs to the drug class called interleukin antagonists. It works to lower inflammation and relieve symptoms. After the first few doses, you usually get the Skyrizi (risankizumab) injection every 2 or 3 months. This medication can raise your risk of infection as a side effect.

Indications for Skyrizi

Moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults
Psoriatic arthritis in adults
Moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease in adults
Moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis in adults

Pros and Cons for Skyrizi

Pros

Given every 2 or 3 months after a couple of starter doses (depends on your condition)
Can give injections under the skin at home after you get trained

Cons

Must be given as an injection
Not approved for children

Common Side Effects for Skyrizi

Upper respiratory infections (13%)
Headache (4%)
Tiredness (3%)

Warnings for Skyrizi

Allergic reaction
Risk of infection
Rare case of liver injury
Caution when getting vaccines

Summary for Taltz

Prescription only

Taltz (ixekizumab) is an injection that's given under the skin. It helps treat inflammatory conditions, including plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and some types of arthritis in the spine. This medication works as an interleukin antagonist to lessen inflammation in the body. You inject Taltz (ixekizumab) once a month using the prefilled syringe or autoinjector. The dose depends on the health problem you're treating. Side effects include upper respiratory infections. You also might feel pain or have redness around the injection area. Taltz (ixekizumab) is a brand-name medication.