Skip to main content

Compare
Duobrii vs. Skyrizi

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Duobrii (halobetasol/tazarotene) and Skyrizi (risankizumab) are both used to treat plaque psoriasis, but they have some key differences. Duobrii is a topical lotion that combines a corticosteroid and a retinoid, while Skyrizi is an injectable interleukin antagonist. Duobrii is applied once daily directly to the skin, whereas Skyrizi is injected under the skin every 2 to 3 months after initial doses. Duobrii can cause skin irritation and sun sensitivity, and it is not recommended for long-term use due to potential hormone changes. On the other hand, Skyrizi can increase the risk of infections and may cause joint pain and headaches. Skyrizi is also used to treat psoriatic arthritis and Crohn's disease, while Duobrii is specifically for plaque psoriasis. Both Duobrii and Skyrizi are only available as a brand-name medication, making them potentially more expensive. Duobrii can be self-applied, whereas Skyrizi is a biologic medication that can be self-administered at home after proper training.

Duobrii

(halobetasol / tazarotene)

Get free coupons

Skyrizi

(risankizumab)

Get free coupons

Summary for Duobrii

Prescription only

Duobrii is a combination medication that contains halobetasol (a corticosteroid) and tazarotene (a retinoid). It's a prescription topical lotion that's FDA-approved to treat plaque psoriasis in adults. The directions for using the medication are to apply a thin amount over the affected area(s) of skin once per day. But avoid putting on the face, groin, and underarms. Side effects aren't common, but can include skin rash and pain at the site of application. Duobrii is brand name only and not available as a generic.

Indications for Duobrii

Pros and Cons for Duobrii

Pros

  • Applied once daily
  • Combines two medications into one lotion
  • Might see some improvements in as early as 2 weeks

Cons

  • For adults only; not studied in children
  • Not safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Available as a brand-name product only

Common Side Effects for Duobrii

  • Skin rash (7%)
  • Pain where the medication was applied (3%)

Warnings for Duobrii

  • Harm to unborn babies
  • Altered stress hormone levels
  • Skin reactions and skin infections
  • Sun sensitivity and risk of sunburn
  • Cataracts and glaucoma

Summary for Skyrizi

Prescription only

Skyrizi (risankizumab or risankizumab-rzaa) is an injectable medication for many inflammatory conditions. It treats plaque psoriasis in adults and children ages 6 years and up. It can also treat psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis in adults. This medication works as an interleukin antagonist to help lower inflammation. After a few starter doses, it's given every 2 or 3 months, depending on the condition being treated. Side effects include a higher risk of infection.

Indications for Skyrizi

Pros and Cons for Skyrizi

Pros

  • Given every 2 or 3 months after the starter doses (depends on your condition)
  • Can give maintenance doses at home as injections under the skin after proper training
  • Approved for children as young as 6 years old with plaque psoriasis

Cons

  • Must be given as an injection
  • Can raise the risk of infection
  • Might take several weeks to months to work fully

Common Side Effects for Skyrizi

Warnings for Skyrizi

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

Prices with our coupons for Duobrii vs. Skyrizi

Price Card Drug Icon
Duobrii1 tube / 100g of 0.01%/0.045%
$1,068.62$1,275.39
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Skyrizi1 package / 1 pen of 150mg/ml
$20,217.99-
Get free coupons
More Information

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.