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Skyrizi vs. Cosentyx

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

Key takeaways

Skyrizi (risankizumab) and Cosentyx (secukinumab) are both injectable medications used to treat inflammatory conditions, but they have some key differences. Skyrizi is an interleukin-23 (IL-23) antagonist, while Cosentyx is an interleukin-17 (IL-17) inhibitor. Skyrizi is typically administered every 2 to 3 months after initial doses, whereas Cosentyx is usually given monthly after a series of weekly starter doses. Skyrizi is used for plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn's disease, while Cosentyx treats plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, enthesitis-related arthritis, and hidradenitis suppurativa. Skyrizi is not approved for use in children, but Cosentyx can be used in children for certain conditions. Common side effects of Skyrizi include joint pain and upper respiratory infections, while Cosentyx may cause the common cold and diarrhea. Both medications can increase the risk of infections and should be used with caution if you have a history of infections.

Skyrizi

(risankizumab)

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Cosentyx

(secukinumab)

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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

Summary for Cosentyx

Prescription only

Cosentyx (secukinumab) is an injectable medication that treats many inflammatory conditions. This includes plaque psoriasis (PsO), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), among others. It works as an interleukin 17 antagonist to lower inflammation in the body. Some people might need a few starter doses. But it's usually injected under the skin once a month. You can use the prefilled syringes, Sensoready Pens, or UnoReady Pens to inject. For some conditions, the medication can also be given as an infusion into the vein at a clinic. The dosing depends on your age, health condition, and treatment plan. Side effects include upper respiratory tract infections and upset stomach.

Indications for Cosentyx

Pros and Cons for Cosentyx

Pros

  • Generally injected once a month (might need a few starter doses)
  • Available as prefilled syringes or pens for at-home injections
  • Okay for children of certain ages to use (depends on the condition being treated and with the exception of nr-axSpA)
  • Few side effects

Cons

  • Must be given as an injection
  • Might raise the risk of infections
  • Might cause flare-ups in people with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
  • Sensoready pens and prefilled syringes might not be a good option for people with a latex allergy

Common Side Effects for Cosentyx

Warnings for Cosentyx

  • Risk of infection
  • Caution when getting vaccines
  • Eczema-like skin reaction
  • Allergic reaction
  • Inflammatory bowel disease

Prices with our coupons for Skyrizi vs. Cosentyx

Price Card Drug Icon
Skyrizi1 package / 1 pen of 150mg/ml
$20,217.99-
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Cosentyx1 carton / 2 sensoready pens of 150mg/ml
$7,189.40$11,106.02
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