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

Key takeaways

Skyrizi (risankizumab) and Humira (adalimumab) are both injectable medications used to treat inflammatory conditions, but they work differently and have different uses. Skyrizi is an interleukin antagonist that targets IL-23 to reduce inflammation and is used for plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn's disease in adults. Humira, on the other hand, is a biologic DMARD that blocks TNF, another protein involved in inflammation, and is used for a wider range of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and more. Skyrizi is typically administered every 2 to 3 months after initial doses, while Humira is usually given every other week. Skyrizi is only available as a brand-name medication, whereas Humira has several biosimilars. Both medications can increase the risk of infections, but Humira also has warnings for potential cancer risks and nervous system effects. Skyrizi is not approved for use in children, while Humira can be used in young children for certain conditions.

Skyrizi

(risankizumab)

Get free coupons

Humira

(adalimumab)

Get free coupons

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 Humira

Prescription only

Humira (adalimumab) is an injection used to treat many different autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and plaque psoriasis. As a TNF blocker, the medication works by blocking a protein that causes inflammation in your body. It's given as a shot under the skin once every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on your condition. Humira (adalimumab) doesn't have a true generic, but there are several similar versions called biosimilars. Common side effects include infections, injection site reactions, and headache.

Indications for Humira

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) - adults only
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) - people age 2 and older
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) - adults only
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) - adults only
Crohn's disease (CD) - people age 6 and older
Ulcerative colitis (UC) - people age 5 and older
Plaque psoriasis - adults only
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) - people age 12 and older
Uveitis - people age 2 and older

Pros and Cons for Humira

Pros

Can be used for many autoimmune conditions
Available as a ready-to-use pen that makes it easier to self-inject at home
Can be used in young children (as young as 2 years old for some conditions)
Only needs to be injected a couple times a month
Can be left at room temperature for up to 14 days if needed

Cons

Raises the risk of serious infections
Can take a few weeks or longer to work
Might be difficult to inject for some people
Can't receive any live vaccines while taking the medication
Might contain rubber or latex, which can cause a reaction for those with an allergy

Common Side Effects for Humira

Injection-site reaction (20%)
Upper respiratory tract infection (17%)
Headache (12%)
Rash (12%)
Sinus inflammation (11%)
Accidental injury (10%)
Nausea (9%)
Urinary tract infection (UTI) or bladder infection (8%)

Note: The side effects listed above were reported by adults with rheumatoid arthritis and are similar to those seen in people using Humira (adalimumab) for other conditions.