Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Skyrizi vs. Otezla

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

Key takeaways

Skyrizi (risankizumab) and Otezla (apremilast) are both used to treat psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, but they work differently and are taken in different ways. Skyrizi is an interleukin antagonist given as an injection, while Otezla is a PDE-4 inhibitor taken by mouth. Skyrizi is a biological medication made from living cells, whereas Otezla is not a biologic and has a generic version that is FDA-approved but not yet available. Skyrizi is typically administered every 2 to 3 months after initial doses, but Otezla requires a daily dosing schedule that starts low and gradually increases to reduce side effects like nausea and diarrhea. Skyrizi can weaken your immune system and increase the risk of infections. Otezla is less likely to cause serious infections but can lead to weight loss and depression. Both medications have their own set of common side effects, with Skyrizi often causing joint pain and Otezla frequently leading to gastrointestinal issues.

  • Skyrizi (risankizumab)
    Otezla (apremilast)
  • Skyrizi (risankizumab)
    Otezla (apremilast)

  • Summary of Skyrizi vs. Otezla

    Summary for Interleukin antagonist
    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.

    Summary for PDE-4 inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Otezla (apremilast) is a tablet that's taken by mouth. It's used to treat plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and mouth sores from Behçet’s disease. This medication belongs to the drug class called phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitors. You usually start Otezla (apremilast) at a low dose. Then, the dose is slowly raised over 5 days to lower the risk of side effects like nausea and diarrhea. This medication is available as a brand-name medication. Generic versions of apremilast likely won't be available until at least 2028.

  • Indications of Skyrizi vs. Otezla

    Indications for
    •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
    Indications for
    •Active psoriatic arthritis in adults
    •Moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in people age 6 years and older weighing at least 44 lbs
    •Mouth sores from Behçet’s disease in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Skyrizi vs. Otezla

    Pros and Const for Interleukin antagonist
    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
    Pros and Const for PDE-4 inhibitor
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Can take with or without food
    •Dose adjustment available for people with severe kidney problems
    Cons
    •Dosing schedule can be confusing in the beginning
    •Common to have nausea or diarrhea in the beginning
    •Might not be a good option for people who've had depression or suicidal behavior

  • Common Side Effects of Skyrizi vs. Otezla

    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory infections (13%)
    •Headache (4%)
    •Tiredness (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (17%)
    •Nausea (17%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (e.g., common cold; 9%)
    •Headache (6%)

  • Warnings of Skyrizi vs. Otezla

    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reaction
    •Risk of infection
    •Rare case of liver injury
    •Caution when getting vaccines
    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reaction
    •Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
    •Depression
    •Possible weight loss
    •Drug interactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Skyrizi vs. Otezla

    Learn more about Skyrizi
    Learn more about Otezla

Compare other Plaque Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis drugs

Duobrii vs SkyriziEntyvio vs SkyriziOmvoh vs SkyriziRinvoq vs SkyriziSkyrizi vs BimzelxSkyrizi vs CosentyxSkyrizi vs DupixentSkyrizi vs EnbrelSkyrizi vs HumiraSkyrizi vs IlumyaSkyrizi vs OtezlaSkyrizi vs RemicadeSkyrizi vs SimponiSkyrizi vs TaltzSotyktu vs SkyriziStelara vs SkyriziTremfya vs SkyriziEntyvio vs RinvoqEticovo vs RinvoqOlumiant vs RinvoqOrencia vs RinvoqRemicade vs RinvoqRinvoq vs ActemraRinvoq vs CibinqoRinvoq vs CimziaRinvoq vs CosentyxRinvoq vs DupixentRinvoq vs EnbrelRinvoq vs HumiraRinvoq vs Otezla
View More

Browse medications

View All

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