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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 treats plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in people 6 years and older. The medication can also treat mouth sores from Behçet’s disease in adults. It works as a phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitor to reduce inflammation. Immediate-release tablets called Otezla are taken twice daily. You start at a low dose, then it gets raised over a few days to a maintenance dose. Some people can switch to once-daily, extended-release tablets called Otezla XR. Side effects include nausea and diarrhea.

  • 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
    •Psoriatic arthritis in people 6 years and older
    •Plaque psoriasis in people 6 years and older
    •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
    •Option to switch to once-daily extended-release tablets for some people
    Cons
    •Dosing schedule can be confusing in the beginning
    •Common to have nausea or diarrhea when starting
    •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 (up to 8%)

  • 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

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