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

Key takeaways

Skyrizi (risankizumab) and Remicade (infliximab) are both medications used to treat autoimmune conditions like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and psoriatic arthritis. However, they belong to different medication classes. Skyrizi is an interleukin antagonist, while Remicade is a biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) that blocks tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Skyrizi is available as an injection that you can administer at home after training, whereas Remicade is given through an intravenous (IV) infusion by a healthcare professional. Skyrizi is typically dosed every 2 to 3 months, depending on the condition, while Remicade is usually given every 6 to 8 weeks. Skyrizi is only available as a brand-name medication, while Remicade has biosimilars like Avsola, Inflectra, and Renflexis. Common side effects of Skyrizi include joint pain and upper respiratory infections, while Remicade can cause nausea, headache, and infusion-related reactions. Both medications can increase the risk of infections, but Remicade also carries risks of serious conditions like cancer and heart problems.

Skyrizi

(risankizumab)

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Remicade

(infliximab)

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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

Moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults and children ages 6 years and older
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 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

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 Remicade

Prescription only

Remicade (infliximab) is an injectable medication used to treat many autoimmune conditions, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. It's given through an intravenous (IV) infusion by a healthcare provider.

Indications for Remicade

Moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease (CD)
Moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC)
Moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA)
Severe plaque psoriasis (PsO)

Pros and Cons for Remicade

Pros

Can be used for many autoimmune conditions
Typically only needs to be given every 6 to 8 weeks
Can be used in children 6 years of age and older for UC and CD

Cons

Can only be given as an IV infusion by a healthcare professional
Can cause a lot of side effects
Brand name only, which can be expensive

Common Side Effects for Remicade

Infections
Nausea
Infusion-related reactions (e.g., headache, flushing, shortness of breath, rash)
Headache
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Sore throat
Cough
Rash
Bronchitis
Indigestion
Tiredness
General pain
Joint pain