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

Key takeaways

Skyrizi (risankizumab) and Taltz (ixekizumab) are both interleukin antagonists used to treat inflammatory conditions like plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. However, they differ in several ways. Skyrizi is also approved for Crohn's disease, while Taltz is approved for ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. Skyrizi is typically administered as an injection every 2 to 3 months after initial doses, whereas Taltz is injected once a month. Skyrizi is available in prefilled syringes, pens, and an On-Body Injector, while Taltz comes as a prefilled syringe and autoinjector. Both medications can increase the risk of infections, but Taltz may also cause flare-ups in people with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Common side effects for Skyrizi include joint pain and upper respiratory infections, while Taltz often causes injection site reactions and upper respiratory infections. Neither medication has a generic version available.

Skyrizi

(risankizumab)

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Taltz

(ixekizumab)

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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 Taltz

Prescription only

Taltz (ixekizumab) is an injection that's given under the skin. It helps treat inflammatory conditions, including plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and some types of arthritis in the spine. This medication works as an interleukin antagonist to lessen inflammation in the body. You inject Taltz (ixekizumab) once a month using the prefilled syringe or autoinjector. The dose depends on the health problem you're treating. Side effects include upper respiratory infections. You also might feel pain or have redness around the injection area. Taltz (ixekizumab) is a brand-name medication.