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Compare Stelara vs. Skyrizi

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

Key takeaways

Stelara (ustekinumab) and Skyrizi (risankizumab) are both medications used to treat autoimmune conditions like plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn's disease, as well as ulcerative colitis. They belong to the same medication class, interleukin antagonists, which help reduce inflammation by blocking certain proteins in the immune system. However, they have some differences. Stelara is available for both adults and children as young as 6 years old for some indications, whereas Skyrizi is only approved for adults. Stelara is typically injected under the skin every 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the condition, while Skyrizi is given every 2 to 3 months after initial doses. Both medications can weaken your immune system, but Stelara has additional risks like posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) and lung swelling. Common side effects of Stelara include nasal passage inflammation and headaches, while Skyrizi may cause upper respiratory infections and joint pain. Neither medication is available in a generic form.

  • Stelara (ustekinumab)
    Skyrizi (risankizumab)
  • Stelara (ustekinumab)
    Skyrizi (risankizumab)

  • Summary of Stelara vs. Skyrizi

    Summary for IL-12 and IL-23 antagonist
    Prescription only

    Stelara (ustekinumab) is an injectable medication used to treat autoimmune conditions like plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. As an interleukin antagonist, it works by blocking certain proteins that cause inflammation in your body, which helps reduce swelling and ease symptoms. You typically get it as an injection under your skin. Common side effects include common cold symptoms, headache, and feeling tired. This medication also has many biosimilars available.

    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.

  • Indications of Stelara vs. Skyrizi

    Indications for
    •Moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (Ps) - adults and children 6 years and older
    •Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) - adults and children 6 years and older
    •Moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease (CD) - adults only
    •Moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC) - adults only
    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

  • Pros and Cons of Stelara vs. Skyrizi

    Pros and Const for IL-12 and IL-23 antagonist
    Pros
    •After the first few doses, only need a shot every 8 to 12 weeks
    •Available as a prefilled syringe or vial
    •Syringes can be stored at room temperature for up to 30 days
    •Approved for children as young as 6 years old
    Cons
    •Can weaken your immune system and raise your risk of infection
    •Potential to cause serious allergic reactions
    •For CD and UC, the first dose must be given as an IV infusion
    •Can't receive live vaccines while taking this medication
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Stelara vs. Skyrizi

    Common Side Effects for

    Plaque psoriasis

    •Common cold symptoms (7-8%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (4-5%)
    •Headache (5%)

    Psoriatic arthritis

    •Joint pain (3%)
    •Nausea (3%)

    Crohn's disease

    •Common cold symptoms (11%)
    •Redness at the injection site (5%)
    •Yeast infection (5%)
    •Bronchitis (5%)

    Ulcerative colitis:

    •Common cold symptoms (24%)
    •Headache (10%)
    •Stomach pain (7%)
    •Flu infection (6%)
    •Fever (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory infections (13%)
    •Headache (4%)
    •Tiredness (3%)

  • Warnings of Stelara vs. Skyrizi

    Common Side Effects for
    •Infections
    •Cancers
    •Severe allergic reaction
    •Brain condition
    •Vaccines
    •Lung problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reaction
    •Risk of infection
    •Rare case of liver injury
    •Caution when getting vaccines

  • Prices with our coupons for Stelara vs. Skyrizi

    Learn more about Stelara
    Learn more about Skyrizi

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