What makes Icotyde (icotrokinra) unique?

Icotyde (icotrokinra) is unique because it’s the first IL-23 medication that you can take by mouth. Other FDA-approved IL-23 treatments, like [Tremfya (guselkumab)](https://www.goodrx.com/tremfya/what-is), [Skyrizi (risankizumab)](https://www.goodrx.com/skyrizi/what-is), and [Ilumya (tildrakizumab)](https://www.goodrx.com/ilumya/what-is), are all given as injections. This means Icotyde (icotrokinra) offers a more convenient option for people who prefer a pill instead of shots while still targeting the same pathway that causes inflammation in psoriasis.

How long does Icotyde (icotrokinra) take to work?

In studies, some people noticed an improvement in their psoriasis symptoms [a few weeks](https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(25)01576-4/abstract) after starting Icotyde (icotrokinra). But it can take 6 months or longer to see the full effects of the medication. Keep track of your symptoms so you and your dermatologist can see how well the medication is working for you.

Is Icotyde (icotrokinra) a steroid?

No. Icotyde (icotrokinra) isn't a steroid. It belongs to a group of medications called [IL-23 antagonists](https://www.goodrx.com/classes/interleukin-antagonists). Both types of medications help lower inflammation in psoriasis, but they work in different ways.

How long does Icotyde (icotrokinra) stay in your system?

It takes around 2 to 3 days for Icotyde (icotrokinra) to leave your system, but this can depend on your overall health and other factors. This time frame is based on the medication's [half-life](https://www.goodrx.com/drugs/medication-basics/drug-half-life), which is the time it takes for half of the medication to be cleared from your body.

Icotyde

icotrokinra

Used for Plaque Psoriasis

Icotyde (icotrokinra) is used to treat plaque psoriasis in adults and some children 12 years and older. It belongs to a group of medications called interleukin antagonists. This medication comes as a tablet that you take by mouth once a day on an empty stomach with water. Common side effects include headache, nausea, and cough. It might also raise your risk for infections.

Reviewed by:

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Daisy Chau, PharmD

Last reviewed on March 20, 2026

What is Icotyde (icotrokinra)?

What is Icotyde (icotrokinra) used for?

Moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in people 12 years and older who weigh at least 40 kg (88 lbs)

How Icotyde (icotrokinra) works

Icotyde (icotrokinra) is a type of monoclonal antibody. In particular, it's an interleukin-23 antagonist, or IL-23 inhibitor for short. It blocks IL-23, a protein that causes inflammation in the body.

By blocking IL-23, Icotyde (icotrokinra) helps lower skin inflammation. This helps treat symptoms of plaque psoriasis.

When does Icotyde (icotrokinra) start working?Time passed since treatment started:

HOURS

DAYS

WEEKS

Initial effect

MONTHS

Full effect

Drug facts

Common Brands	Icotyde
Drug Class	Interleukin antagonist
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Prescription only

Common Brands

Icotyde

Drug Class

Interleukin antagonist

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Prescription only

Side effects of Icotyde (icotrokinra)

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Headache (4%)
Nausea (1%)
Cough (1%)
Fungal infection (1%)
Tiredness (1%)

Less Common Side Effects

Stomach irritation
Stomach discomfort
Stomach bleeding

Icotyde (icotrokinra) serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

Infection: fever; cough; weakness; sweating; chills; trouble breathing; diarrhea; scaly, itchy, or burning skin

Source: Prescribing Information

The following Icotyde (icotrokinra) side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

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Avg retail price

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$7959.85

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Pros and cons of Icotyde (icotrokinra)

Pros

Taken by mouth once a day
Can be dissolved in water if you have trouble swallowing
FDA approved for adults and some children 12 years and older

Cons

Might raise the risk for infections
Unknown if safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding
Can take several months to see the full effects

Pharmacist tips for Icotyde (icotrokinra)

Take Icotyde (icotrokinra) first thing in the morning when you wake up. Take it on an empty stomach with a full glass of water, and wait at least 30 minutes before eating.
Swallow Icotyde (icotrokinra) tablets whole. Don't cut, crush, or chew them because this can affect how the medication works.
If you have trouble swallowing Icotyde (icotrokinra), place the tablet in at least 4 ounces of water and let it dissolve. Gently swirl, drink all of it, then add another 4 ounces of water and drink that to make sure you get the full dose.
If you miss a dose of Icotyde (icotrokinra), take it as soon as you remember. Then return to your regular dosing schedule the next day.
Icotyde (icotrokinra) can make it harder for your body to fight infections. Tell your prescriber if you have an infection that doesn’t go away or keeps coming back.
Tell your prescriber before getting any vaccines while taking Icotyde (icotrokinra). Avoid live vaccines during treatment.
Pregnancy: If you're pregnant or become pregnant while taking Icotyde (icotrokinra), tell your prescriber. There isn’t enough information to know if it’s safe, but your prescriber can discuss your options and a pregnancy safety study you might be able to join.

Common questions about Icotyde

Icotyde is unique because it’s the first IL-23 medication that you can take by mouth. Other FDA-approved IL-23 treatments, like Tremfya (guselkumab), Skyrizi (risankizumab), and Ilumya (tildrakizumab), are all given as injections. This means Icotyde offers a more convenient option for people who prefer a pill instead of shots while still targeting the same pathway that causes inflammation in psoriasis.

In studies, some people noticed an improvement in their psoriasis symptoms a few weeks after starting Icotyde. But it can take 6 months or longer to see the full effects of the medication. Keep track of your symptoms so you and your dermatologist can see how well the medication is working for you.

No, Icotyde isn't a biologic. Biologics are made from living cells in a lab and are usually given as injections. Instead, Icotyde is a manmade pill, specifically a peptide, that you take by mouth.

No. Icotyde isn't a steroid. It belongs to a group of medications called IL-23 antagonists. Both types of medications help lower inflammation in psoriasis, but they work in different ways.

It takes around 2 to 3 days for Icotyde to leave your system, but this can depend on your overall health and other factors. This time frame is based on the medication's half-life, which is the time it takes for half of the medication to be cleared from your body.

Risks and warnings for Icotyde (icotrokinra)

Icotyde (icotrokinra) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Risk of infection

Risk factors: Active or chronic (long-term) infection | Getting sick often | Having other conditions that raise your risk of infection

Icotyde (icotrokinra) can make it harder for your body to fight germs. This can raise your risk for bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. Before starting Icotyde (icotrokinra), tell your prescriber about your medical history, especially if you have an infection now or have had tuberculosis (TB) before. You might need a TB test before treatment. If you have or have had TB, you might need to take antibiotics to treat it or keep it from coming back. Don't start Icotyde (icotrokinra) until any current infections go away.

Call your care team if you have signs of infection while taking Icotyde (icotrokinra). Watch for symptoms like fever, cough, trouble breathing, weakness, chills, night sweats, or skin changes. If you get sick, your care team might have you stop taking the medication until you feel better.

Caution when getting vaccines

It's a good idea to be up to date on your vaccines before starting Icotyde (icotrokinra). During treatment, tell your prescriber before getting any vaccines so they can make sure they’re safe for you.

Avoid live vaccines, like Varivax (chickenpox vaccine) and MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine) during treatment. This medication might raise your risk of infection from these vaccines.