Skyrizi is administered by injection under the skin (subcutaneous) for most conditions, though Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis require intravenous infusions during the initial treatment phase. The exact method, dose, and schedule depend on which condition is being treated. Here’s what to expect for each.
Dosing for Plaque Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis
For both plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, the dose is 150 mg given as a subcutaneous injection. You’ll receive your first dose at Week 0, a second at Week 4, and then one injection every 12 weeks after that. This means that after the two starter doses, you’re only injecting once every three months, which is one of the less frequent schedules among biologic medications.
For psoriatic arthritis, Skyrizi can be used on its own or alongside a non-biologic disease-modifying drug. Your rheumatologist will determine whether combination therapy makes sense for your situation.
Dosing for Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease uses a two-phase approach. The induction phase involves three intravenous infusions of 600 mg each, given at Week 0, Week 4, and Week 8. Each infusion takes at least one hour and is administered in a clinical setting, not at home.
Starting at Week 12, you transition to subcutaneous injections of either 180 mg or 360 mg every 8 weeks for ongoing maintenance. These you can do at home. Your doctor will aim to keep you on the lowest effective dose.
Dosing for Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis follows the same two-phase structure but at higher induction doses. The three IV infusions are 1,200 mg each, given at Weeks 0, 4, and 8, with each infusion lasting at least two hours. After that, maintenance switches to subcutaneous injections of 180 mg or 360 mg every 8 weeks, identical to the Crohn’s maintenance schedule.
Three Device Options for Self-Injection
When you’re giving yourself Skyrizi at home, you’ll use one of three devices:
- Prefilled pen: An automatic injector you hold against the skin and activate with a button press. It’s the simplest option and a good choice if needles make you uncomfortable, since the needle stays hidden.
- Prefilled syringe: A manual option where you control the speed of injection. Some people find this less painful because they can push the plunger slowly.
- On-body injector (OBI): A cartridge device that sticks to your skin and delivers a larger volume of medication over a longer period. This is used for the higher-volume maintenance doses in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Your prescriber will determine which device matches your condition and dose. For the 150 mg psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis doses, the pen or syringe are standard. For the IBD maintenance doses, the OBI may be used to handle the larger volume comfortably.
Where to Inject
The two approved injection sites are the front of your thighs and your abdomen, at least 2 inches away from your belly button. Avoid any skin that is sore, bruised, red, hard, scarred, or affected by psoriasis plaques. Alternating between sites from one injection to the next helps prevent irritation.
Preparing the Injection
Skyrizi is stored in the refrigerator and needs to warm up to room temperature before use. The warm-up time varies by device: prefilled syringes need 15 to 30 minutes, prefilled pens need 30 to 90 minutes, and on-body injectors need 45 to 90 minutes. Don’t try to speed this up with a microwave, hot water, or direct sunlight.
Before injecting, look at the liquid through the viewing window. Normal Skyrizi looks clear to slightly yellow and may contain a few tiny white or clear particles. If the liquid appears cloudy, discolored, or contains large particles or flakes, don’t use it.
If You Miss a Dose
Inject your missed dose as soon as you remember, then resume your regular schedule from there. You don’t need to double up or restart the sequence. If you’re unsure about timing, especially if a significant gap has passed, check with your prescriber before proceeding.