Comprehensive medication guide to Risankizumab including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0 per dose for eligible commercially insured patients aged 63 or younger using the Skyrizi Complete Savings Card; specialty-tier (Tier 4–5) coverage with prior authorization required on most plans; Medicare Part B or Part D coverage available with varying copays depending on plan.
Estimated Cash Pricing
Skyrizi's list (WAC) price is approximately $22,383 per dose; no generic or biosimilar is available as of 2026. Annual cost at list price exceeds $90,000 for psoriasis/PsA patients. AbbVie's myAbbVie Assist program may provide medication at no charge for uninsured or underinsured patients who qualify.
Medfinder Findability Score
40/100
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Risankizumab (brand name Skyrizi) is a prescription biologic medication made by AbbVie. It is a humanized monoclonal IgG1 antibody classified as an interleukin-23 (IL-23) antagonist — specifically, it targets the p19 subunit of IL-23, blocking the inflammatory signaling responsible for several chronic autoimmune conditions.
Skyrizi is FDA-approved for four conditions in adults: moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (April 2019), active psoriatic arthritis (January 2022), moderately to severely active Crohn's disease (June 2022), and moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (June 2024).
Skyrizi is not a controlled substance. It is dispensed exclusively through specialty pharmacies and is not available at standard retail pharmacy chains. No FDA-approved generic or biosimilar version exists as of 2026; biosimilar competition is expected after 2028.
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Skyrizi works by selectively binding to the p19 subunit of interleukin-23 (IL-23), a key cytokine that orchestrates chronic inflammation in autoimmune conditions. By blocking IL-23's interaction with its receptor on T-helper 17 (Th17) immune cells, Skyrizi interrupts the inflammatory cascade responsible for psoriasis plaques, joint inflammation, and bowel inflammation.
This selective p19 targeting distinguishes Skyrizi from older IL-12/23 inhibitors like ustekinumab (Stelara), which block both IL-12 and IL-23. By leaving IL-12 pathways intact, Skyrizi may preserve more immune functions important for fighting infections. Compared to IL-17 inhibitors (Cosentyx, Taltz), Skyrizi acts earlier in the inflammatory pathway — blocking the upstream signal that triggers IL-17 production.
In clinical trials, Skyrizi achieved PASI 90 (90% skin clearance) in approximately 75% of psoriasis patients by week 16, and complete clearance (PASI 100) in approximately 58%. Responses are durable over years of continued treatment.
150 mg/mL — Prefilled autoinjector pen (1 mL)
For plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Weeks 0 and 4, then every 12 weeks.
75 mg/0.83 mL — Prefilled syringe (two per dose)
Alternative for psoriasis/PsA; two syringes used to achieve the 150 mg dose.
600 mg/10 mL — Single-dose vial for IV infusion
For Crohn's disease induction. Administered by healthcare provider at weeks 0, 4, and 8.
180 mg/1.2 mL — Prefilled cartridge with on-body injector
For Crohn's disease and UC maintenance. Self-administered subcutaneously every 8 weeks.
360 mg/2.4 mL — Prefilled cartridge with on-body injector
Higher maintenance dose for Crohn's disease and UC. Self-administered subcutaneously every 8 weeks.
1,200 mg IV — IV infusion (2x 600 mg vials)
For ulcerative colitis induction. Two 600 mg vials per infusion at weeks 0, 4, and 8.
Skyrizi is not on the FDA Drug Shortage list as of 2026 — the drug is physically available through specialty pharmacy distribution networks. However, patients frequently encounter significant access barriers that make obtaining Skyrizi difficult despite the drug being available. These barriers are administrative and financial rather than supply-related.
The primary access challenges include: universal prior authorization requirements (PA approval takes 7–45 days), step therapy policies requiring documented failure of TNF inhibitors first, specialty-pharmacy-only distribution (not available at any retail pharmacy), and PA renewals required every 6–12 months. First-time PA approval timelines range from 7 to 45 days depending on the insurance plan.
Patients who have prior authorization approved but are struggling to identify which specialty pharmacy can fill their Skyrizi prescription can use medfinder — a paid service that calls specialty pharmacies near you on your behalf and texts you the results.
Skyrizi is not a controlled substance and has no DEA scheduling restrictions, so any licensed prescriber can technically write a Skyrizi prescription. However, insurance plans typically require specialist prescribing for prior authorization approval of specialty biologics.
Dermatologists — primary prescribers for plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (skin-predominant)
Rheumatologists — primary prescribers for psoriatic arthritis (joint-predominant)
Gastroenterologists — primary prescribers for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
Primary Care Physicians — can prescribe but typically co-manage with a specialist for PA approval purposes
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Physician Assistants (PAs) — can prescribe under physician supervision in most states; check insurer PA requirements
Telehealth consultations are suitable for follow-up visits and PA renewals once therapy is established, but initial biologic prescriptions typically require in-person specialist evaluation for insurance PA purposes.
No. Risankizumab (Skyrizi) is not a controlled substance and has no DEA schedule classification. It can be prescribed by any licensed healthcare provider without the DEA restrictions that apply to scheduled medications such as narcotics, stimulants, or benzodiazepines.
There are no refill limitations based on scheduling, and prescriptions can be transmitted electronically or by phone like any non-controlled medication. While Skyrizi is not a controlled substance, access is still tightly regulated through insurance prior authorization requirements. The barriers to filling a Skyrizi prescription are almost entirely administrative (insurance PA and step therapy policies) rather than regulatory DEA restrictions.
The most common side effects for patients with plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis include:
Upper respiratory infections (colds, nasopharyngitis, sinusitis)
Headache
Fatigue
Injection site reactions (redness, bruising, pain, swelling)
Tinea (fungal) infections (ringworm, athlete's foot)
Serious side effects (rare but require immediate medical attention):
Severe allergic reactions / anaphylaxis
Serious infections (pneumonia, sepsis, cellulitis)
Tuberculosis (TB) reactivation
Liver problems / hepatotoxicity (primarily during IV induction for Crohn's/UC)
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Tremfya (guselkumab)
Also a selective IL-23p19 inhibitor; approved for plaque psoriasis, PsA, and UC. Most similar mechanism to Skyrizi. Dosed every 8 weeks for psoriasis maintenance.
Stelara (ustekinumab)
IL-12/23 inhibitor targeting the shared p40 subunit; approved for psoriasis, PsA, Crohn's, and UC. FDA-approved biosimilars now available (Wezlana, Imuldosa) at lower cost.
Cosentyx (secukinumab)
IL-17A inhibitor; approved for plaque psoriasis, PsA, and ankylosing spondylitis. Not appropriate for IBD patients — can worsen inflammatory bowel disease.
Humira (adalimumab)
TNF inhibitor; approved for psoriasis, PsA, Crohn's, and UC. Multiple biosimilars available at significantly lower cost. Often used as step therapy before Skyrizi is approved by insurers.
Omvoh (mirikizumab)
IL-23p19 inhibitor approved for moderately to severely active UC. Similar mechanism to Skyrizi. May be an alternative for UC patients who cannot access Skyrizi.
Prefer Risankizumab? We can find it.
Upadacitinib (Rinvoq)
majorContraindicated combination. Both drugs are immunosuppressive; combined use significantly increases risk of serious and potentially fatal infections.
Live vaccines (MMR, varicella, yellow fever, BCG, live flu vaccine)
majorAvoid live vaccines during Skyrizi therapy. Skyrizi suppresses immune function and may allow vaccine-strain infection to occur. Complete all live vaccines before starting therapy.
Ublituximab (Briumvi)
moderateBoth increase immunosuppressive effects and infection risk. Requires therapy modification and close monitoring if used together.
CAR-T cell therapies (axicabtagene, brexucabtagene, ciltacabtagene, idecabtagene)
majorAdditive immunosuppressive effects and increased infection risk. Avoid or use alternate therapy.
Methotrexate
moderateIncreased immunosuppressive effects when combined. Sometimes used intentionally in combination for PsA or IBD; discuss risks and benefits with prescriber.
Corticosteroids (prednisone, methylprednisolone)
moderateCombined immunosuppression increases infection risk. Use the lowest effective corticosteroid dose for the shortest duration possible during Skyrizi therapy.
Risankizumab (Skyrizi) is one of the most effective biologic options available for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. Its selective IL-23p19 mechanism, quarterly dosing for psoriasis/PsA, and favorable safety profile (no boxed warning) make it a compelling choice for appropriate patients.
The primary challenge with Skyrizi is access, not efficacy. Administrative hurdles — prior authorization, step therapy, and specialty-pharmacy-only distribution — can delay treatment for weeks or months. Patients and providers who know the landscape and proactively engage AbbVie's support programs (Skyrizi Complete, myAbbVie Assist) significantly improve their chances of timely access.
Once PA is approved, finding the right specialty pharmacy is the final step. medfinder is a paid service that calls pharmacies near you to find out which ones can fill your Skyrizi prescription — saving you time and frustration in the specialty pharmacy maze.
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