If you’re looking at treatment options for certain types of psoriasis or Crohn’s disease, you may want to learn more about Skyrizi (risankizumab-rzaa).* It’s a prescription drug used in some adults to treat:

Skyrizi comes as a prefilled syringe or pen containing a liquid solution that’s injected under your skin. It’s also available as a liquid-filled vial used for an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into a vein given over time). How you receive the drug will depend on the condition Skyrizi is being used to treat.

Skyrizi injections and cost, and how to save money on prescriptions, are some of the things you can read about.

Note: For more details on Skyrizi, see this in-depth article.

“The end of the drug’s name shows that it is different from similar medications that may be created in the future.”

The price you pay for Skyrizi can vary. It may depend on your treatment plan, your insurance coverage (if you have it), and the pharmacy you use. It will also depend on how much you have to pay for an office visit with your doctor to receive Skyrizi injections.

Talk to your doctor, pharmacy, or insurance provider to find out how much Skyrizi will cost.

Note: If you have insurance, you may need to get prior authorization before your insurer will cover Skyrizi. This means your insurance company and your doctor will discuss the drug in regard to your treatment. Then your insurer will determine whether the drug is covered. If Skyrizi requires prior authorization and you don’t receive it before you start treatment, you could pay the full cost of the drug.

Ask your insurance company if Skyrizi requires prior authorization.

Skyrizi and cost are answered in the below answers.

How much do Skyrizi injections cost per month without insurance and with insurance?

The cost of prescription drugs is usually less with insurance coverage. If you have health insurance, you should call your provider to find out if Skyrizi is covered and how much you will pay. The cost of the drug can be different. Depending on your coverage, you may have a copay for certain drugs and services.

Similar to a manufacturer coupon, the drugmaker has a Skyrizi Complete Savings Card for eligible insured people. The card may reduce your prescription cost with each fill.

If you don’t have health insurance, you may qualify for the drugmaker’s assistance program called myAbbVie Assist. For more information, see the section below, “Can I get help paying for Skyrizi?”

There are also savings programs offered by the drugmaker for people with and without insurance.

Does Medicare cover the cost of Skyrizi?

Skyrizi is covered by Medicare if you have a prescription drug plan that includes it. If Skyrizi is covered by your Medicare plan, you should talk to your provider.

A prior authorization is a review process for some Medicare plans. Your doctor may need to show that the drug is necessary for you before your plan will cover it.

If you have Medicare and still need help paying for your Skyrizi prescription, you may be eligible for a government program called Extra Help.

Talk to your doctor about cost-savings programs.

Skyrizi is a biologic drug, which means it’s made from parts of living organisms. It only comes as a brand-name drug and is not available in a biosimilar version. Biosimilars are like generic drugs in that they are other, equally effective versions of brand-name drugs. But unlike generics, which are made for nonbiologic drugs, biosimilars are made for biologics.

Why is there such a cost difference between biologic drugs and biosimilar drugs?

Biologic drugs can be expensive because of the research and testing needed to ensure their safety and effectiveness. The manufacturer of a biologic drug can sell it for up to 12 years. When the biologic drug’s patent expires, other drugmakers can create biosimilar versions. This competition in the market may lead to lower costs for biosimilars. And because biosimilars are very similar to biologic drugs, they don’t need to be studied again. This can also lead to lower costs for biosimilars.

Skyrizi may be able to lower your costs in a number of ways.

  • Look into drugmaker discounts. You may be eligible for the Skyrizi Complete Savings Card. This could reduce your out-of-pocket treatment costs. To find out if you’re eligible, talk with your doctor, a pharmacist at a specialty pharmacy that supplies the drug, or a Skyrizi Nurse Ambassador at 866-759-7494.
  • Use a mail-order pharmacy to get your medication. Using a specialty mail-order pharmacy might help lower your cost for Skyrizi. And you could get your medication without leaving home. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order drugs. You may also be able to get a 90-day supply of the drug through mail order. If you don’t have health insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest specialty online pharmacy options that could work for you.

If you need help understanding your insurance, check out these websites.

You can find information on insurance, drug assistance programs, and links to savings cards on these sites.

A program called myAbbVie Assist and the Skyrizi Complete Savings Card may also be available for Skyrizi.

If you still have questions about Skyrizi or how to pay for your prescriptions, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to give you a better idea of what you will pay. If you have health insurance, you need to talk to your insurer to find out the actual cost for Skyrizi.

You can ask your doctor or insurance provider questions.

  • Skyrizi is only available at specialty pharmacies. What is the cost difference between these types of stores?
  • Will there be a greater cost saving if I go to a doctor’s office for my subcutaneous injections compared to administering them myself?
  • Is there any other cheaper drugs that could treat my condition?
  • Will there soon be a biosimilar available for Skyrizi?

If you’re looking for support and advice from others living with psoriasis, join the Bezzy Psoriasis community. And for information on new psoriasis treatments and tips on managing flare-ups, sign up for Healthline’s online newsletter.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.