Skyrizi Infusion Treatment for Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

SKYRIZI (risankizumab-rzaa) is an IL-23 inhibitor approved for adults with moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. If your gastroenterologist has prescribed Skyrizi infusion treatment, TwelveStone Health Partners administers the three-dose IV induction series at 30+ outpatient infusion centers across the Southeast. 

Your gastroenterologist determines whether SKYRIZI is appropriate, selects the prescribed dose, and directs your treatment plan. TwelveStone follows the provider order and coordinates referral intake, benefits verification, scheduling, medication preparation, infusion monitoring, and communication with your care team.

How SKYRIZI Works for Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

SKYRIZI is a biologic medication containing risankizumab-rzaa, a monoclonal antibody that selectively binds the p19 subunit of interleukin-23 (IL-23) and blocks its interaction with the IL-23 receptor. IL-23 is a cytokine involved in inflammatory and immune responses. By inhibiting this pathway, risankizumab-rzaa reduces the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines.

SKYRIZI Infusion Schedule: Induction and Maintenance

SKYRIZI follows the same induction timing for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, but the IV dose and minimum infusion time differ by condition. Maintenance begins at Week 12 after the three induction infusions.

Treatment Phase Timing Crohn’s Disease Ulcerative Colitis
IV induction Weeks 0, 4, and 8 600 mg IV over at least 1 hour per dose 1,200 mg IV over at least 2 hours per dose
Subcutaneous maintenance Week 12, then every 8 weeks 180 mg or 360 mg 180 mg or 360 mg

Your gastroenterologist determines the maintenance dose and should use the lowest effective dose needed to maintain therapeutic response. TwelveStone follows the ordered dose and schedule and does not modify your prescription.

What to Expect During a SKYRIZI Infusion Appointment

Patient receiving IV infusion therapy in a comfortable clinic chair while a nurse monitors the infusion pump during treatment

A typical SKYRIZI infusion visit at TwelveStone follows a structured process from check-in through discharge:

  1. Check-in and assessment: Staff reviews your medication list and treatment order, checks your vital signs, and prepares you for IV access.
  2. Medication preparation: The pharmacy team prepares and verifies the ordered dose while the nursing team confirms your treatment plan.
  3. Infusion and monitoring: A licensed nurse administers the medication at the prescribed rate and monitors you throughout the infusion.
  4. Post-infusion observation and discharge: The team completes any required observation, reviews next steps, and explains symptoms or concerns to report.

Before your appointment, complete any lab work your prescriber requests and tell your care team about active or recent infections. Bring a photo ID, insurance card, and a current list of your medications and supplements. 

Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your arms, and drink plenty of water beforehand unless your clinician has told you otherwise. Follow any medication or premedication instructions provided by your prescribing or infusion team.

SKYRIZI Safety Monitoring During Induction Treatment

Before SKYRIZI treatment begins, patients should be evaluated for tuberculosis and have liver enzymes and bilirubin checked. For Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, liver enzymes and bilirubin should also be monitored during induction for at least the first 12 weeks, then thereafter according to routine patient management.

Tell your gastroenterologist and the TwelveStone infusion team about current or recent infections, planned or recent vaccinations, new medications, allergies, or new symptoms before your infusion. 

Live vaccines should be avoided while you are being treated with SKYRIZI. Seek immediate medical attention for symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, throat tightness, swelling of the face or mouth, or severe dizziness.

TwelveStone monitors you during the infusion, documents the visit, and communicates relevant updates to your prescribing provider. Your gastroenterologist remains responsible for disease assessment, lab interpretation, continued prescribing, and changes to your long-term treatment plan.

Infusion Care at TwelveStone Health Partners

TwelveStone provides SKYRIZI IV induction treatment in private outpatient infusion suites designed for comfort, monitoring, and coordinated specialty care.

Modern reception desk and hallway inside TwelveStone Health Partners infusion clinic
  • 35+ Years of Experience: More than 35 years of community-based specialty healthcare experience.
  • 30+ Infusion Centers: Private-suite locations across the Southeast.
  • PharmD-Led Clinical Oversight: Pharmacists support medication preparation and safety oversight alongside licensed nursing teams.
  • Private Infusion Suites: Recliners, Wi-Fi, television, snacks, drinks, and other amenities for longer appointments.
  • Insurance Support: Benefits verification, prior authorization, and review of available copay or financial-assistance programs.

Our care coordinators work with your referring gastroenterologist before your first dose and remain available throughout your induction series. Learn more about infusion center services or contact TwelveStone to find the most convenient location for your care.

Insurance, Prior Authorization, and Scheduling for SKYRIZI Infusions

TwelveStone verifies your insurance benefits and coordinates prior-authorization requirements before treatment. SKYRIZI IV induction is typically covered through the medical benefit, while the subcutaneous on-body injector used for maintenance is typically handled through the pharmacy benefit. Coverage requirements, site-of-care rules, deductibles, and coinsurance vary by plan, so your benefits are reviewed before your first infusion.

TwelveStone can also review manufacturer copay or financial-assistance programs that may apply to your coverage. Your gastroenterologist, not TwelveStone, determines whether SKYRIZI is clinically appropriate and provides the prescription or referral needed to begin treatment.

Once the referral and coverage requirements are in place, our team coordinates your induction appointments with your prescribing office. You can also explore the full range of infusion treatments administered at TwelveStone.

TwelveStone Health Partners provides Skyrizi infusion treatment at 30+ outpatient infusion centers across the Southeast, with private suites, licensed nursing care, PharmD-led medication oversight, and insurance coordination. Your gastroenterologist directs your treatment plan; TwelveStone coordinates the ordered IV induction therapy, scheduling, monitoring, and communication with your care team.

Frequently Asked Questions About Skyrizi Infusion Treatment

For Crohn’s disease, each SKYRIZI IV induction infusion runs for at least one hour. For ulcerative colitis, each infusion runs for at least two hours. Plan for additional time for check-in, IV placement, medication preparation, monitoring, and post-infusion observation, so your total appointment will be longer than the infusion itself.

SKYRIZI’s FDA prescribing information does not specify routine premedication for every patient. Your prescribing and infusion teams will determine whether any premedication is appropriate based on your treatment order, medical history, and clinical needs.

After the third IV induction dose at Week 8, subcutaneous maintenance begins at Week 12. The recommended maintenance dose is 180 mg or 360 mg every eight weeks, with the lowest effective dose used to maintain therapeutic response. Your gastroenterologist selects the dose and manages any changes to your long-term treatment plan. 

Coverage depends on your plan’s benefits, prior-authorization requirements, approved site of care, deductible, and coinsurance. TwelveStone verifies your benefits and prior-authorization requirements before treatment and helps you understand your anticipated financial responsibility.

Ask why SKYRIZI is appropriate for your condition, which induction and maintenance doses you will receive, how your response will be measured, and how you will transition to subcutaneous maintenance. Also ask about TB screening, liver tests, vaccines, infection precautions, and which symptoms should prompt urgent medical attention.