A Skyrizi infusion takes at least one hour for Crohn’s disease or at least two hours for ulcerative colitis. That’s the infusion itself. Your total time at the clinic will likely be longer once you factor in check-in, IV setup, and a short observation period afterward.
Infusion Time by Condition
The difference in infusion length comes down to dose. For Crohn’s disease, the induction dose is 600 mg, which is infused over a minimum of one hour. For ulcerative colitis, the dose is double that (1,200 mg), so the infusion takes at least two hours. These are minimums set by the FDA prescribing information. Your infusion center may run it slightly slower depending on how you’re tolerating it, but it won’t be faster than those timeframes.
How Many Infusions You’ll Need
Skyrizi uses IV infusions only during the induction phase, which consists of three infusions total. These are given at Week 0 (your first visit), Week 4, and Week 8. After that, you switch to subcutaneous injections (a shot under the skin) starting at Week 12 and continuing every 8 weeks. Those maintenance injections can be done at home and take just seconds, so the IV infusion appointments are a temporary part of treatment.
What to Expect at the Clinic
Plan to spend more time at the infusion center than just the infusion duration. Before the drip starts, a nurse will check your vitals, place an IV line, and prepare the diluted medication. This setup can add 15 to 30 minutes. After the infusion finishes, most centers will monitor you briefly to watch for any reactions, especially during your first session. All told, a one-hour infusion appointment may take closer to 90 minutes to two hours from arrival to departure. A two-hour infusion could mean roughly two and a half to three hours at the center.
Many people bring a book, laptop, or phone charger to pass the time. Wearing a short-sleeved or loose-fitting top makes IV access easier.
Possible Side Effects During Infusion
Most people tolerate Skyrizi infusions well. The more common side effects are mild: headache, fatigue, sore throat, or a stuffy nose. Some people notice redness or irritation where the IV was placed. Allergic reactions are uncommon but can include skin rash, hives, itching, or swelling of the face, lips, or throat. If any of these happen during your infusion, the nursing team can slow or stop the drip and treat the reaction on the spot. This is one reason infusion centers keep you under observation.
After Induction: The Maintenance Phase
Once your three IV infusions are complete, the maintenance phase begins four weeks later at Week 12. Maintenance doses are given as subcutaneous injections every 8 weeks. These are self-administered using a prefilled syringe or pen, similar to how many people use insulin or other biologic medications at home. The shift from a clinic infusion to a quick at-home injection is a significant change in convenience, and for most patients the infusion appointments are finished within the first two months of treatment.