Skyrizi (Risankizumab): Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Warnings

Skyrizi (Risankizumab) is a prescription medication used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults. It belongs to a class of drugs called Antipsoriatics, Systemic; Interleukin Inhibitors; Monoclonal Antibodies. Skyrizi works by blocking a protein in the body that causes inflammation, which helps to reduce the symptoms of psoriasis.

Before taking Skyrizi, it is important to discuss with your doctor if you have an active or chronic infection. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection such as fever, chills, sweats, muscle aches, skin sores, stomach pain, diarrhea, burning when you urinate, weight loss, cough, shortness of breath, or a cough with red or pink mucus. It is also important to inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking to avoid any potential interactions.

Overall, Skyrizi has been shown to be an effective treatment option for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. However, as with any medication, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects and to consult with your doctor before taking Skyrizi.

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Key Takeaways

• Skyrizi is a prescription medication used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults.
• Before taking Skyrizi, it is important to discuss with your doctor if you have an active or chronic infection and to inform them about any other medications you are taking
• Skyrizi has been shown to be an effective treatment option for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, but it is important to be aware of potential side effects and to consult with your doctor before taking Skyrizi.

What is Skyrizi (Risankizumab)

Skyrizi (risankizumab) is a prescription drug used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults. Skyrizi is also used to treat psoriatic arthritis and Crohn's disease, which are all autoimmune disorders. Skyrizi is a systemic therapy and is administered by injection under the skin.

The active drug in Skyrizi is risankizumab-rzaa, which is a biologic drug. Biologic drugs are made from parts of living organisms and work by targeting specific proteins in the immune system that cause inflammation. Skyrizi specifically targets interleukin-23 (IL-23), which is responsible for causing inflammation in psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn's disease.

Skyrizi was approved by the FDA in 2019 and is considered a safe and effective treatment option for these conditions. It is important to note that Skyrizi is not a cure for these conditions and may not work for everyone.

It is important to follow the dosage instructions provided by your healthcare provider and to report any side effects or concerns to them. Common side effects of Skyrizi include upper respiratory infections, headache, and fatigue. In rare cases, Skyrizi may increase the risk of serious infections, so it is important to report any signs of infection to your healthcare provider immediately.

In summary, Skyrizi (risankizumab) is a systemic therapy used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn's disease. It works by targeting interleukin-23 (IL-23) in the immune system to reduce inflammation in the body. Skyrizi is a safe and effective treatment option, but it is important to follow the dosage instructions and report any side effects or concerns to your healthcare provider.

Uses of Skyrizi

Skyrizi (Risankizumab) is a medication used to treat autoimmune disorders, including plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn's disease. It works by reducing inflammation in the body and is only available by prescription.

Plaque Psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes red, scaly patches on the skin. Skyrizi is used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults. It can help reduce skin swelling, redness, itching, or rashes caused by psoriasis.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that affects some people with psoriasis. It causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Skyrizi is used to treat psoriatic arthritis and can help reduce symptoms such as joint pain and swelling.

Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lining of the digestive tract. Skyrizi is used to treat Crohn's disease and can help reduce inflammation in the body.

Skyrizi is not a cure for these conditions, but it can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life for those who suffer from them. It is important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions for use and to report any side effects or concerns promptly.

Dosage and Administration

Skyrizi (Risankizumab) is available in a 150 mg/mL strength solution for subcutaneous injection. The recommended dosage and administration for Skyrizi are as follows:

Plaque Psoriasis

The recommended dose for plaque psoriasis is 150 mg administered by subcutaneous injection at Week 0, Week 4, Week 16, and every 12 weeks thereafter. Skyrizi can be administered by a healthcare provider or self-administered by the patient after proper training.

Psoriatic Arthritis

The recommended dose for psoriatic arthritis is 150 mg administered by subcutaneous injection at Week 0, Week 4, Week 16, and every 12 weeks thereafter. Skyrizi can be administered by a healthcare provider or self-administered by the patient after proper training.

Crohn's Disease

The recommended dose for Crohn's disease is 600 mg administered by intravenous infusion over at least 1 hour at Week 0, Week 4, and Week 8, followed by 360 mg subcutaneously every 8 weeks thereafter. Skyrizi can be administered by a healthcare provider or self-administered by the patient after proper training.

Administration

Skyrizi is administered by subcutaneous injection into the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. The injection site should be rotated with each injection. Skyrizi is available in a prefilled syringe or prefilled pen. The patient should be instructed on proper injection technique and should not inject into areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red, or hard.

Missed Dose

If a dose of Skyrizi is missed, it should be administered as soon as possible. The patient should then resume the regular dosing schedule.

Injection Site Reactions

Injection site reactions, such as redness, swelling, itching, or pain, may occur with Skyrizi administration. These reactions are usually mild to moderate in intensity and resolve within a few days. If the reaction is severe or persists, the patient should contact their healthcare provider.

Overall, Skyrizi dosing and administration are straightforward and can be easily managed by healthcare providers or patients who have been properly trained.

Potential Side Effects

Like all medications, Skyrizi (Risankizumab) can cause side effects. Some of these side effects are common and may go away on their own, while others may be more serious and require medical attention.

Common side effects of Skyrizi (Risankizumab) include headache, pain, swelling, rash, itching, redness, warmth, and bruising at the injection site. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own within a few days.

More serious side effects of Skyrizi (Risankizumab) can include chills, fever, tiredness, fatigue, tiredness, loss of appetite, and weight loss. If you experience any of these side effects, you should contact your doctor right away.

In rare cases, Skyrizi (Risankizumab) can cause serious infections, including tuberculosis (TB) and other bacterial, fungal, or viral infections. You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience any signs of infection, such as fever, chills, sweats, muscle aches, skin sores, stomach pain, diarrhea, burning when you urinate, cough, shortness of breath, or a cough with red or pink mucus.

If you have a history of hepatic disease or immune system problems, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should talk to your doctor before taking Skyrizi (Risankizumab).

Overall, Skyrizi (Risankizumab) is a safe and effective medication for treating plaque psoriasis, Crohn's disease, and psoriatic arthritis. However, as with any medication, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects and to contact your doctor if you experience any symptoms.

Warnings and Precautions

Before using Skyrizi, it is important to be aware of the following warnings and precautions:

• Allergic reactions: Seek medical attention immediately if you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, swelling of the tongue, throat, lips, face, or trouble breathing.
• Serious infections: Skyrizi may increase your risk of serious infections, including skin infections and tuberculosis (TB). Tell your doctor if you have an infection or have been exposed to TB. Do not use Skyrizi if you have an active TB infection.
• Live vaccines: Do not receive live vaccines while using Skyrizi. Talk to your doctor about which vaccines are safe to receive.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: It is not known whether Skyrizi can harm an unborn baby or pass into breast milk. Talk to your doctor before using Skyrizi if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Overdose: If you think you have used too much Skyrizi, contact a poison control center immediately.

If you have any concerns or questions about using Skyrizi, talk to your doctor. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions carefully to ensure the safest and most effective use of this medication.

Interactions with Other Drugs

When taking Skyrizi, it is important to inform your doctor of any other medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some drugs may interact with Skyrizi and cause adverse effects or reduce the effectiveness of the medication.

According to the medication guide, there are no known interactions between Skyrizi and other drugs. However, it is still important to inform your doctor of all medications you are taking to ensure your safety and well-being.

It is also important to note that consuming alcohol while taking Skyrizi may increase the risk of liver damage. Therefore, it is recommended to limit or avoid alcohol consumption while taking this medication.

In terms of food interactions, there are no known restrictions on food or beverages while taking Skyrizi. However, it is important to maintain a healthy and balanced diet to support your overall health and well-being.

In summary, while there are no known interactions between Skyrizi and other drugs, it is important to inform your doctor of all medications you are taking and to limit alcohol consumption to reduce the risk of liver damage. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet is important for overall health and well-being while taking Skyrizi.

Storage and Handling

When storing Skyrizi, it is important to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:

• Skyrizi should be stored in the refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C).
• Keep Skyrizi in its original carton until ready to use.
• Do not freeze Skyrizi. If frozen, it should not be used.
• Do not use Skyrizi if it has been stored at room temperature for more than 24 hours.
• Do not use Skyrizi if it has been exposed to hot water or a microwave.
• Do not reuse Skyrizi syringes or vials.

It is important to check the expiration date on the Skyrizi carton before using it. Expired medication should not be used. If you have any expired Skyrizi, dispose of it properly according to your healthcare provider or pharmacist's instructions.

If you have any questions about how to properly store or handle Skyrizi, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist. They can provide you with more detailed instructions and answer any questions you may have.

Consultation and Medical Advice

Before taking Skyrizi, it is important to consult with a doctor or healthcare professional. They can provide valuable advice on whether the medication is appropriate for the individual's medical condition and can help determine the proper dosage.

Pharmacists can also provide information on Skyrizi, including its benefits and potential side effects. They can also answer questions about how to properly take the medication, such as whether it should be taken with food or on an empty stomach.

If an individual experiences any symptoms while taking Skyrizi, such as a cough, cold, flu, sore throat, or skin rash, they should consult with their doctor or healthcare provider. These symptoms may be a sign of an allergic reaction or other serious side effect.

It is important to follow the dosage instructions provided by the doctor or healthcare professional. Skyrizi is typically administered as an injection, and the frequency of injections may vary depending on the individual's medical condition.

Overall, it is important to seek medical advice and guidance when taking Skyrizi or any other medication. By working closely with a doctor or healthcare professional, individuals can ensure that they are taking the medication safely and effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long do Skyrizi side effects typically last?

Skyrizi side effects can vary in duration depending on the individual and the severity of the side effect. Some common side effects, such as injection site reactions, may last for a few days. However, more serious side effects may require medical attention and could last longer. It is important to discuss any side effects with your healthcare provider.

2. What are the serious side effects of Skyrizi?

Serious side effects of Skyrizi may include infections, allergic reactions, and worsening of inflammatory bowel disease. If you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, or abdominal pain, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

3. Does Skyrizi have any contraindications?

Skyrizi should not be used in individuals with a known hypersensitivity to risankizumab or any of its components. It is also contraindicated in individuals with active tuberculosis or other severe infections.

4. What are the most common side effects of Skyrizi?

The most common side effects of Skyrizi include upper respiratory infections, injection site reactions, and headache. Other common side effects may include diarrhea, nausea, and fatigue.

5. Are there any reviews of Skyrizi's side effects?

There are various reviews of Skyrizi's side effects available online. However, it is important to note that individual experiences may vary, and it is best to discuss any concerns or questions with your healthcare provider.

6. Can Skyrizi cause hair loss?

Hair loss is not a common side effect of Skyrizi. However, if you experience any unusual hair loss or changes in hair texture, it is important to discuss this with your healthcare provider.