Skyrizi (risankizumab) is used by adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Skyrizi stops the protein IL 23, which is associated with inflammation. For this reason, Skyrizi reduces inflammation, itching, burning, scaling, pain and redness.
Skyrizi is given subcutaneously as 150 mg (two 75 mg injections) by subcutaneous injection at week 0, week 4, and every 12 weeks thereafter. If no response is there after 16 weeks of treatment, treatment may be discontinued. Often improvement will come after 16 weeks if there is some initial response to Skyrizi.
Information about Skyrizi (Risankizumab)
Skyrizi (Risankizumab) is a biologic medication that targets and inhibits interleukin-23 (IL-23), a protein involved in the inflammatory process. By blocking this protein, Skyrizi helps reduce inflammation and other immune responses associated with certain autoimmune conditions. Skyrizi is a monoclonal antibody that is primarily used to treat inflammatory diseases like psoriasis and Crohn's disease.
Product Highlights
- Approved for use in adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are eligible for systemic therapy or phototherapy.
- It is also approved for treating moderate to severe Crohn's disease in patients who have not responded to or cannot tolerate conventional therapies, including immunosuppressive or biologic treatments.
Key Ingredient
Key Benefits
- Skyrizi has shown strong efficacy in treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, significantly improving skin symptoms and quality of life.
- With a dosing schedule of once every 12 weeks after the initial doses, it offers a more convenient treatment plan compared to some other biologic therapies.
- By targeting IL-23, Skyrizi helps manage inflammation without suppressing the entire immune system, potentially reducing the risk of infections compared to some older therapies.
- Many patients tolerate Skyrizi well, with relatively few severe side effects.
Direction of Use
- Skyrizi is administered via subcutaneous injection. The initial dose consists of two injections, followed by maintenance injections every 12 weeks.
- After proper training, patients can self-administer Skyrizi at home using the pre-filled syringe or pen, as directed by their healthcare provider.
- Common injection sites include the thigh or abdomen, and rotating the injection sites is recommended to reduce irritation.
Safety Concerns
- Since Skyrizi impacts the immune system, it increases the risk of serious infections, including tuberculosis (TB), fungal infections, and bacterial infections.
- Some patients may experience allergic reactions at the injection site, which can include redness, pain, or swelling. Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) are uncommon but possible.
- As with many biologics, there may be an increased risk of certain cancers, particularly lymphoma and other hematologic malignancies.
- Liver function should be monitored, as biologics can affect liver enzyme levels.
- Avoid live vaccines during treatment, as they may not be as effective or could cause infection in patients with an impaired immune system.
Avoid Skyrizi (Risankizumab) If
- If you have any active infection, particularly serious infections such as tuberculosis, or if you are at risk for infections.
- If you are allergic to risankizumab or any of the components in Skyrizi.
- Patients with a history of malignancies, especially certain types of cancers, should consult their doctor before using Skyrizi.
- Skyrizi should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed, as it may pass into breast milk. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare provider to weigh the risks and benefits before starting treatment.
- If you require live vaccinations, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider, as these should generally be avoided during treatment with Skyrizi.
This product requires special packaging to maintain its integrity during the shipping process. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICATION if the attached temperature indicator shows that the medication was exposed to temperatures below 2 degrees or above 8 degrees Celsius, and contact the pharmacy immediately.
