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Risankizumab Injection

Skyrizi® is a brand of risankizumab. This injection treats symptoms of psoriasis like swelling, itching and rashes. It also treats psoriatic arthritis and Crohn's disease by reducing inflammation. This medication is usually given by a healthcare provider in a clinic setting or they’ll teach you how to give yourself the injection at home.

What is this medication?

RISANKIZUMAB (RIS an KIZ ue mab) reduces skin swelling, redness, itching, or rashes caused by psoriasis. It also treats psoriatic arthritis and Crohn's disease. It works on the immune system to reduce inflammation in the body.

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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Skyrizi

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Hepatic disease
  • Immune system problems
  • Infection such as tuberculosis (TB) or other bacterial, fungal or viral infections
  • Recent or upcoming vaccine
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to risankizumab, other medications, foods, dyes or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected into a vein or under the skin. It is administered by someone from your care team. It may also be given at home. If you get this medication at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give it. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

If you use a pen, be sure to take off the outer needle cover before using the dose.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

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This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss any doses. Talk to your care team about what to do if you miss a dose.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

  • Live vaccines

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

You will be tested for tuberculosis (TB) before you start this medication. If your care team prescribes any medication for TB, you should start taking the TB medication before starting this medication. Make sure to finish the full course of TB medication.

This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

This medication can decrease the response to a vaccine. If you need to get vaccinated, tell your care team if you have received this medication. Extra booster doses may be needed. Talk to your care team to see if a different vaccination schedule is needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
  • Liver injury—dark yellow or brown urine, general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, right upper belly pain, unusually weak or tired, yellowing of the eyes or skin
  • Low red blood cell counts—trouble breathing, feeling faint, lightheaded, falls, unusually weak or tired
  • Skin infection—skin redness, swelling, warmth, or pain

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

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  • Back pain
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Joint pain
  • Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
  • Stomach pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze. Protect from light. Keep it in the original carton until you are ready to take it. See product for storage information. Each product may have different instructions. Remove the dose from the carton about 30 to 45 minutes before it is time for you to take it. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

  • Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
  • If you cannot return the medication, ask your pharmacist or care team how to get rid of this medicine safely.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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