Conditions like psoriasis, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can be tough to control, and their symptoms can make it hard for you to live your life and do the things you want to do. A medication called risankizumab (Skyrizi) may help.
Skyrizi is a biologic medication, which means it’s made from living cells. It targets and blocks a protein called interleukin-23 (IL-23). Blocking this protein helps reduce the inflammation caused by some chronic conditions.
“What’s unique about risankizumab is its highly targeted approach,” said Paul Thompson, a pharmacist with Banner Pharmacy Services. “Older biologics broadly suppress the immune system. Risankizumab selectively targets IL-23, which may result in fewer side effects.”
Benefits of Risankizumab (Skyrizi)
Skyrizi can reduce pain, increase mobility and improve daily function in people living with certain chronic inflammatory conditions:
- Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis: “This is the main reason people take Skyrizi,” Dr. Thompson said. This immune condition causes red, scaly skin patches and Skyrizi may clear the skin, reduce itching and improve appearance.
- Active psoriatic arthritis: This condition affects some people with psoriasis and causes joint pain, stiffness and swelling.
- Moderate to severe Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis: These digestive system conditions cause intestinal inflammation and discomfort. Skyrizi was recently approved for ulcerative colitis.
You may want to consider risankizumab if other treatments haven’t worked or if your condition is difficult to manage.
“Skyrizi may take several weeks or months to show its full effect. You may notice improvements after the first few doses, but results often become more apparent after 16 weeks,” Dr. Thompson said.
You may also be interested in Skyrizi if you’d like to take fewer doses of medication. After your initial treatment with Skyrizi, you only need maintenance doses every 12 weeks. “This schedule is less frequent and more convenient than many other biologic therapies,” Dr. Thompson said.
Talk to your health care provider to discuss your medical history, especially if you have had tuberculosis, liver or kidney disease.
It’s important to know that this medication can be costly. “Risankizumab can be expensive, but there are patient assistance programs and insurance coverage options available that can help,” Dr. Thompson said. “It’s important to discuss affordability with your provider or pharmacist before you start therapy.”
How to use Risankizumab
You inject Skyrizi under the skin. Treatment starts with two doses, four weeks apart, followed by maintenance doses every 12 weeks.
Your health care provider will show you how to inject the medication, usually in your abdomen or thighs. Make sure your skin is clean and dry and change injection sites to avoid irritation.
You should store Skyrizi in the refrigerator, but let it come up to room temperature before you inject it. Never freeze the medication.
Possible side effects
Like all medications, risankizumab can cause side effects. It’s important to know what to do if you notice them.
Common side effects may include:
- Upper respiratory infections
- Headache
- Injection site reactions like redness or swelling
Talk to your provider if you’re concerned about common side effects.
Serious, less common side effects may include:
- Infections, since risankizumab affects the immune system
- Severe allergic reactions
- Increased risk of certain infections like tuberculosis
If you have symptoms such as fever, cough, chills, shortness of breath, swelling or unusual fatigue, seek medical attention immediately.
Precautions and warnings
“Risankizumab has been found to be safe and effective in clinical trials, but it’s important to watch for any adverse effects, especially if you’re on long-term therapy,” Dr. Thompson said.
“Make sure you’re up to date on your vaccinations since risankizumab can affect your immune system and reduce your body’s ability to fight infections.”
Skyrizi may not be the right choice for people with certain infections or weakened immune systems. It’s not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless your health care provider suggests otherwise.
Skyrizi may interact with other prescriptions or over-the-counter (OTC) medications or supplements and affect other treatments. Let your health care provider know about other medications you are taking.
It’s important to have regular check-ups when you’re taking Skyrizi. Your provider may recommend blood tests and screenings to monitor your health and make sure the treatment is working safely.
Lifestyle tips for managing psoriasis, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
“While risankizumab can greatly reduce symptoms, lifestyle modifications can further help manage them and improve your health,” Dr. Thompson said. It can help to maintain a healthy weight, avoid smoking and alcohol and reduce stress with relaxation techniques like yoga or mindfulness.
Depending on your condition, these tips may also help:
- For psoriasis: Use gentle, fragrance-free products, moisturize daily, try not to scratch itchy skin and follow the skincare routines your provider recommends.
- For Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis: Choose a balanced diet and avoid irritants like high-fat or spicy foods. Stay hydrated and eat smaller, more frequent meals.
The bottom line
Risankizumab (Skyrizi) may help manage chronic inflammatory conditions like psoriasis and Crohn’s disease. If you’re struggling to control your symptoms with other medications, Skyrizi might be an option you want to consider.
Talk to your health care provider or an expert at Banner Health to find out if this treatment is right for you. Working closely with a provider is key to getting the best results.
Other useful articles
- 10 Steps to Reduce Inflammation and Boost Your Immune Health
- If You Have Psoriasis, Watch Out for These Drugs That Can Trigger Flares
- How to Create a Self-Care and Skincare Routine for Psoriasis
The content in this article is for informational use only. Always discuss any medication with your health care provider or pharmacist before taking it. Also, refer to the medication package insert supplied by the pharmaceutical manufacturer with your prescription.
