Skyrizi (risankizumab-rzaa) is a prescription medication used to treat moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adult patients who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. It is a biologic drug that works by blocking a specific protein called interleukin-23 (IL-23), which is involved in the immune response that leads to psoriasis.
Dosage and Administration:
Skyrizi is available in prefilled syringes and administered by subcutaneous injection. The recommended dose is 150 mg every 12 weeks, following two initial doses at week 0 and week 4. The injection should be administered by a healthcare professional or self-administered by the patient after proper training. It is important to rotate the injection site and avoid injecting into areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red, or hard.
Side Effects:
Like all medications, Skyrizi may cause side effects. The most common side effects include upper respiratory tract infections, headache, fatigue, injection site reactions, and diarrhea. These side effects are usually mild to moderate and go away on their own. However, if any of these side effects persist or worsen, patients should contact their healthcare provider.
Precautions:
Before starting treatment with Skyrizi, patients should inform their healthcare provider if they have any allergies, infections, or medical conditions such as tuberculosis, hepatitis B, or multiple sclerosis. Skyrizi may increase the risk of infections, including serious infections such as tuberculosis, bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. Patients should be evaluated for tuberculosis and hepatitis B prior to initiation of Skyrizi therapy. Patients should also be monitored for signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with Skyrizi. Patients should not receive live vaccines while taking Skyrizi.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Skyrizi should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It is not known whether Skyrizi is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue Skyrizi, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Drug Interactions:
There are no known drug interactions with Skyrizi.
Storage:
Skyrizi should be refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Do not freeze or shake. Keep the prefilled syringe in the original carton to protect from light until ready to use. Do not use beyond the expiration date.
Conclusion:
Skyrizi is an effective treatment option for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adult patients who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. It is a biologic drug that works by blocking interleukin-23, a protein involved in the immune response that leads to psoriasis. Patients should follow their healthcare provider's instructions for dosing and administration, and be aware of potential side effects and precautions associated with the medication. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting treatment with Skyrizi to determine if it is the right treatment option for the individual patient.