Skyrizi

Generic name: risankizumab

Drug class: Interleukin inhibitors

Dosage form: Prefilled syringe, autoinjector pen, prefilled cartridge (supplied with on-body injector), single-dose vial for intravenous infusion

Root of administration: Subcutaneous injection, intravenous infusion

Dose: For plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: Initial doses at weeks 0 and 4, followed by maintenance doses every 12 weeks. For Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis: Initial intravenous infusion, followed by subcutaneous maintenance doses every 12 weeks.

Mechanism of action: Skyrizi is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to the p19 subunit of interleukin-23 (IL-23), inhibiting its interaction with the IL-23 receptor. This blockade reduces the release of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, thereby decreasing inflammation associated with autoimmune conditions.

Drug usage cases:

• Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy
• Active psoriatic arthritis in adults
• Moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease in adults
• Moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis in adults

Drug contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity to risankizumab or any component of the formulation
• Active infections, including tuberculosis
• Live vaccinations during treatment

Side effects:

• Upper respiratory infections
• Headache
• Injection site reactions (e.g., redness, swelling, pain)
• Fungal skin infections
• Fatigue
• Joint pain
• Abdominal pain
• Low red blood cell count (anemia)
• Fever
• Back pain
• Urinary tract infections
• Rash

Warnings:

• Increased risk of serious infections due to immunosuppression
• Monitor for signs of tuberculosis before initiating therapy
• Discontinue treatment if a serious infection develops
• Assess for hepatitis B virus infection prior to starting therapy
• Monitor liver function tests during treatment
• Not recommended for use with live vaccines
• Use caution in patients with a history of recurrent infections

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: The safety of Skyrizi during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. It is recommended to avoid use during these periods unless the potential benefits justify the potential risks to the fetus or nursing infant. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.