This information from Lexicomp® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.
Brand Names: US
Skyrizi; Skyrizi (150 MG Dose) [DSC]; Skyrizi Pen
Brand Names: Canada
Skyrizi
What is this drug used for?
- It is used to treat plaque psoriasis.
- It is used to treat psoriatic arthritis.
- It is used to treat Crohn’s disease.
- It is used to treat ulcerative colitis.
- It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?
- If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you have an infection.
- If you have TB (tuberculosis).
- If you have recently had a live vaccine.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Have your blood work and other lab tests checked as you have been told by your doctor.
- You may have more chance of getting an infection. Wash hands often. Stay away from people with infections, colds, or flu.
- You will need a TB (tuberculosis) test before starting this drug.
- Make sure you are up to date with all your vaccines before treatment with this drug.
- Talk with your doctor before getting any vaccines right before you start this drug, while you take it, and right after you stop taking it. Vaccine use with this drug may either raise the chance of an infection or make the vaccine not work as well.
- If you are able to get pregnant, talk with your doctor. You may need to use birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking this drug and for some time after your last dose.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.
- If you used this drug when you were pregnant, tell your baby’s doctor.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of infection like fever, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, or wound that will not heal.
- Signs of liver problems like dark urine, tiredness, decreased appetite, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
- Severe dizziness or passing out.
- Flu-like signs.
- Shortness of breath.
- Coughing up blood.
- Weight loss.
- Warm, red, or painful skin or sores on the body.
- Muscle aches.
- Passing urine more often.
- Severe diarrhea.
- Severe stomach pain.
What are some other side effects of this drug?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Signs of a common cold.
- Feeling tired or weak.
- Irritation where the shot is given.
- Headache.
- Joint pain.
- Back pain.
- Stomach pain.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to your national health agency.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
How is this drug best taken?
Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
All subcutaneous products (for home use):
- It is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin on the top of the thigh or the belly area.
- If you will be giving yourself the shot, your doctor or nurse will teach you how to give the shot.
- Take this drug out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before you use it. Be sure you know how long to leave it at room temperature. Do not heat or microwave.
- Keep out of direct sunlight.
- Do not shake.
- Do not use this drug if it has been dropped or if it is broken.
- This product is clear but may contain small white or clear particles. You may also see one or more air bubbles. Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has large particles.
- This drug is colorless to a faint yellow. Do not use if the solution changes color.
- Do not give into skin that is irritated, tender, bruised, red, scaly, hard, scarred, or has stretch marks.
- Do not give into skin that is affected by psoriasis.
- Do not give into skin within 2 inches (5 cm) of the belly button.
- Each container is for one use only. Use right after opening. Throw away any part of the opened container after the dose is given.
- Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box. Do not reuse needles or other items. When the box is full, follow all local rules for getting rid of it. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Prefilled syringes or pens (for home use):
- This drug may be given into the outer area of the upper arm if given by someone else.
- Do not remove the cap or cover until ready to use.
- Do not inject through clothes.
- If the dose is more than 1 injection, give the injections into 2 different places.
On-body Injector:
- Use this drug within 5 minutes after putting the cartridge in the on-body injector. The drug will dry out and will not work if you wait longer than 5 minutes. Do not push the start button until the on-body injector is ready to use and is placed on the skin. This button can only be pushed 1 time.
- Do not give into a mole.
- Do not put on skin with a lot of hair.
- Do not use this product on an area of skin that folds or bulges.
- Do not get this product wet.
- It may take up to 5 minutes for the injection to finish. Limit physical activity while getting this drug. You can do things like walking, reaching, and bending.
- Keep electronic devices like cell phones at least 12 inches away from this product until the injection is done.
Vials:
- It is given as an infusion into a vein over a period of time.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
All subcutaneous products:
- Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it and go back to your normal time.
- Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
- If you are not sure what to do if you miss a dose, call your doctor.
Vials:
- Call your doctor to find out what to do.
How do I store and/or throw out this drug?
All subcutaneous products:
- Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
- Do not use if it has been frozen.
- Store in the outer carton to protect from light.
Vials:
- If you need to store this drug at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.
All products:
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
General drug facts
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else’s drugs.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- This drug comes with an extra patient fact sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it with care. Read it again each time this drug is refilled. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with the doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.
Last Reviewed Date
2024-07-31
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