Risankizumab

This information from UpToDate^® Lexidrug^™ 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 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 may be given to your child for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?

• If your child is allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and what signs your child had.
• If your child has an infection.
• If your child has TB (tuberculosis).
• If your child has recently had a live vaccine.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.

Tell the doctor and pharmacist about all of your child’s drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe to give this drug with all of your child’s other drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug your child takes without checking with the doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while my child takes this drug?

• Tell all of your child’s health care providers that your child is taking this drug. This includes your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Have your child’s blood work and other lab tests checked as you have been told by the doctor.
• Your child may have more chance of getting infections. Have your child wash hands often. Avoid crowds and people with infections, colds, or flu.
• Your child will need a TB (tuberculosis) test before starting this drug.
• Make sure your child is up to date with all vaccines before treatment with this drug.
• Talk with the doctor before having your child get any vaccines right before starting this drug, while taking it, and right after stopping it. Vaccine use with this drug may either raise the chance of an infection or make the vaccine not work as well.

If your child is or may be sexually active:

• If your child is able to get pregnant, talk with your child’s doctor. Your child may need to use birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking this drug and for some time after the last dose.

If your child is pregnant or breast-feeding a baby:

• Talk with the doctor if your child is pregnant, becomes pregnant, or is breast-feeding a baby. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to your child and the baby.
• If your child used this drug while pregnant, tell the baby’s doctor.

What are some side effects that I need to call my child’s 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 child’s doctor or get medical help right away if your child has 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.
• 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.
• Liver problems have happened with this drug. This has especially happened within the first 12 weeks of treatment. Call the doctor right away if your child has 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.

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 child’s doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother your child or do not go away:

• Signs of a common cold.
• Feeling tired or weak.
• Pain, redness, swelling, or other reaction where the injection was 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 child’s doctor. Call your child’s doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to your national health agency.

How is this drug best given?

Give this drug as ordered by your child’s doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• It is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin on the top of the thigh, belly area, or upper arm.
• If you will be giving your child the shot, your child’s 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 remove the cap or cover until ready to use.
• 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 inject through clothes.
• Do not give into skin within 2 inches (5 cm) of the belly button.
• If the dose is more than 1 injection, give the injections into 2 different places.
• Each prefilled syringe or pen is for one use only. Throw away any part left over 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.

What do I do if my child misses a dose?

• Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it and go back to your child’s normal time.
• Do not give 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
• If you are not sure what to do if your child misses a dose, call the doctor.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
• Do not use if it has been frozen.
• Store in the outer carton to protect from light.
• 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 child’s symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your child’s doctor.
• Do not share your child’s drug with others and do not give anyone else’s drug to your child.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your child’s doctor, nurse, 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

2026-07-24

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