What is SKYRIZI (risankizumab)?
Skyrizi is a prescription medication containing the active ingredient risankizumab. It is primarily used for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults. Skyrizi is classified as an interleukin-23 (IL-23) inhibitor, targeting a specific protein involved in the inflammatory response. By blocking IL-23, Skyrizi helps reduce the inflammation and symptoms associated with psoriasis, such as redness, itching, and scaling of the skin. Skyrizi is typically administered as an injection under the skin, either by a healthcare professional or self-administered at home, following the prescribed dosing schedule. It’s important to follow the instructions provided by a healthcare professional and report any side effects or concerns during treatment.

Prescription Required.
Product of Canada.
Shipped from Canada.
Prescription Required. | Product of Canada. | Shipped from Canada. |
What is Skyrizi?
SKYRIZI is a drug used to treat adult patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Patients must be candidates for treatment with systemic therapy or with phototherapy.
HOW DOES SKYRIZI WORK?
SKYRIZI is a biological agent (humanized immunoglobulin monoclonal antibody) that blocks the action of interleukin-23. Interleukin-23 plays a vital role in the immunological dysfunction that causes the development of plaque psoriasis.
WHAT ARE THE INDICATIONS FOR SKYRIZI?
SKYRIZI is indicated for use in adult patients who have plaque psoriasis. The psoriasis must be moderate to severe, and the patient should be a candidate for systemic treatment or phototherapy.
WHAT IS THE DOSE OF SKYRIZI?
The dose of SKYRIZI for the treatment of plaque psoriasis is 150 mg injected subcutaneously at week 0, week 4, and then every 12 weeks after that.
Warnings & Precautions
Infections
SKYRIZI increases the risk of developing fungal and bacterial infections. Patients taking SKYRIZI have reported increased upper respiratory infections and tinea infections. However, serious infections do not seem to occur more frequently. Do not start SKYRIZI in patients with active infections. In patients with a history of chronic or recurrent infections, the risk of starting SKYRIZI should be weighed against its possible benefits.
Testing for tuberculosis before starting SKYRIZI
SKYRIZI has its effect by inhibiting the action of interleukin-23. Unfortunately, a side-effect of this is that patients become more prone to bacterial infections. As a result, patients must be tested for latent tuberculosis infections before starting treatment with SKYRIZI. In addition, once starting SKYRIZI, patients should be monitored for active TB infections.
Immunizations
Before starting SKYRIZI, healthcare providers should ensure that patients have been fully immunized according to current immunization guidelines. Where possible, avoid using live vaccines in patients who are taking SKYRIZI.
Special Populations
Hepatic impairment
SKYRIZI is not affected by patients with moderate hepatic impairment. Therefore, no dose adjustments are necessary.
Renal impairment
There are no significant increases in the blood levels of SKYRIZI in patients with severe renal dysfunction. No dose adjustments are therefore required in this population.
Children
SKYRIZI has not been tested in children under the age of 18 years. As a result, its use is not recommended in this age group.
Pregnancy
SKYRIZI has not been extensively studied in pregnant women, and its use in this population should be avoided.
Breastfeeding
The safety of SKYRIZI has not been tested in breastfeeding mothers. Therefore, the risk to the infant should be weighed up against the benefit for the mother. This should be discussed with a doctor.
Use in the elderly
Data suggest that no dosage adjustments are required when prescribing SKYRIZI for elderly patients.
Contraindications
There are no contraindications to the use of SKYRIZI.
Side Effects
The most common side effects seen with SKYRIZI are:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Sinusitis
- Rhinitis
- Tonsillitis
- Throat infections
- Tinea infections
- Injection site reactions (bruising, bleeding, infection, inflammation, irritation)
Less common side effects include:
- Serious infections
Drug Interactions
Where possible, avoid using live vaccines in patients being treated with SKYRIZI.