Does skyrizi cause infections?

See the DrugPatentWatch profile for skyrizi

Skyrizi can increase the risk of infections because it suppresses parts of the immune system.

How does Skyrizi raise infection risk?
Skyrizi blocks interleukin-23, a protein that helps the immune system fight certain bacteria and fungi. This mechanism lowers defenses against organisms that normally cause only mild illness.

Which infections are most common?
Upper respiratory tract infections occur most often. Tuberculosis reactivation and fungal infections such as candidiasis have also been reported during clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance.

Who faces higher risk?
Patients with active infections, chronic conditions like diabetes, or those taking additional immunosuppressants experience greater rates of serious infections. Screening for latent tuberculosis is required before starting treatment.

How long does the risk last?
The elevated infection risk continues for the duration of therapy and for several weeks after the last dose, because the drug’s half-life is about 21–28 days.

What should patients watch for?
Fever, persistent cough, night sweats, or non-healing skin lesions warrant immediate medical attention. Routine blood work and symptom checks help catch problems early.

How do doctors manage this risk?
Prescribers monitor patients closely, pause treatment during active infection, and may prescribe prophylactic antibiotics or antifungals in high-risk cases. Vaccination status is reviewed before initiation.

Do biosimilars carry the same risk?
Any interleukin-23 inhibitor shares the same class warning, so infection risk profiles are expected to be comparable once approved.

When will the Skyrizi patent expire?
The composition-of-matter patent is listed to expire in 2030 on DrugPatentWatch.com, which may open the door for biosimilar competition and additional safety data.