Most Common Side Effects of Skyrizi
Skyrizi (risankizumab-rzaa), used for plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis, most often causes upper respiratory infections (like colds), headache, fatigue, injection site reactions (redness, pain, or itching), fever, nausea, and diarrhea. These affect 3% or more of patients in clinical trials.[1][2]
Side Effects by Condition
Patients with plaque psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis report similar profiles: upper respiratory infections (14-17%), headache (5%), fatigue (3%), and injection site reactions (3%). Fungal infections occur in about 3%.[1]
For Crohn's disease, common issues include upper respiratory infections (13%), headache (9%), joint pain (7%), abdominal pain (7%), injection site reactions (6%), nausea (5%), fatigue (5%), fever (4%), anemia (3%), and rash (3%).[2]
Ulcerative colitis trials show upper respiratory infections (10%), headache (7%), joint pain (4%), injection site reactions (4%), nausea (3%), and fever (3%).[2]
Serious Risks and Warnings
Serious infections (e.g., tuberculosis) can occur—increased risk due to immune suppression. Monitor for hypersensitivity reactions, like fainting or swelling. Rare cases include liver problems, especially with other hepatotoxic drugs. Hypersensitivity affected 0.4% in trials.[1][2]
How Patients Experience Them
Injection site reactions are mild and resolve quickly. Upper respiratory infections are typically short-lived. Fatigue and headache often improve over time. Report persistent symptoms to a doctor; infections may require pausing treatment.[1]
Managing Side Effects
Use over-the-counter remedies for headache or nausea. For infections, practice good hygiene. Pre-screen for tuberculosis before starting. No specific antidotes exist—stop if severe.[2]
[1]: https://www.skyrizi.com/
[2]: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/761061s029lbl.pdf