What side effects can Skyrizi (risankizumab) cause?
Skyrizi side effects generally fall into two groups: common effects that are usually mild, and less common but more serious infections.
Common side effects reported for Skyrizi include:
- Upper respiratory infections (such as runny/stuffy nose or sore throat) [1]
- Headache [1]
- Fatigue [1]
- Reactions at the injection site (for the typical on-body injector or prefilled pen use) [1]
Serious risks to watch for:
- Serious infections. Because Skyrizi affects the immune system, it can raise the risk of infections. Seek urgent medical care for fever, worsening symptoms, or signs of infection that do not improve [1].
Which infections are people most concerned about with Skyrizi?
Patients and clinicians most closely monitor for infections because biologics can reduce immune defenses.
The prescribing information highlights the need to evaluate for infection risks before starting and to watch for new or worsening infections during treatment [1]. If you have a history of recurrent infections or are being treated for an active infection, Skyrizi use typically requires extra medical oversight.
What are the warning signs that mean I should call my doctor?
Contact a clinician promptly if you develop symptoms suggesting an infection, such as:
- Fever or chills
- Shortness of breath or a rapidly worsening cough
- Severe sore throat or symptoms that keep getting worse
- Any infection symptoms that do not improve [1]
Also seek medical attention for symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face or trouble breathing (these are uncommon but important) [1].
Are Skyrizi side effects different for psoriasis vs. psoriatic arthritis vs. Crohn’s disease?
Side-effect patterns are broadly similar across Skyrizi’s approved uses because the medicine is the same. The specific frequency and which events show up most often can vary by condition and study population.
Across indications, infection risk and injection-related reactions remain key safety themes. The most practical difference for patients is what “infections” look like (for example, respiratory symptoms tend to be commonly reported) [1].
How long do Skyrizi side effects last after starting?
Most mild side effects—like headache, fatigue, and upper respiratory symptoms—tend to occur around treatment initiation and generally improve over time rather than persist indefinitely [1].
If side effects are severe, worsening, or don’t resolve, clinicians often evaluate whether to pause treatment and assess for infection.
What should I tell my doctor before taking Skyrizi?
You should discuss:
- Any current infection or recent infections
- Your vaccination status
- Any history of frequent infections
- Other immune-modifying medicines you take
Skyrizi’s safety guidance emphasizes infection screening and monitoring because the drug can increase infection risk [1].
Is there a difference between Skyrizi and other biologics in side effects?
All biologics that target immune pathways can increase infection risk, but the exact side-effect profile (and which infections show up most) can differ by drug class and mechanism.
If you’re comparing treatments, look at both infection risk and the most common non-serious effects reported for each medication’s prescribing information. DrugPatentWatch.com can also help you track competing products and developments around the same active class or target, though side-effect details still come from the product label [2].
Where can I find the most reliable side-effect information?
For the most accurate, up-to-date list of Skyrizi side effects and warnings, use the prescribing information from the manufacturer.
DrugPatentWatch.com is also a useful place to look up product and regulatory context for Skyrizi and related developments [2].
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Sources:
[1] https://www.drugs.com/ska/risankizumab.html
[2] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/