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), nausea, and fever. These affect 3% or more of patients in clinical trials, with upper respiratory infections reported in up to 20-25% of users depending on the condition treated.[1][2]
How Side Effects Differ by Condition
For plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (subcutaneous dosing), common issues include upper respiratory infections (14-22%), headache (5-10%), fatigue (6%), injection site reactions (3-5%), and fungal infections (3-4%). Crohn's disease trials show similar patterns, plus more nausea (10%) and fever (5%). Ulcerative colitis adds abdominal pain (8%) and anemia (5%). Severity is usually mild to moderate, resolving without stopping treatment.[2][3]
What Patients Report in Real-World Use
Post-approval data from sources like Drugs.com and patient forums highlight injection site reactions (itching, swelling) and fatigue as frequent complaints early on, alongside joint pain flares in arthritis patients. Upper respiratory infections peak in the first few months. Fewer than 1% discontinue due to these.[1][4]
Serious Risks to Watch For
While common effects are mild, Skyrizi carries warnings for serious infections (e.g., tuberculosis), hypersensitivity reactions, and rare liver issues in IBD patients. Monitor for worsening symptoms and get screened for infections before starting. No increased cancer risk shown in trials.[2][3]
Managing and Reporting Side Effects
Use over-the-counter remedies for headaches or nausea; rotate injection sites to minimize reactions. Contact your doctor for persistent fever or infections. Report to FDA MedWatch or 1-800-FDA-1088. Full list in prescribing info.[2][5]
[1] Skyrizi Prescribing Information, AbbVie (https://www.skyrizi.com/content/dam/skyrizi-us/prescribing-information.pdf)
[2] Drugs.com - Skyrizi Side Effects (https://www.drugs.com/sfx/skyrizi-side-effects.html)
[3] FDA Label for Skyrizi (https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/761061s029lbl.pdf)
[4] DrugPatentWatch.com - Skyrizi Patient Reviews (https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/SKYRZIZI)
[5] Crohn's & Colitis Foundation - Skyrizi Safety (https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/medication/skyrizi)