Skyrizi

After the first few starter doses, you inject Skyrizi (risankizumab) once every 2 or 3 months. Although this can be convenient, it can also make it easier for some to forget when their injections are. To help you remember, set up reminders on your calendar or phone for each injection.

For treating plaque psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis: You can give Skyrizi (risankizumab) injections under the skin by yourself. But first, your healthcare team will show you how to inject it using the prefilled syringe or pen. They'll make sure you can do it on your own before you can inject at home.

For treating Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis: For the first 3 doses, you'll get Skyrizi (risankizumab) as an infusion through the vein at a medical center. Each infusion takes at least 1 hour, so plan ahead for your appointments. After that, you'll switch to injections under the skin. Your care team will show you how to use the Skyrizi prefilled syringes or On-Body Injector and prefilled cartridges before you do it at home.

Before getting any vaccines, tell your prescriber or pharmacist you're taking Skyrizi (risankizumab). They can help make sure the vaccine is safe for you. You shouldn't get live vaccines while taking this medication. Skyrizi (risankizumab) can make you more likely to get sick from a live vaccine.

Your care team will give you training on how to inject Skyrizi (risankizumab) under the skin at home. Make sure you know how to give yourself injections. Read the instructions for the Skyrizi prefilled syringe, pen, or the On-Body Injector. Ask your care team if you have any questions on how to use Skyrizi (risankizumab).

How to store Skyrizi (risankizumab): Place the medication in the refrigerator until it's time to use it. Don't let it freeze, though. Keep it in the original carton to protect it from light.

When you're ready for your Skyrizi (risankizumab) injection: Take 1 carton out of the refrigerator (without taking out the pen, syringe, cartridge, or On-Body Injector). Lay it on a flat surface so it can reach room temperature. Depending on the device, plan for 15 to 90 minutes for the medication to warm up. Don't try to warm it up any other way (e.g., microwave, direct sunlight).

Where to inject Skyrizi (risankizumab): Inject the medication under the skin at the front of your thighs or stomach (at least 2 inches from your belly button). For the prefilled pen or syringe, someone can help inject it at the back of your upper arms. Choose a different spot for each injection. Avoid areas that are sore, bruised, red, hard, scarred, has stretch marks, or has psoriasis. This helps avoid bruising and skin irritation. Also, don't inject through clothes and never inject into your muscle or vein.

For the Skyrizi prefilled pen: Hold the pen at a 90-degree angle against your skin, push down, and press the green button. You'll hear a "click" when the injection starts. You'll know when it's done when you hear another "click" or when the inspection window turns yellow. This should take up to 15 seconds.

For the Skyrizi prefilled syringe: There are two syringe strengths (90 mg/mL and 150 mg/mL). If you're using the 90 mg/mL syringes, you'll need two 90 mg injections in a row to get a full 180 mg dose. Inject the medication at a 45-degree angle. When you're done, the syringe should be empty, the plunger pushed all the way in, and the whole needle covered by the needle guard.

For the Skyrizi On-Body Injector: Start the injection within 5 minutes after putting the cartridge into the injector. Use the different colors of light on the injector to guide you through the injection. The whole injection can take up to 5 minutes, and the On-Body Injector will stop by itself. You'll know when it's done when you hear beeps and the status light turns solid green (not flashing).

How to throw away Skyrizi (risankizumab): After your injection, put your used device in a sharps container or a strong plastic container (like an empty milk carton or laundry detergent bottle). Don't put syringes, pens, or On-Body Injectors into your trash can. This helps keep everyone safe from needle sticks. You can visit the FDA's website to learn more about how to safely throw away sharps.