Introduction to Skyrizi
Skyrizi (risankizumab-rzaa) is an injectable prescription medication used to treat certain chronic inflammatory conditions, including moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, active psoriatic arthritis, and moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease in adults (FDA Label).
Skyrizi works by selectively blocking IL-23, a naturally occurring protein in the body that drives inflammatory responses. By inhibiting IL-23, Skyrizi helps reduce inflammation that contributes to symptoms of the conditions it treats.
For plaque psoriasis, Skyrizi helps treat adults with moderate-to-severe symptoms involving large portions of the body or face/hands that have not responded adequately to other treatments or phototherapy. For psoriatic arthritis, Skyrizi can reduce signs/symptoms of active arthritis and improve physical function in adults with active disease. Lastly, for Crohn’s disease, Skyrizi is used to achieve and maintain clinical remission in patients who have not responded well enough to conventional Crohn’s disease therapies or have lost their response to other biologic treatments.
How Skyrizi Works
Skyrizi is a biologic medicine that works by targeting a specific protein called interleukin-23 (IL-23), which contributes to the development of inflammatory diseases like psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn’s disease. Skyrizi is designed to prevent IL-23 from binding to its receptor on the surface of immune cells, disrupting the inflammatory pathway that can lead to symptoms of these diseases 1.
Skryizi contains a substance called risankizumab, which attaches to the p19 part of IL-23, stopping it from activating the immune system. By doing this, Skryizi decreases inflammation and the number of certain immune cells, which can help with psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn’s symptoms.
In clinical trials, Skyrizi demonstrated the ability to significantly clear skin and improve symptoms in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Reductions in disease activity have also been observed in studies of psoriatic arthritis and Crohn’s disease. Overall, by neutralizing IL-23, Skyrizi helps restore balanced immune system function and reduce harmful inflammation.
Before the Injection
Before administering a Skyrizi injection at home, it’s important to choose an appropriate injection site, gather and prepare all necessary supplies, and follow proper hygiene practices. It’s also important to make sure the medication isn’t expired and that it looks clear, not cloudy.
Recommended injection sites for Skyrizi include the front of the thighs, the abdomen, and the back of the upper arms. Avoid injecting within 2 inches of the navel or any scars or stretch marks. Rotate injection sites each time to avoid skin reactions.1
Gather all supplies needed for the injection including alcohol wipes, cotton balls, the Skyrizi injector pen and sharps container. Allow the Skyrizi pen to come to room temperature for 30 minutes before injecting. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Before injecting, wipe the chosen site with an alcohol wipe and allow it to dry fully to sanitize the skin. Do not touch the site again before inserting the needle. Having everything prepared ahead of time helps ensure proper hygiene.2
Step-by-Step Injection
The following are the step-by-step instructions for injecting Skyrizi at home:
- Remove the Skyrizi pen from the refrigerator and allow it to reach room temperature for 30 minutes before injecting. Cold Skyrizi can be more painful to inject.
- Wash your hands with soap and water and assemble the injection components on a clean surface. You will need the Skyrizi pen, alcohol wipes, a cotton ball or gauze, and a sharps disposal container.
- Hold the Skyrizi pen with the orange cap pointing down. Gently rock the pen back and forth 5 times. DO NOT shake the pen as this can damage the medicine. Inspect the medicine in the pen to make sure it is evenly distributed and not cloudy or discolored before injecting [1].
- Remove the orange cap from the pen. The medicine should look clear to slightly yellow. Do not inject if the medicine appears cloudy, discolored, or contains large particles.
- Attach the needle by securely twisting it onto the pen. Pull off the needle cap but do not throw it away yet.
- Use an alcohol wipe to sanitize the injection site, either your abdomen, thighs, or upper arms. Allow the skin to air dry.
- Using your thumb and forefinger, gently pinch at least 1 inch of skin around the injection site. Hold firmly.
- With your other hand, insert the needle into the pinched skin at a 90 degree angle using a quick dart-like motion. Skyrizi is injected just under the skin, not into the muscle.
- After the needle is fully inserted, release the pinched skin. With your thumb, slowly press the green activation button until you hear a click. Hold in place and count slowly for 5-10 seconds to deliver the full dose.
- When the injection is complete, pull the needle straight out. Do not rub or recap the needle. Properly dispose of the used pen components in a sharps container.
Be sure to follow the instructions included with your Skyrizi pen. A nurse or doctor can also demonstrate proper injection technique.
After the Injection
After injecting Skyrizi, it’s important to follow proper aftercare procedures at the injection site.
First, apply firm pressure to the injection site with a cotton ball or gauze for 10-15 seconds after removing the needle. This helps prevent bruising or bleeding.
The injection site may be slightly red, swollen, itchy, or bruised after injection. This is fairly common and should go away within a few days. Call your doctor if the reaction increases in severity over time (see https://www.skyrizi.com/skyrizi-complete/side-effects).
Some patients experience side effects like headache, joint pain, tiredness, or redness/rash after starting Skyrizi. These are usually mild and tend to resolve within a week or two as your body adjusts. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever can help manage discomfort. Let your doctor know if any side effects concern you or don’t go away.
With proper aftercare and monitoring, Skyrizi injections at home can be simple and comfortable. Reach out to your healthcare provider if you have any persistent or worsening reactions so they can provide guidance and support.
Tips for Painless Injections
There are several techniques you can use to make your Skyrizi injections as comfortable and painless as possible:
- Apply an ice pack or cold compress to the injection site for 5-10 minutes beforehand. This will numb the area so you feel less pain. You can also use an over-the-counter numbing cream or gel, like lidocaine, and apply it 30-60 minutes before injecting.
- Stay relaxed during the injection process. Take slow, deep breaths and try to clear your mind. Tensing up can make the injection feel worse.
- Distract yourself while injecting by watching TV, listening to music, or talking to someone. Focus your attention elsewhere instead of on the injection.
- Rotate injection sites each time you administer Skyrizi. Switch between your stomach, thighs, and upper arms to give one area a break before injecting it again.
By using these simple tips, you can make your Skyrizi injections significantly more comfortable. The goal is to relax both your body and mind as much as possible during the process. With practice, self-injecting will become second nature and much less intimidating.
Ongoing Use of Skyrizi
Skyrizi is injected 4 times per year after the initial dosing schedule. The recommended dosing is 150 mg (one prefilled syringe) administered subcutaneously at week 0, week 4, and every 12 weeks thereafter. Patients will need to continue getting injections every 3 months to maintain treatment. Consult your doctor for your specific dosing regimen.
Skyrizi should be stored in the refrigerator between 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) in the original carton to protect it from light until ready to use. Do not freeze Skyrizi. Do not shake the prefilled syringe or pen. If needed, the medicine can be kept at room temperature up to 30°C (86°F) for a maximum of 30 days in the original carton to protect from light. Throw away Skyrizi if it has been out of the refrigerator for more than 30 days.
If you have any questions about using Skyrizi, contact your healthcare provider. You can also call the manufacturer’s support line at 1-866-4Skyrizi (1-866-475-9742) or visit the Skyrizi website at www.skyrizi.com for additional resources and assistance.
Conclusion
Self-administering Skyrizi injections properly at home is crucial for receiving the full benefits of this medication. When injected correctly following the steps outlined above, Skyrizi can help control inflammation and symptoms of conditions like psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn’s disease. Many patients find Skyrizi helps them achieve clear skin, improved joint mobility, and even remission of Crohn’s disease. By learning to inject Skyrizi comfortably at home on your own schedule, you can take control of managing your condition while avoiding unnecessary trips to the doctor’s office. With some practice and patience, most patients are able to master self-injecting this medication in a safe and effective way. Remember to follow the instructions carefully and don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider questions. Proper self-injection technique will help ensure you get the most out of Skyrizi’s benefits.
Additional Resources
Here are some helpful resources with further information and assistance for those taking Skyrizi:
Skyrizi Complete offers comprehensive personalized support, including injection training and financial assistance. Patients can call 1-877-266-7538 to speak with an Access Specialist.
The SKYRIZI® Complete Savings Card and Patient Support page on the Skyrizi healthcare provider website also has details on financial assistance options.
The Patient & Practice Resources page for gastroenterology has educational materials, FAQs, and injection guides that may be helpful references.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is offered to educate the general public. The information posted on this website does not replace professional medical advice, but for general information purposes only. There is no Doctor – Patient relationship established. We strongly advised you to speak with your medical professional if you have questions concerning your symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
