Risankizumab (Skyrizi)
Risankizumab is a biologic medication used to treat psoriatic arthritis, moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. It is also approved to treat moderate to severe Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis but at different doses and formulations. In all of these conditions, the medication works by targeting IL-23A, a signaling protein involved with inflammation.
How To Take It
Risankizumab is given as a self-administered injection (shot) under the skin, usually on the thigh or abdomen. The injection site should be changed with each dose so the same site is not used multiple times in a row. Risankizumab comes as pre-filled syringes and pen injectors. The dose for adults is 150 mg in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, which can be given as one pre-filled 150 mg syringe or pen. The first two doses are taken 4 weeks apart, then every 12 weeks (about 3 months) starting with the third dose.
Some patients may start to improve within a few weeks of starting risankizumab but 8–12 weeks is more common to notice a significant benefit. It may take up to 6 months of treatment to see the full effect of this medication.
Risankizumab should be taken on a regular schedule. Delaying or missing doses may make this medication less effective.
Risankizumab may be taken alone or with methotrexate or other non-biologic drugs. Risankizumab should not be given in combination with another biologic drug.
Side Effects
Risankizumab can lower your immune system’s ability to fight infections. Testing for viral hepatitis and tuberculosis should be done before starting risankizumab.
The most common side effects that may occur include injection site reactions (pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site), upper respiratory infections, headaches or fatigue (tiredness). Serious allergic reactions are possible but very rare.
Tell Your Rheumatology Provider
Before starting this medication, talk with your physician about getting appropriate vaccinations to prevent infections. You should also tell your provider if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Risankizumab has not been studied in people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. In general, patients who may become pregnant during treatment should use effective contraception while using biologic therapy.
If you develop symptoms of an infection, hold this medication, and contact your rheumatologist. If you are planning to have surgery or get any live vaccinations, talk to your rheumatology provider first. These include nasal spray flu vaccine, and others such as the measles, mumps, rubella, and yellow fever vaccines.
Updated June 2026 by Elizabeth Graef, DO, and reviewed by the American College of Rheumatology Communications and Marketing Committee.
This information provided for general education only. Individuals should consult a qualified health care provider for professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment of a medical or health condition.