Skyrizi is a prescription medication used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults. It is an injectable drug that works by targeting specific proteins in the body that are responsible for inflammation and skin cell growth.
Here are 10 important things you need to know about Skyrizi:
- How it Works: Skyrizi works by targeting and blocking interleukin-23 (IL-23), a protein that plays a key role in the inflammation and overproduction of skin cells that leads to psoriasis.
- Injection Site: Skyrizi is administered as an injection under the skin. Your healthcare provider will show you how to properly inject the medication, or you can have it administered by a healthcare professional.
- Dosage: The recommended dose of Skyrizi is 150 mg injected subcutaneously at weeks 0, 4, and every 12 weeks thereafter. Your doctor may adjust your dosage based on your response to the medication.
- Side Effects: Common side effects of Skyrizi may include upper respiratory infections, headache, fatigue, injection site reactions, and diarrhea. It is important to discuss any side effects with your doctor.
- Effectiveness: Clinical studies have shown that Skyrizi can significantly improve the symptoms of plaque psoriasis, including reducing redness, scaling, and thickness of plaques.
- Monitoring: Your doctor will monitor your progress while taking Skyrizi to ensure that the medication is working effectively and to watch for any potential side effects.
- Precautions: Before starting Skyrizi, tell your doctor if you have a history of tuberculosis, hepatitis B, or other infections. Skyrizi may increase your risk of infections, so it is important to follow your doctor's recommendations for vaccinations and regular check-ups.
- Cost: Skyrizi can be expensive, but many insurance plans cover all or part of the cost. You may also be eligible for financial assistance programs offered by the manufacturer.
- Long-Term Use: Skyrizi is meant for long-term use to help manage the symptoms of plaque psoriasis. It is important to continue taking the medication as prescribed by your doctor, even if you start to feel better.
- Consult Your Doctor: If you are considering Skyrizi as a treatment option for your psoriasis, it is important to consult with your doctor to discuss the potential benefits and risks of the medication. Your doctor can help determine if Skyrizi is right for you and create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.