This medication is used to treat plaque psoriasis and
psoriatic arthritis. It is also used to treat certain bowel diseases
(Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis). Risankizumab belongs to a class of
drugs known as monoclonal antibodies. It works by blocking a certain
natural protein in your body (interleukin-23) that may cause inflammation
and swelling.
Read the Medication Guide and the Instructions for Use
leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using risankizumab and
each time you get a refill. Ask your health care professional how to
prepare and use this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor
or pharmacist.
Before treatment with this medication, your doctor will
test you for tuberculosis (TB). Your doctor should also monitor you for
symptoms of TB during and after treatment with this drug. If needed,
treatment for TB or other infections should be given before using this
medication.
Inject this medication under the skin as directed by
your doctor. The injection is given in the thighs or abdomen (at least 2
inches from your belly button). For the prefilled syringe or pen, it may
also be given in the upper arms. If treating Crohn's disease or ulcerative
colitis, the first 3 doses of this medication is given by injection into a
vein by a healthcare professional. The dosage and treatment schedule are
based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Follow your
doctor's directions carefully.
Depending on your product, take the medication out of
the refrigerator at least 15 to 90 minutes before you inject it to allow it
to reach room temperature. Do not warm up this medication any other way
(for example, do not heat it in the microwave or place it in hot water). Do
not shake the medication. The medication may contain a few clear or white
particles. Before using, check this product for cloudiness, large
particles, or discoloration. If you see any of these things, do not use the
liquid. Before injecting each dose, clean the skin you are going to inject
into (the injection site) with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site
each time to lessen injury under the skin. Do not inject into skin that is
irritated, sore, bruised, red, hardened, or affected by psoriasis, or into
scars or stretch marks. To lessen bruising, do not rub the injection site
after a shot. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies
safely.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a
reminder.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
Headache or tiredness may occur. If either of these
effects lasts or gets worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
This medication may lower your ability to fight
infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious infection or
make any infection you have worse. Tell your doctor right away if you have
any signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever,
chills, cough).
If you are using this medication to treat Crohn's
disease or ulcerative colitis, risankizumab may rarely cause serious liver
disease. Get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of liver
damage, such as:
- nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop
- loss of appetite
- stomach/abdominal pain
- yellowing eyes/skin
- dark urine
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using risankizumab, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- current/recent/returning infection (such as tuberculosis,
herpes)
Risankizumab can make you more likely to get infections
(including fungal skin infections) or may make current infections worse.
Stay away from anyone who has an infection that may easily spread (such as
chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been
exposed to an infection or for more details.
Tell your health care professional that you are using
risankizumab before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact
with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine
inhaled through the nose).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
If you are using this medication to treat Crohn's
disease or ulcerative colitis, lab tests (such as liver function) should be
done before you start using this medication and while you are using it.
Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more
details.
It is important to get each dose of this medication as
scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for
a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep the
medication in the original carton to protect from light. Keep all
medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.