What are the side effects of Skyrizi (risankizumab)?

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Last updated: July 2, 2025View editorial policy

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From the FDA Drug Label

What are the possible side effects of SKYRIZI? SKYRIZI may cause serious side effects including: The most common side effects of SKYRIZI in people treated for Crohn’s disease include and ulcerative colitis:

  • upper respiratory infections
  • headache
  • joint pain
  • stomach (abdominal) pain
  • injection site reactions
  • low red blood cells (anemia)
  • fever
  • back pain
  • urinary tract infection
  • rash The most common side effects of SKYRIZI in people treated for plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis include:
  • upper respiratory infections
  • headache
  • feeling tired
  • injection site reactions
  • fungal skin infections

The side effects of Skyrizi (risankizumab) include serious side effects and common side effects. The common side effects vary depending on the condition being treated, but may include upper respiratory infections, headache, joint pain, stomach pain, injection site reactions, low red blood cells (anemia), fever, back pain, urinary tract infection, and rash 1.

From the Research

Skyrizi (risankizumab) can cause several side effects, though many patients tolerate it well, with common side effects including upper respiratory infections, headache, fatigue, injection site reactions, and fungal skin infections. The most recent and highest quality study, 2, which evaluated the efficacy and safety of risankizumab in patients with psoriasis showing suboptimal response to secukinumab or ixekizumab, reported that the most frequently reported adverse events in risankizumab-treated patients were COVID-19 infection and nasopharyngitis. Some key points to consider when taking Skyrizi include:

  • Monitoring for signs of infection, such as fever, cough, or flu-like symptoms
  • Watching for allergic reactions, such as difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling
  • Being aware of the potential for more serious side effects, such as serious allergic reactions, infections, or inflammatory bowel disease
  • Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and monitor for any potential side effects. It's also important to note that Skyrizi works by blocking interleukin-23, which reduces inflammation but can also affect the immune system's ability to fight infections. Before starting Skyrizi, patients should be screened for tuberculosis and other infections, as reported in 3. Overall, the benefits of Skyrizi for treating conditions like plaque psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis should be weighed against the potential risks and side effects, as discussed in 4 and 5. Additionally, the use of an on-body injector for administering Skyrizi has been shown to be safe and effective, with high patient acceptability, as reported in 6.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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