See why thousands of patients choose our centers as their preferred destination for ongoing care, including Skyrizi IV Infusion treatments.
Skyrizi IV is a biologic therapy that is indicated to treat:
- moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease in adults
- moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis in adults
What is Skyrizi IV?
Skyrizi (risankizumab-rzaa) is a prescription medication used for the treatment of Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Skyrizi is a monoclonal antibody that targets interleukin-23 (IL-23), a cytokine involved in inflammatory processes. By inhibiting IL-23, Skyrizi helps to reduce inflammation and the overproduction of skin cells associated with psoriasis. It is typically administered via subcutaneous injection.
The administration of Skyrizi for the indications of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease require an induction phase given by intravenous infusion followed by a maintenance regimen of ongoing injections. (See dosing and administration guidance below for more details.)
Skyrizi IV Infusion Dosage & Administration
Induction Phase Dosage:
- Initial Dose for Crohn’s: 600 mg administered by intravenous infusion over at least one hour at week 0, week 4, and week 8.
- Initial Dose for UC: 1200 mg administered by intravenous infusion over at least two hours at week 0, week 4, and week 8.
Maintenance Phase Dosage:
- Dose: 360 mg administered by subcutaneous injection at week 12 and every 8 weeks thereafter.
Intravenous Infusion Administration (Induction Phase):
- Preparation: The infusion should be prepared by a healthcare professional according to the prescribing information.
- Administration: Administered intravenously over at least one hour.
Subcutaneous Injection Administration (Maintenance Phase):
- Preparation: Allow the pre-filled syringe or body injector to reach room temperature for 45 minutes in its carton before injection. Do not shake the medication.
- Injection Sites: Administered in the thigh, abdomen (except the 2-inch area around the navel), or upper outer arm.
- Technique: Rotate injection sites and avoid areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red, hard, or affected by disease.
Additional Notes:
- Patients should be trained by healthcare professionals on proper subcutaneous injection techniques.
- If a subcutaneous dose is missed, administer the dose as soon as possible and then resume the regular dosing schedule.
- Regular monitoring and follow-up with a healthcare provider are recommended to manage and adjust treatment as necessary.
For the most current information and specific recommendations, patients should consult their healthcare provider or refer to the official prescribing information.
Skyrizi IV Side Effects
Skyrizi (risankizumab-rzaa) can cause side effects, which can vary in severity and frequency. Common and less common side effects include:
Common Side Effects:
- Upper Respiratory Infections: Such as the common cold, sinus infections, or bronchitis.
- Headache: Mild to moderate in intensity.
- Fatigue: General feeling of tiredness.
- Injection Site Reactions: Redness, swelling, bruising, or pain at the site of injection.
Less Common Side Effects:
- Fungal Skin Infections: Including athlete’s foot or ringworm.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Symptoms may include burning during urination, frequent urination, or cloudy urine.
- Injection Site Reactions: More severe reactions such as significant swelling, pain, or hardness at the injection site.
Serious Side Effects:
- Serious Infections: Including tuberculosis (TB), bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Symptoms may include fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, shortness of breath, or weight loss.
- Allergic Reactions: Including rash, hives, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing or swallowing.
- Hypersensitivity Reactions: Such as angioedema or anaphylaxis.
Precautions:
- Infections: Skyrizi may lower the immune system’s ability to fight infections. Patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of infection during treatment.
- Tuberculosis: Patients should be evaluated for TB infection prior to initiating treatment and monitored during therapy.
- Vaccinations: Live vaccines should not be administered during Skyrizi treatment. Patients should complete all age-appropriate vaccinations before starting therapy.
Monitoring and Reporting:
Patients are advised to:
- Monitor for Symptoms: Report any signs of infection, allergic reactions, or other unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider immediately.
- Follow-up Appointments: Attend regular follow-up appointments for monitoring and assessment by their healthcare provider.
General Advice:
- Healthcare Provider Consultation: Patients should discuss potential side effects and any pre-existing health conditions with their healthcare provider before starting Skyrizi.
- Medication Guide: Read the medication guide provided with Skyrizi for a complete list of potential side effects and important safety information.
For the most accurate and personalized information, patients should always consult their healthcare provider or refer to the prescribing information provided by the manufacturer.
Preparing for Your Skyrizi IV Infusion
Follow these steps to prepare for your Skyrizi IV Infusion:
Consult Your Healthcare Provider
- Medical History Review: Ensure your healthcare provider has a complete and up-to-date medical history, including any allergies, current medications, and past reactions to Infusion.
- Pre-Infusion Testing: Complete any required blood tests or other pre-Infusion tests as recommended by your healthcare provider.
Pre-Infusion Medications
- Prescription Pre-Medications: Your Skyrizi IV Infusion may require pre-medications to reduce the risk of a reaction or adverse event. Your referring provider will include any pre-medications when sending in your prescription order.
- Instructions: Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding these medications, including the timing and dosage. Take these medications about 30-60 minutes before the Infusion as directed.
Hydration and Nutrition
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your Infusion to ensure you are well-hydrated.
- Eat Light: Have a light meal before your Infusion to help maintain your energy levels during the procedure.
Prepare for Comfort
- Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing with easy access to your arms for the Infusion site.
- Entertainment: Bring something to keep you occupied, such as a book, tablet, or music, as your treatment or observation period may take several hours.
Plan for Transportation
- Arrange a Ride: Depending on the medication and your reaction to the Infusion, you might not feel well enough to drive yourself home. Consider arranging for someone to drive you or use a ride service.
By following these steps, you can help ensure that your Skyrizi IV Infusion is as safe and comfortable as possible. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare team.
How to Get a Referral for Skyrizi IV
Every Skyrizi IV Infusion referral must be accompanied by a physician’s order for treatment.
Patient information should include:
- Name
- Current address
- Home and mobile phone number
- Insurance information
Information the physician must include on the patient’s order for therapy:
- Patient’s name and DOB
- Order date
- Diagnosis
- Physician’s name and NPI#
- Office address, phone, and fax numbers
- Provider’s signature
Clinical documentation from the physician should include information to support a diagnosis for one or more of the following:
- moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease in adults
- moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis in adults
If you or someone you care about has one of the conditions that Skyrizi IV treats, IVX Health would be honored to provide your care. To find an IVX Health center near you, please click here.
Patients choose IVX Health for ongoing Skyrizi IV treatments because:
- ALL private suites
- Comfortable recliners, with chairs for guests
- Evening & weekend appointments
- Friendly clinical staff deliver personal service
- Big screen TVs, high-speed WiFi, free snacks
Interested in moving your care to IVX Health?
Interested?
IVX Health would love to learn more about your care needs. If you’re interested in switching your infusion services – or if you just want to learn more – let us know.
