Skyrizi weakens your immune system, which is one of the main concerns when it comes to the biologic. Your likelihood of developing infections increases with this medication. Typically, your doctor will check you for infections and tuberculosis (TB) before starting treatment with Skyrizi and treat you for TB (if you have it) before starting you on the drug. They will also watch for signs of TB during and after treatment. Alert your doctor if you experience any signs of an infection while on Skyrizi, like fever, sweats, or chills, coughing, shortness of breath, bloody mucus (phlegm), muscle pain, weight loss, diarrhea, stomach cramps, painful urination, frequent urination, or warm, red, or painful sores on your body (unlike your psoriasis).
It is important that you discuss any underlying health conditions, particularly infections, with your healthcare provider before you start taking Skyrizi. Even if you’ve come into close contact with someone with TB, your doctor should know about this. Other details to disclose to your doctor include when you recently received (or are going to receive) a vaccine, whether you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, and if you’re breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Immunization can mess with your immunity some more and put you at risk for infection. Your doctor should also know about any other prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, or herbal supplements you’re taking.
This is not an exhaustive list of precautions. For more information, read the Warnings and Precautions section under Prescribing Information.