Risankizumab is used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (a type of skin disease that allows the skin cells to rapidly build up causing itchy patches of thick, red skin and silvery scales).
Risankizumab is to be injected subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the thigh, upper arm or abdomen area).
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you. If you or your caregiver had been given the proper training on the preparation and injection techniques of this medicine, you or your caregiver may do the administration.
Use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not administer more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Remember to rotate the injection sites. Do not inject into the same area all the time. New injection sites should be at least 1.5 inches away from the previous injection site. Do not inject at least 2 inches around the navel (belly button), into areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red, hard, scarred, with stretch marks or affected by psoriasis.
This medicine is available as a single-use pre-filled syringe. You may need to use 2 syringes to deliver a full dose. Make sure you know how to use the device you have been given. If you have problems or do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
To use the pre-filled injection syringe, follow these steps:
- Prepare the injection syringe as instructed by your doctor or nurse.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Swab the injection site area with alcohol and allow to dry.
- Hold the pre-filled syringe in the middle of its body and keep your hand away from the plunger. Do not shake the syringe. Gently pull off the needle cap when you are ready to inject.
- Gently pinch the skin of the injection site using your other hand. Hold the syringe like a pencil and insert the needle into the pinched skin at 45-degree angle using a quick, short motion.
- Slowly press the plunger down until the syringe is empty.
- Pull the needle out of the skin while keeping the syringe at the same angle. Slowly take your thumb off the plunger. The needle guard will then cover the needle and lock it into place.
- Press a cotton ball or gauze pad over the injection site to stop any bleeding Do not rub on it.
- Dispose your used pre-filled syringe according to your doctor or pharmacist’s instructions. Do not throw it away in the household trash.
- Repeat the same steps for the 2nd injection.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of the treatment depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Risankizumab must be administered regularly for it to be effective. Continue using this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop using it unless instructed by the doctor.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Risankizumab.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
If you or a caregiver had been trained to administer this medicine, inject the missed dose as soon as you remember and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you forgot to administer your dose.
Do not use Risankizumab if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Alert your doctor if you have an active infection (such as TB, an infection known as tuberculosis) as Risankizumab may not be suitable for you.
Alert your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated. You must avoid any vaccinations with live vaccines without consulting with your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you have a history of long-term or recurrent infections, including history of TB infection.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Your doctor will conduct a screening test for TB and other viral infections prior to and periodically during your treatment with Risankizumab.
- Routine tests (e.g. complete blood count) may be done at the start of your treatment with this medicine.
- Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of infection may also be needed.
Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Risankizumab may cause any of the following side effects: headache, sore throat, stuffy nose, tiredness, itching, painful skin rash with blisters, and skin redness or pain at the injection sites.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes, mouth or throat
- signs of infection e.g. fever, flu-like symptoms, night sweats, unusual tiredness, cough
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Alert your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated. You must avoid any vaccinations with live vaccines without consulting with your doctor.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C. Do not freeze Risankizumab otherwise, it will no longer be effective and should not be used.
Protect from light.
If you notice that the injection has changed colour or has become cloudy, do not use it. Throw it away and use a new injection.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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