SKYRIZI® has transformed the way psoriasis is treated—offering real, lasting relief where conventional approaches fall short. Finally, patients whose quality of life has been greatly reduced by the condition are no longer stuck with treatments that offer only temporary fixes or short-term relief.
However, SKYRIZI is not suitable for everyone, which is why it is essential to understand who qualifies for this treatment and why. Read on to learn how it works, who is most likely to benefit from it, and where to find a medically qualified SKYRIZI infusion provider in Atlanta, GA.
How SKYRIZI Works
SKYRIZI is a biologic medication approved by the FDA for certain autoimmune conditions, including plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The term “biologic” means SKYRIZI is derived from living sources.
People with psoriasis have an overactive immune system, which causes their skin cells to multiply rapidly. The rapid production leads to the buildup of cells on the skin’s surface, thus the itchy scales or plaques. SKYRIZI provides symptom relief by dampening the immune system, specifically blocking a protein called interleukin-23 (IL-23), which is a key driver of chronic inflammation.
SKYRIZI is administered via IV infusion and subcutaneous injection (under the skin), starting with three infusions, once every four weeks, for a period of twelve weeks. Patients then switch to an on-body injector four weeks after the third infusion and continue with doses every eight weeks, based on their doctor’s recommendation.
Who is an Ideal Candidate for SKYRIZI?
SKYRIZI is not appropriate for everyone, but there are well-defined clinical profiles that indicate who is most likely to benefit from this treatment:
1. Adult Patients with Moderate to Hard-to-Treat Plaque Psoriasis
Patients whose plaque psoriasis symptoms are severe or persistent despite an extensive course of conventional treatments may benefit from SKYRIZI. If your psoriasis covers more than 10% of your body surface area (BSA), has significantly affected your quality of life, or has not responded to other treatments like oral or topical medicines or phototherapy, SKYRIZI is worth a closer look.
- Adult Patients with Active Psoriatic Arthritis
SKYRIZI recently received FDA approval for use in adults diagnosed with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA). This means individuals with both skin and joint symptoms can potentially address both conditions with a single medication. Those who suffer from joint stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion, along with plaque flare-ups, may find relief with SKYRIZI.
Nonetheless, every patient is unique. If you are considering SKYRIZI for psoriasis, consult your healthcare provider to determine whether it is appropriate for you based on your health history, current health status, and lifestyle.
Who May Not Be an Ideal Candidate for SKYRIZI?
If you fall under any of these categories, it is a good idea to have an in-depth risk-benefit discussion with your healthcare provider:
- People with a history of serious infections (e.g., tuberculosis and shingles): As mentioned, SKYRIZI suppresses the immune system, which can increase the likelihood of recurrence.
- Those with a compromised immune system or active cancer: The drug can put you at greater risk for opportunistic infections if you already have a weakened immune system or an ongoing medical condition like cancer.
- Pregnant and lactating women: SKYRIZI is not approved for use in children, and its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been firmly established.
Moreover, SKYRIZI is contraindicated in individuals who have sensitivity to its active ingredient, risankizumab-rzaa. Patients with active infections like tuberculosis (TB) are also not eligible for the treatment. A thorough assessment by your healthcare provider is imperative to ensure SKYRIZI is safe for you.
What to Expect
If you and your healthcare provider decide to try SKYRIZI, here are two things you need to know:
- Initial bloodwork and other tests may be required to check for latent infections or underlying health issues.
- Side effects are generally mild and may include headache, injection site reactions, or fatigue. Serious side effects are rare but possible. Let your healthcare provider know right away if you experience vomiting, nausea, and/or stomach pain after receiving SKYRIZI.
SKYRIZI Infusion Provider in Atlanta, GA
Here at GI Care Infusion, we are proud to be one of the leading medical infusion providers in the state of Georgia, and we offer SKYRIZI infusion therapy to qualified patients.
If your healthcare provider deems you eligible for SKYRIZI, reach out to our office near you to schedule an appointment with our team. If you are in Atlanta, call (470) 785-4616, or simply use our appointment request form.
