Risankizumab-rzaa injection is used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (a skin disease in which red, scaly patches form on some areas of the body) in adults whose psoriasis is too severe to be treated by topical medications alone. Risankizumab-rzaa is in a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. It works by stopping the action of certain cells in the body that cause the symptoms of psoriasis.
Risankizumab-rzaa comes as a solution in a prefilled syringe to inject subcutaneously (under the skin). It is usually given as two injections for the first dose, followed by two injections 4 weeks after the first dose, and then two injections every 12 weeks. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use risankizumab-rzaa injection exactly as directed. Do not inject more or less of it or inject it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
You may receive your first dose of risankizumab-rzaa injection in your doctor's office. After your first dose, your doctor may allow you or a caregiver to perform the injections at home. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you or the person who will be injecting the medication how to inject it.
You can inject risankizumab-rzaa injection anywhere on the front of your thighs (upper leg) or abdomen (stomach) except your navel and the area 2 inches (5 centimeters) around it. If someone else is giving you the injection, that person can also inject the medication into your upper, outer arms. Use a different site for each injection to reduce the chances of soreness or redness. Do not inject into an area where the skin is tender, bruised, red, or hard or where you have scars or stretch marks.
Do not shake a syringe that contains risankizumab-rzaa.
If you are using a prefilled syringe that has been refrigerated, place the syringe on a flat surface without removing the needle cap and allow it warm to room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes before you are ready to inject the medication.
Always look at risankizumab-rzaa solution before injecting it. Check that the expiration date has not passed and that the liquid is colorless to slightly yellow and clear. The liquid should not contain visible particles. Do not use a syringe if it is cracked or broken, if it has been dropped, if it is expired, or if the liquid is cloudy or contains large or colored particles.
Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer's patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with risankizumab-rzaa injection. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Before using risankizumab-rzaa injection
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
If a dose is missed, inject the dose as soon as possible and give the next injection at the regular scheduled time. Do not use a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Risankizumab-rzaa injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Risankizumab-rzaa injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( Web Site) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store risankizumab-rzaa injection in the refrigerator but do not freeze.
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. Web Site
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website ( Web Site) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at Web Site. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.