Are you feeling overwhelmed by your psoriasis? Or are you having trouble with your daily activities due to pain and swelling in your joints (psoriatic arthritis)? These conditions are often caused by changes in our own immune system. Risankizumab is a special, modern type of injection that is used to treat these conditions. So today, let's talk briefly about this drug, what it does, what to be careful about while using it, and its side effects.
What really happens with this Risankizumab drug?
Simply put, Risankizumab is a drug that affects our body's immune system and controls unwanted swelling, redness, itching, and pain in the skin and joints. This is not like a regular painkiller. What it does is target and control the immune system process that causes the disease.
This medicine is mainly used for:
- Psoriasis: Control red patches, scaling, and itching on the skin.
- Psoriatic Arthritis: Psoriasis can cause joint swelling and pain.
- Crohn's Disease: Control a chronic inflammatory condition of the digestive tract.
Things you should tell your doctor before taking medication
This is very important. Before starting risankizumab, your doctor should be aware of your complete health history. Be sure to tell them about the following:
| Situation you need to report | Why is that? The reason |
|---|---|
| Any infections you currently have (e.g. tuberculosis, fungal, bacterial infections) | Since this medicine suppresses the immune system to some extent, existing infections may become more severe. Therefore, those infections should be treated before starting treatment. |
| If you have hepatic disease | The liver is the body's metabolizer, so if you have any liver problems, your doctor should be aware of them. |
| If you have recently received a vaccine or are about to receive one soon | Taking risankizumab may change the way some vaccines work, especially live vaccines. |
| If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant , or are a breastfeeding mother | You should definitely discuss the effects of this medication with your doctor during pregnancy and breastfeeding and consider the pros and cons. |
| If you have allergies to risankizumab or other medicines, foods, or dyes | This helps to assess in advance whether there is a risk of allergic reactions to the medicine. |
How do you use this medicine?
It is given as a shot. You may be given it by a medical staff member at a hospital or clinic. In some cases, you may be given instructions on how to give yourself the shot at home. If this is the case, you should follow those instructions exactly.
Very important: Never throw used needles and syringes in the trash . There is a special sharps container for them. Ask your doctor how to get one.
What if I miss a dose of medicine?
It is very important not to miss a dose of this medicine. If you do, don't worry. Call your doctor immediately and ask for advice on what to do next.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Things to keep in mind while taking the medicine
- TB test: You will be tested for tuberculosis (TB) before starting this medication. This is mandatory. If your doctor prescribes medication for TB, you must start taking that medication and complete the prescribed course before starting Risankizumab.
- Risk of infection: Since this medicine suppresses the body's immune system, you may be at a slightly increased risk of developing infections. If you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, body aches, sore throat, or non-healing wounds, do not self-medicate and talk to your doctor . Also, minimize your exposure to sick people.
- Other medications: Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies), as some medications may interact with this one.
What are the possible side effects?
Like all medicines, Risankizumab can cause side effects in some people, although not everyone gets them. Let's take a look at the table below.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, non-healing wounds, pain when urinating, persistent cough. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark yellow/brown urine, pain in the upper right side of the stomach, extreme fatigue, loss of appetite. |
| Symptoms of low red blood cells | Difficulty breathing, fainting, unusual tiredness, paleness. |
| Side effects that may occur normally, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache, back pain, joint pain | These are common, but if they persist or are severe, tell your doctor. |
| Fatigue | You may feel unusually tired. |
| Pain and redness at the injection site | This condition usually goes away in a few days. |
How to store the medicine?
- Keep this medicine in the fridge . Never keep it in the freezer , as this will spoil the medicine.
- To protect from light, keep it in the original carton it came in.
- Take the vaccine out of the refrigerator about 30-45 minutes before giving it and let it come to room temperature.
- Never use expired medications. Ask your doctor how to dispose of them safely.
Take-Home Message
- Risankizumab is a special vaccine given to treat immune-related conditions such as psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Use this only on the advice of your doctor.
- Before you start taking the medication, be sure to tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have, medications you are taking, allergies, and if you are pregnant.
- If you notice any signs of infection such as fever, cough, body aches, unusual redness or swelling of the skin, or yellowing of the eyes/skin, inform your doctor immediately.
- Dispose of used needles and syringes safely, not in the trash. Ask your doctor for advice.
- If you have any further questions about this medication, don't keep them to yourself, but talk to your doctor.
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