Skyrizi Interactions: What You Need to Know About Alcohol, Medications, and More

Understanding Skyrizi: A Comprehensive Overview of Its Use and Benefits

Skyrizi (risankizumab) is a biologic medication that has gained prominence for its effectiveness in treating plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn’s disease. It works by targeting interleukin-23 (IL-23), a cytokine involved in inflammatory responses. By inhibiting this cytokine, Skyrizi can significantly reduce inflammation and the associated symptoms of these chronic conditions.

The benefits of Skyrizi extend beyond symptom management; clinical studies have shown that patients experience a considerable improvement in their quality of life. For instance, in a clinical trial, over 90% of patients achieved at least a 75% reduction in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 75) after 16 weeks of treatment, demonstrating its potent efficacy (1).

However, with any medication, understanding potential interactions is crucial. This includes interactions with other medications, dietary components, and lifestyle choices, particularly alcohol consumption.

The Importance of Monitoring Drug Interactions with Skyrizi

Drug interactions can significantly impact the effectiveness and safety of Skyrizi. A drug interaction is defined as a change in the effect of a drug due to the presence of another drug, food, or medical condition. There are three primary types of drug interactions to be aware of:

1. Drug-Drug Interactions: These occur when two or more drugs interact in the body, potentially altering the efficacy or increasing the side effects of one or both drugs (2).

2. Drug-Food Interactions: Certain foods and beverages, including alcohol, can change how medications are absorbed, metabolized, or eliminated from the body. For example, grapefruit juice is notorious for interacting with a variety of medications, leading to increased side effects or decreased effectiveness (3).

3. Drug-Disease Interactions: Existing medical conditions can also affect how a drug works. For instance, patients with liver disease may need to avoid certain medications that are metabolized in the liver (3).

Understanding these interactions is key to ensuring that Skyrizi remains effective and safe for patients.

Common Drug Interactions: What Medications Should You Avoid with Skyrizi?

When considering the use of Skyrizi, it’s vital to be aware of specific medications that may lead to adverse interactions. Some common drug interactions include:

• Immunosuppressants: Since Skyrizi modulates the immune response, combining it with other immunosuppressive agents can heighten the risk of infections and other complications. For instance, using Skyrizi alongside corticosteroids or other biologics may increase the risk of serious infections (4).

• Live Vaccines: As Skyrizi affects the immune system, live vaccines should be avoided during treatment. Patients should consult their healthcare provider about vaccination schedules before starting therapy (4).

• Other IL-23 Inhibitors: Concurrent use of multiple IL-23 inhibitors can lead to excessive modulation of the immune system, increasing the risks associated with such treatments (5).

It is essential for patients to inform their healthcare providers about all medications they are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies, to prevent potential drug interactions.

Alcohol and Skyrizi: How Alcohol Consumption Affects Treatment Outcomes

Alcohol consumption can pose significant risks when taking Skyrizi. Both Skyrizi and alcohol can affect liver function, and combining them could lead to liver damage or impaired drug metabolism. Additionally, alcohol may exacerbate side effects associated with Skyrizi, such as drowsiness, dizziness, and gastrointestinal discomfort (6).

Patients are often advised to limit or avoid alcohol consumption while on Skyrizi treatment to maximize the medication’s benefits and minimize risks. Healthcare providers may provide personalized recommendations based on individual health profiles and treatment plans.

Managing Your Health: Tips for Preventing Drug Interactions with Skyrizi

To ensure a safe and effective treatment experience with Skyrizi, patients can adopt several strategies to prevent drug interactions:

1. Keep an Updated Medication List: Maintain a comprehensive list of all medications, including vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs. Share this list with every new healthcare provider (7).

2. Consult Before Starting New Medications: Always consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting any new medication, including herbal supplements or over-the-counter drugs, as these can interact with Skyrizi (8).

3. Avoid Alcohol: Limit or avoid alcohol consumption while on Skyrizi to prevent potential liver damage and other adverse effects (6).

4. Regular Check-Ins with Healthcare Providers: Schedule regular appointments to discuss ongoing medications and any new symptoms or health changes, ensuring that all aspects of care are aligned (3).

5. Educate Yourself: Understanding the potential interactions and side effects of Skyrizi can empower patients to make informed decisions about their health.

By taking these proactive measures, patients can enhance the safety and efficacy of their Skyrizi treatment.

FAQ

What should I do if I experience side effects while taking Skyrizi?

If you experience any side effects, contact your healthcare provider immediately. They can assess your symptoms and adjust your treatment plan as necessary.

Can I take over-the-counter medications while on Skyrizi?

Many over-the-counter medications are safe to take, but it is crucial to consult your healthcare provider before starting any new medication to avoid interactions.

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Skyrizi?

It is generally advised to limit or avoid alcohol while taking Skyrizi to reduce the risk of liver damage and interaction effects.

How can I track my medications to prevent interactions?

Keeping an updated list of all medications and supplements you are taking can help. You can also use medication management apps to assist in tracking your prescriptions.

What are signs of a drug interaction?

Signs may include unexpected side effects, changes in the effectiveness of your medication, or new symptoms. Always report these to your healthcare provider.

References

1. What is a Drug Interaction?. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://hivinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv/fact-sheets/what-drug-interaction

2. Drug Interaction Checker ← Quickly Check Your Meds. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html

3. Merck Manual Consumer Version. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/drugs/factors-affecting-response-to-drugs/drug-interactions

4. FLT3 mutation-related immune checkpoint molecule absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) contributes to immune infiltration in pediatric and adult acute myeloid leukemia: evidence from bioinformatics analysis. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11651761/

5. Emerging functions of FMNL1 in myeloid neoplasms: insights from bioinformatics to biological and pharmacological landscapes. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11651780/

6. Check Your Brand and Generic Drugs. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.rxlist.com/drug-interaction-checker.htm

7. Identification of the CD8+ T-cell exhaustion signature of hepatocellular carcinoma for the prediction of prognosis and immune microenvironment by integrated analysis of bulk- and single-cell RNA sequencing data. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11651828/

8. The next frontier in breast cancer: genomic co-alteration and its impact on biology and treatment planning. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11651812/