Information for the public
Risankizumab (Skyrizi), taken with or without methotrexate, is available on the NHS. It is a possible treatment for active psoriatic arthritis when disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) have not worked well enough or are not tolerated. It is only for adults who have:
- peripheral arthritis with 3 or more tender joints and 3 or more swollen joints
- moderate to severe psoriasis, and
- had 2 conventional DMARDs and at least 1 biological DMARD.
How well risankizumab is working should be checked from 16 weeks after you have started it. If your psoriatic arthritis has not improved enough, your dermatologist might decide to stop treatment with risankizumab.
Your doctor or nurse should consider any disabilities or difficulties in communicating that you might have when they are assessing how psoriatic arthritis affects your quality of life.
If you are not eligible for risankizumab but are already having it, you should be able to continue until you and your doctor decide when best to stop.
Is this treatment right for me?
Your healthcare professionals should give you clear information, talk with you about your options and listen carefully to your views and concerns. Your family can be involved too, if you wish. Read more about making decisions about your care.
Questions to think about
- How well does it work compared with other treatments?
- What are the risks or side effects? How likely are they?
- How will the treatment affect my day-to-day life?
- What happens if the treatment does not work?
- What happens if I do not want to have treatment? Are there other treatments available?
Information and support
The NHS website may be a good place to find out more.
These organisations can give you advice and support:
- Psoriasis Association, 01604 251 620
- Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance, 01923 672837
You can also get support from your local Healthwatch.
NICE is not responsible for the quality or accuracy of any information or advice provided by these organisations.
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