Skyrizi (risankizumab-rzaa) is a biologic medication doctors prescribe to treat certain autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
Like any medication, it can cause side effects. But is one of Skyrizi’s side effects hair loss? While anything’s possible, hair loss from taking Skyrizi isn’t something people have reported in clinical trials.
Below, we’ll explain how Skyrizi works, why hair loss might happen, and what to do if you notice changes in your hair or health when using it.
What is Skyrizi?
Skyrizi is a biologic prescription drug that doctors prescribe for the following medical conditions:
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Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. A chronic autoimmune skin condition that causes thick, scaly patches of inflamed skin, often on the elbows, knees, scalp, or lower back.
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Active psoriatic arthritis. An inflammatory joint condition that occurs in some people with psoriasis, causing joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.
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Moderate to severe Crohn’s disease. A type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that leads to inflammation anywhere along the digestive tract, often resulting in abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.
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Moderate to severe ulcerative colitis. Another form of IBD that causes inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the colon and rectum, leading to symptoms like bloody stools, urgency, and cramping.
A biologic medication is made from living cells or organisms that target specific parts of the immune system to treat chronic conditions like autoimmune diseases. Doctors might also prescribe biologics to treat allergies, skin conditions, asthma, diabetes, and cancer.
Unlike traditional drugs made from chemicals, biologics contain proteins (like antibodies) engineered to block inflammatory pathways in the body.
Some other common biologics include:
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Humira (adalimumab)
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Enbrel (etanercept)
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Rituxan (rituximab)
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Cosentyx (secukinumab)
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Xolair (omalizumab)
Does Skyrizi Cause Hair Loss?
Hair loss isn’t a known side effect of Skyrizi, but a few people have reported thinning or shedding while using it.
These cases are rare, but it’s still a good idea to keep an eye on any changes in hair health and talk to your healthcare provider if you notice excess shedding.
Everyone reacts differently to biologic medications, and hair loss happens for many reasons — not just the drug.
Why Might Hair Loss Happen on Skyrizi?
There’s no known direct link between Skyrizi and hair loss, but some people may notice hair-related changes. Here are a few possible reasons why:
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Immune system changes. Skyrizi targets interleukin-23 (IL-23) to reduce inflammation, which can disrupt your immune system. For some, this might affect the hair growth cycle.
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Your underlying autoimmune conditions. Psoriasis and Crohn’s disease can lead to hair thinning due to inflammation, stress, or poor nutrient absorption.
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Stress and chronic illness. Ongoing physical or emotional stress can trigger temporary hair shedding called telogen effluvium.
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Other medications or health issues. If you’re taking Skyrizi alongside other treatments or have multiple health issues, these could play a role in hair changes.
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Nutrient deficiencies. Conditions like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis can make it harder to absorb nutrients that support healthy hair.
Again, hair loss isn’t a known side effect of Skyrizi itself. If you’re experiencing excess thinning, other factors might be the real culprits. Talk to your doctor to get to the root cause.
Tips to Support Hair Health During Biologic Treatment
Noticing more hair shedding while on Skyrizi or another biologic? Here are some simple ways to support healthier, stronger hair.
Eat a Nutrient-Dense Diet
Fuel your body with nutrient-rich, hair-healthy foods. Focus on protein, iron, zinc, omega-3s, and B vitamins. Think leafy greens, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. A colorful, balanced diet can help you meet your nutrition needs.
Manage Your Stress
Chronic stress can impact your hair health. While you can’t avoid it completely, small daily habits can help you cope. These include:
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Walking
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Meditating
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Journaling
If stress starts to get in the way of your daily life, talking to a therapist might help.
Be Gentle With Your Hair
Excessive pulling, heat, and chemical treatments can make fragile hair even more prone to breakage. This is called traction alopecia.
Gentle hair care protects against breakage, especially when hair is already damaged.
Stay Consistent
Take your medication exactly as prescribed. Don’t stop Skyrizi or change your dose without talking to a healthcare professional.
Consider Hair Supplements
If bloodwork shows you’re low in key nutrients, your provider might recommend supplements like biotin, vitamin D, or iron.
Care For Your Scalp
A clean, well-moisturized scalp is the foundation for healthy hair. Use gentle shampoos and avoid ingredients that may cause irritation.
Track Symptoms
Keep a journal of any changes in your hair, diet, or medications. Over time, patterns may emerge that help you and your doctor troubleshoot hair-related issues.
What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Skyrizi?
Like any medication, Skyrizi can come with side effects. But most people tolerate it well. Still, it can be helpful to know what to expect. According to the Food and Drug Administration, here are some of the most commonly reported side effects:
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Cold-like symptoms, like stuffy nose, cough, and sore throat
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Headaches
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Fatigue
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Injection site reactions, like localized redness, swelling, itching, or pain
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Mild fungal skin infections, like athlete’s foot
More Serious Side Effects
While uncommon, Skyrizi can cause some serious risks in certain people, like:
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Infections. Skyrizi may raise your risk of infections like tuberculosis (TB) or pneumonia. Symptoms of an infection may include fever, sweats, chills, muscle aches, loss of appetite,
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Allergic reactions. Allergies to Skyrizi are generally rare but can be severe. Look out for symptoms like skin rash, itching, dizziness, trouble breathing, or swelling of your face or throat.
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Liver problems. This side effect is rare but possible. Watch for yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, or ongoing nausea.
If you have any of these side effects — or anything else that feels off — contact your doctor. And if it seems serious (like an allergic reaction), don’t wait. Get emergency help right away.
Who Should Not Take Skyrizi?
You shouldn’t take Skyrizi if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. The same goes if you:
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Recently had or are scheduled to get a vaccine
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Have an ongoing infection
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Have TB or been exposed to someone with TB
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Are allergic to Skyrizi
How to Lower Your Risk of Side Effects on Skyrizi
Most people don’t experience major problems on Skyrizi, but here are a few smart habits that can help you avoid side effects:
Keep Up With Health Screenings
Before starting Skyrizi, your provider may run tests, like screening for TB. Keeping up with regular labs and appointments can help catch potential issues early. Your provider is there to help you, so stay in touch with them.
Avoid Live Vaccines
Skyrizi is an immunosuppressant (meaning it suppresses parts of the immune system), so avoid live vaccines during treatment.
Live vaccines contain weakened viruses or bacteria and can pose a risk of infection when your immunity is lower.
Practice Good Hygiene
Skyrizi can weaken your immune system. You can reduce your risk of infection by:
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Regularly washing your hands
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Avoiding close contact with sick people
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Keeping cuts or scrapes clean
Speak Up About New Symptoms
Noticing a rash, fever, or unusual fatigue? Let your doctor know right away. Catching things early can prevent serious health problems later on.
Stick to Your Dosing Schedule
Take Skyrizi exactly as prescribed. Skipping or delaying doses can reduce its effectiveness and increase the risk of side effects.
Follow an Overall Healthy Lifestyle
Eating a nutritious diet, managing stress, getting enough sleep, and staying active can all help your body during treatment.
Skyrizi FAQs
Is Skyrizi a high-risk medication?
Skyrizi isn’t classified as a high-risk medication, but it does affect your immune system and can increase the chances of certain side effects. That’s why it’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and keep up with regular check-ins.
Does Skyrizi cause weight gain?
Weight gain isn’t a common side effect of Skyrizi. But, everyone’s different. Things like changes in activity or other health conditions might indirectly affect your weight during treatment.
Should I stop taking Skyrizi if I notice hair loss?
No, don’t stop Skyrizi without talking to your healthcare provider first. They can help figure out if the hair loss is from the medication or another cause — and suggest what to do next.
Can Skyrizi trigger male pattern baldness?
Skyrizi won’t cause a receding hairline. Male pattern baldness is usually driven by genetics and hormones.
What else could be causing hair loss during treatment?
Stress, poor diet, other medications, and health issues can all impact your hair health. A scalp exam and bloodwork can help uncover what’s really going on.
Skyrizi and Hair Loss: The Takeaways
Hair loss isn’t a common side effect of Skyrizi, but a few people have noticed shedding or thinning. This could be linked to immune system changes, other health conditions, or even stress.
The good news? It’s usually temporary and treatable.
What’s most important is to stay in touch with your healthcare provider. They can help get to the root cause and keep your treatment plan working for you.
Let’s recap what we know about Skyrizi and hair loss:
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Hair loss isn’t a known side effect of Skyrizi. But it can happen. Typically due to stress, other health conditions, or even other medications you’re taking.
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Healthy hair habits can help. Good nutrition, stress management practices, and scalp care can all support healthy hair growth.
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Always talk to your healthcare provider before making changes to your medication. If you experience side effects, like hair loss, let them know. They might refer you to a dermatologist for hair loss treatment like minoxidil or finasteride.
Worried about hair changes on Skyrizi or another medication? Talk to a healthcare provider to rule out other causes and explore personalized solutions that keep both your skin and your hair in good shape.
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This article originally appeared on Hims.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org
