Can you drink alcohol while taking Skyrizi? Unpacking the Risks

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

According to some studies, alcohol consumption is known to be higher in people with psoriasis than the general population. This often prompts the critical question for patients on this biologic medication: Can you drink alcohol while taking Skyrizi? The answer is complex, involving potential risks that go beyond a simple drug interaction.

Quick Summary

There is no known direct interaction between Skyrizi and alcohol, but drinking can worsen symptoms of autoimmune conditions and potentially counteract the medication's anti-inflammatory effects. Patients should consult their healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

Key Points

No Direct Interaction: There is no known direct chemical interaction between Skyrizi and alcohol, meaning it won't directly create a toxic substance or dangerous reaction.
Autoimmune Symptom Worsening: Alcohol is a pro-inflammatory substance that can exacerbate the symptoms of autoimmune diseases like psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and IBD, potentially triggering flare-ups.
Reduced Medication Effectiveness: By promoting inflammation, alcohol can counteract Skyrizi's anti-inflammatory properties, making the medication less effective at managing your condition over time.
Increased Risk of Side Effects: Combining alcohol with Skyrizi may worsen common side effects, including fatigue and headaches, making them more noticeable and bothersome.
Strain on the Liver: Alcohol can add stress to the liver, which is a concern for IBD patients on Skyrizi, as some cases of liver problems have been reported during treatment for Crohn's or ulcerative colitis.
Requires Doctor Consultation: Due to the indirect risks, patients should always consult their healthcare provider before consuming any alcohol while on Skyrizi to receive personalized guidance based on their health status.
Avoidance During Flares: It is particularly important to avoid alcohol during an active flare-up of your condition, as it can worsen symptoms and delay recovery.

For patients living with chronic autoimmune conditions like psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis, managing their treatment is a daily consideration. Skyrizi (risankizumab) is a biologic medication used to treat these conditions by targeting a specific protein involved in inflammation. A frequent concern for many patients involves lifestyle choices, specifically whether it's safe to consume alcohol while on their medication.

No Direct Drug Interaction, But Major Indirect Concerns

Medical literature and official drug information state that there is no known direct interaction between Skyrizi and alcohol. Unlike certain medications, such as some antibiotics or strong painkillers, Skyrizi does not have a chemical pathway that is severely altered by the presence of alcohol in the body. However, this fact can be misleading because it overlooks alcohol's significant effects on the body, which can undermine Skyrizi's therapeutic purpose.

The Impact of Alcohol on Autoimmune Conditions

Alcohol is a known inflammatory agent. For individuals with autoimmune diseases characterized by chronic inflammation, consuming alcohol can provoke a flare-up or worsen existing symptoms. The conditions that Skyrizi treats are prime examples of this phenomenon:

Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: Heavy alcohol use is linked to more severe psoriasis symptoms. The sugar in many alcoholic drinks is also pro-inflammatory and can be a trigger for psoriatic arthritis flares. Alcohol can also lead to joint pain and fatigue, common symptoms of psoriatic arthritis that Skyrizi aims to control.
Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: For patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), alcohol can irritate the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and increase gut permeability, potentially worsening inflammation and leading to a flare-up. Many patients report that alcohol worsens their GI symptoms.

The Liver: A Critical Consideration

Your liver is responsible for metabolizing both Skyrizi and alcohol. While Skyrizi is not typically associated with liver damage in the same way as, for example, methotrexate, liver problems have been reported in some Crohn's and ulcerative colitis patients on Skyrizi. Adding alcohol into the mix places an additional burden on the liver. For IBD patients, who may already be at higher risk for liver complications, this is a significant concern. A weakened or strained liver may affect how your body processes the medication and its byproducts, though specific interactions are still being studied.

Potential Risks of Mixing Alcohol and Skyrizi

Mixing alcohol and Skyrizi can pose several indirect risks to your health and the effectiveness of your treatment plan. These include:

Counteracting Treatment: Since alcohol can promote inflammation, it may work against Skyrizi's anti-inflammatory effects, potentially reducing the medication's overall effectiveness.
Worsening Side Effects: Alcohol consumption can exacerbate common side effects of Skyrizi, such as fatigue and headaches, making them more pronounced and difficult to manage.
Increased Infection Risk: Skyrizi is an immunosuppressant, which means it can lower your body's ability to fight infections. Heavy alcohol consumption also suppresses the immune system, further increasing your vulnerability to infections.
Medication Interactions: Skyrizi is often not the only medication in a patient's regimen. Other drugs, like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain management or methotrexate, have serious interactions with alcohol that increase the risk of GI bleeding or liver damage.

Alcohol Consumption and Skyrizi: A Comparison of Approaches

When considering whether to drink alcohol while on Skyrizi, the primary medical advice is to proceed with caution and consult a healthcare provider. The optimal approach can vary based on individual health and disease activity.


Consideration	Recommended Approach	Potential Risks of Ignoring Advice
Mild, Infrequent Drinking	Discuss a safe, low-frequency limit with your doctor. Monitor symptoms closely.	May still trigger subtle inflammation or mild flare-ups for sensitive individuals.
During a Flare-Up	Complete avoidance of alcohol is highly recommended to prevent further irritation and inflammation.	Increased inflammation, exacerbated symptoms, and potential delay in recovery.
With Co-Medications	Review all medications, including over-the-counter pain relievers, with your doctor to identify any potential alcohol interactions.	Severe health risks, including liver damage and increased gastrointestinal bleeding.
Heavy or Binge Drinking	Avoid completely. Heavy alcohol intake is consistently linked with poor outcomes in autoimmune diseases.	Worsening symptoms, chronic inflammation, reduced treatment efficacy, and increased risk of serious health issues.
For Patients with IBD	Exercise extreme caution. Alcohol can irritate the GI tract. Follow your doctor’s specific guidance.	Increased GI discomfort, pain, and potentially triggering a flare-up.

Managing Your Choices

To make the most informed decision, patients should have an open conversation with their doctor or pharmacist. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific condition, disease severity, overall health, and any other medications you are taking. For some, complete avoidance may be the safest and most beneficial option for managing their condition long-term. Others may find that very limited, infrequent consumption of certain alcoholic beverages (such as some wines, which may have anti-inflammatory properties from non-alcoholic components like polyphenols) may be tolerated. However, this requires careful personal experimentation and tracking under medical supervision.

Conclusion

While there is no direct chemical interaction between Skyrizi and alcohol, that does not mean they are safe to mix. The inflammatory effects of alcohol, coupled with its potential to exacerbate disease symptoms, interfere with treatment efficacy, and place additional strain on the liver, make it a risky combination for individuals with autoimmune conditions. Always prioritize open communication with your healthcare provider to understand how alcohol may affect your unique health situation and treatment plan, helping to ensure the best possible outcome for your condition.

For more detailed information on Skyrizi's official safety profile, refer to the manufacturer's website: RxAbbVie SKYRIZI® (risankizumab-rzaa) Medication Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, alcohol is a pro-inflammatory agent that can worsen your underlying autoimmune disease. For many patients with conditions like psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, or IBD, alcohol consumption can trigger a flare-up or make existing symptoms significantly worse, effectively working against Skyrizi's treatment purpose.

Research on different alcohol types and their effect on autoimmune diseases is limited and sometimes conflicting. While some studies suggest certain components of red wine might have beneficial properties, overall, heavy drinking of any type is harmful. Many patients report that different drinks affect them differently, so careful monitoring is needed, but consulting your doctor first is essential.

For those with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, alcohol can contribute to inflammation, potentially triggering flare-ups. The sugar content in many drinks is also a known inflammatory trigger. Alcohol may also worsen common symptoms like joint pain and fatigue.

Alcohol can potentially reduce Skyrizi's effectiveness indirectly. By inducing inflammation, alcohol may counteract the anti-inflammatory action of Skyrizi, making it harder for the medication to control your autoimmune condition.

Skyrizi is processed by the liver, and liver problems have been reported in some Crohn's and ulcerative colitis patients. Alcohol also puts a strain on the liver. Combining the two can increase the burden on your liver, which is especially concerning if you have pre-existing liver issues or are taking other medications that affect the liver, like methotrexate.

This depends on your specific health situation and your doctor's advice. While some people may tolerate a very limited and occasional drink without issues, many find that alcohol triggers their symptoms. Complete avoidance, especially during a flare-up, is often the safest course of action to ensure the best possible treatment outcome.

If you accidentally consume alcohol, stop drinking immediately. Monitor your symptoms for any signs of a flare-up or worsening side effects. It's best to inform your doctor, especially if you experience any concerning or unusual symptoms, as they can determine if further monitoring is necessary.

Yes, it is crucial to consider all medications you are taking. Alcohol has severe and potentially dangerous interactions with many other drugs used to treat autoimmune conditions, such as methotrexate and over-the-counter NSAIDs. Always review all your medications with your doctor.