Taltz (Ixekizumab): Uses, Side Effects, Dosage, & More

Taltz (ixekizumab) is a prescription medication primarily used to manage specific inflammatory conditions. This biologic drug, derived from living organisms, is administered as a subcutaneous injection.

What is Taltz Used For?

Taltz is prescribed for adults and, in some cases, children, to treat several inflammatory conditions. It targets and blocks interleukin 17A (IL-17A), a protein in the immune system that is often elevated in individuals with these conditions and contributes to inflammation.

The conditions Taltz is approved to treat include:

• Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis: Characterized by silvery, scaly patches on the skin that can be inflamed and itchy. Taltz is used for adults and children aged 6 years and older who may benefit from phototherapy or systemic therapy.
• Active Psoriatic Arthritis: A form of arthritis that can develop in some people with psoriasis, causing joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. This use is for adults.
• Active Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): An arthritis type mainly affecting the spine, leading to joint damage and potential spinal fusion. Symptoms include back pain and stiffness. This use is for adults.
• Active Nonradiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis: An arthritis affecting the spine and pelvis, causing back and hip pain and stiffness. It is diagnosed when inflammation is visible on MRI scans or blood tests, even if not on X-rays. This use is for adults.

By blocking IL-17A, Taltz helps to reduce the immune responses that cause inflammation in the skin or joints, leading to clearer skin plaques and reduced joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and damage.

Taltz Side Effects

Like most medications, Taltz can cause side effects, which may be mild or serious. The occurrence and severity of side effects can vary based on individual factors such as age, existing health conditions, and other medications being taken.

Mild Side Effects

Common mild side effects reported with Taltz include:

• Nausea
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• Injection site reactions (e.g., skin discoloration, soreness, irritation)
• Upper respiratory infections (e.g., common cold, flu)
• Fungal infections (e.g., athlete’s foot, oral thrush)

Many mild side effects typically resolve within a few days or weeks. If they become bothersome or persist, it is advisable to consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Serious Side Effects

While less common, serious side effects can occur with Taltz. Immediate medical attention is necessary if any serious symptoms develop.

Serious side effects reported include:

• Serious infections (e.g., tuberculosis)
• Severe skin reactions resembling eczema, potentially requiring hospitalization
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, which may cause diarrhea
• Allergic reactions

Managing Specific Side Effects

Injection Site Reactions: Soreness, irritation, or skin discoloration at the injection site are common and usually mild, improving within a few days. To minimize risk, rotate injection sites and avoid injecting into tender, red, bruised, or psoriatic skin areas. Applying a cold pack may help. If a reaction is severe or persistent, contact a doctor.

Infection Risk: Taltz can weaken the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections. Mild infections like upper respiratory infections, fungal infections, or conjunctivitis are possible. Symptoms can include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, skin changes, eye irritation, oral white patches, painful urination, or abdominal pain.

Rarely, serious infections such as pneumonia or tuberculosis (TB) can occur. Symptoms of serious infection may include coughing up blood, shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle aches, fever, chills, or weight loss.

Before starting Taltz, doctors typically test for TB and treat it if present. It is also recommended to receive any necessary vaccinations before treatment, as Taltz can interact with certain vaccines. Practicing good hygiene, avoiding crowds, and not sharing personal items can help reduce infection risk. Any symptoms of infection should be reported to a doctor.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): In rare instances, Taltz use can lead to new or worsening IBD, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Symptoms include diarrhea (possibly bloody), abdominal pain, and weight loss. If new or worsening IBD symptoms occur, contact a doctor immediately, as Taltz treatment may need to be discontinued.

Taltz Dosage

The dosage of Taltz is individualized based on the condition being treated and is determined by a healthcare professional. Taltz is administered as a subcutaneous injection using prefilled syringes or autoinjectors, both designed for single use.

The autoinjector is available in an 80 mg/mL strength. Prefilled syringes come in strengths of 80 mg/mL, 40 mg/0.5 mL, and 20 mg/0.25 mL.

Recommended Adult Dosages:

• Plaque Psoriasis: Typically begins with a 160 mg loading dose (two 80 mg injections), followed by one 80 mg injection every 2 weeks for 12 weeks, then one 80 mg injection every 4 weeks.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: Usually starts with a 160 mg loading dose (two 80 mg injections), followed by one 80 mg injection every 4 weeks.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: Generally involves a 160 mg loading dose (two 80 mg injections), followed by one 80 mg injection every 4 weeks.
• Spondyloarthritis: Typically one 80 mg injection every 4 weeks.

For children aged 6 years and older with plaque psoriasis, dosages are based on body weight. Specific strengths (20 mg and 40 mg prefilled syringes) are available for children weighing less than 50 kg (approximately 110 lb).

Taltz Cost

The cost of prescription medications like Taltz can vary significantly due to factors such as insurance coverage and pharmacy choice. Patients with questions about prescription costs or financial assistance options should consult their doctor, pharmacist, or the drug manufacturer’s website.

How to Administer Taltz

A doctor or healthcare professional will provide instructions on how to use Taltz, including the correct dosage and frequency. The first injection may be administered by a healthcare professional, who will then teach patients or caregivers how to perform subsequent injections.

Taltz should be stored in the refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C) and must not be frozen. Before injection, allow the medication to warm to room temperature for at least 30 minutes without removing the needle cap. It can be kept at room temperature (up to 86°F/30°C) for a maximum of 5 days; if not used within this period, it must be safely discarded and not returned to the refrigerator. Always keep Taltz in its original carton to protect it from light.

Recommended injection sites include the front of the thighs, the abdomen (avoiding the 1-inch area around the navel), and the back of the upper arms (if someone else is administering the injection).

Important Considerations for Taltz Use:

• Missed Dose: If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered. If it is close to the next scheduled dose, consult a doctor about whether to take or skip the missed dose.
• Long-Term Treatment: Taltz is generally intended for long-term use if it is effective and well-tolerated.
• Food Intake: Taltz can be taken with or without food, as food does not affect its absorption.
• Onset of Action: Taltz begins to work shortly after the first injection, though noticeable symptom relief may take a few weeks, with full effects potentially taking longer.

How Taltz Works

Taltz functions by specifically targeting and blocking interleukin-17A (IL-17A), a protein in the immune system. In conditions like psoriasis and certain forms of arthritis, the immune system is overactive, mistakenly attacking the body’s own cells. IL-17A plays a key role in triggering the inflammatory responses that lead to skin plaques in psoriasis and joint pain, stiffness, and damage in arthritis.

By inhibiting IL-17A, Taltz helps to halt these inflammatory reactions, thereby reducing the symptoms associated with these conditions.

Common Concerns with Taltz

Weight Changes: Weight gain or loss are not typically reported as side effects of Taltz. However, weight loss could be a symptom of rare but serious side effects like inflammatory bowel disease or tuberculosis. Any unexplained weight changes should be discussed with a doctor.

Hair Loss, Fatigue, or Depression: These issues are not known side effects of Taltz. However, they can be symptoms of the conditions Taltz treats (e.g., scalp psoriasis can cause hair loss; fatigue and depression are common in some forms of arthritis). If experiencing these symptoms, consult a doctor to determine the cause and appropriate management.

Taltz Interactions

Taltz is not generally expected to interact with most other medications or supplements. However, it is crucial to inform a doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, and supplements being used, as some may interfere with Taltz or vice versa.

Interactions with Vaccines:

Taltz can affect the immune system’s response to vaccines. Therefore, specific precautions are necessary:

• Live Vaccines: Live vaccines, which contain weakened forms of live bacteria or viruses, should not be administered during Taltz treatment. Receiving a live vaccine while on Taltz could lead to a serious infection. Examples include measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), yellow fever, chickenpox, tuberculosis, and the nasal spray flu vaccine.
• Inactivated Vaccines: Inactivated vaccines contain non-live components and cannot cause infection. However, their effectiveness may be reduced if administered during Taltz treatment. It is advisable to receive any necessary inactivated vaccines, such as the injected flu vaccine, pneumonia, tetanus, diphtheria, meningitis, or COVID-19 vaccines, before starting Taltz.

Always discuss vaccination needs with a doctor before beginning Taltz treatment.

Precautions for Taltz Use

Certain medical conditions or health factors may influence the suitability of Taltz. It is important to discuss one’s full health history with a doctor before starting treatment.

• Infection: Taltz can increase the risk of infection, including serious ones like tuberculosis (TB). Patients will be tested for TB before starting Taltz, and any existing infections will typically be treated first. It is also recommended to complete necessary vaccinations beforehand. Report any symptoms of infection or frequent infections to a doctor.
• Allergic Reaction: Taltz should not be used by individuals with a known allergic reaction to ixekizumab or any of its ingredients. Alternative treatments should be discussed with a doctor.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): If a patient has IBD (e.g., Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis), Taltz could potentially worsen the condition. A doctor should assess if Taltz is appropriate, and any worsening IBD symptoms should be reported, as discontinuation of Taltz may be necessary.

Alcohol Consumption with Taltz

Consuming alcohol does not directly affect how Taltz works. However, it might exacerbate certain side effects, such as nausea. Additionally, alcohol consumption can potentially worsen psoriasis, one of the conditions Taltz treats. Patients should consult their doctor regarding safe alcohol intake while on Taltz.

Taltz During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

The safety of Taltz during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not fully established. Individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant or breastfeed should discuss the potential risks and benefits of Taltz with their doctor. A pregnancy registry is available for those who receive Taltz during pregnancy to collect safety information.

Taltz Overdose

It is crucial not to exceed the prescribed dosage of Taltz, as doing so can lead to serious side effects. In the event of a suspected overdose, contact a doctor or a poison control center immediately. For severe symptoms, seek emergency medical attention.