Taltz (ixekizumab)

Taltz generic or biosimilar

Taltz is available only as a brand-name medication. It’s a biologic drug that is not currently available in a biosimilar form.

Biologic drugs are made from living cells. A biosimilar drug is very similar to a brand-name biologic drug. However, biologic drugs can’t be copied exactly because they’re made of living cells. A generic drug, on the other hand, is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication. Generic drugs are made using chemicals in a lab.

Biosimilars may be available in a different form than the parent biologic drug. Biosimilars are considered to be as safe and effective as the parent biologic drug (the reference drug).

Generics and biosimilars both tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

Taltz dosage

The Taltz dosage that your doctor prescribes depends on the condition you are using it to treat.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended in adults. However, be sure to take the Taltz dose and follow the dosing schedule your doctor prescribes for you.

For more dosage details, refer to this Taltz dosage overview article.

Drug forms and strengths

The drug comes in the following forms and strengths:

• single-use prefilled autoinjector pen:
  • 80 milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL)
• single-use prefilled syringe:
  • 80 mg/mL
  • 40 mg/0.5 mL
  • 20 mg/0.25 mL

You may find that one form is easier for you to use than another. For details, see the “How to inject” section.

Dosage for psoriatic arthritis

For psoriatic arthritis, your first Taltz dose will be given as two 80-mg injections (for a total of 160 mg) on the same day. After that, your maintenance (ongoing) dosage will be one 80-mg injection once every 4 weeks for as long as your doctor recommends.

Dosage for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis

For plaque psoriasis, your first Taltz dose will be two 80-mg injections (for a total of 160 mg) on the same day. After that, you will receive one 80-mg injection once every 2 weeks for 12 weeks. Then your maintenance dosage will be one 80-mg injection once every 4 weeks for as long as your doctor recommends.

Dosage for psoriatic arthritis with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis

If you have both psoriatic arthritis and plaque psoriasis, you will follow the Taltz dosing schedule for plaque psoriasis. See the section just above for more information.

Dosage for non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis

For non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, you’ll receive one 80-mg injection of Taltz once every 4 weeks.

Dosage for active ankylosing spondylitis

For ankylosing spondylitis, your first Taltz dose will be two 80-mg injections (for a total of 160 mg) on the same day. After that, your maintenance dosage will be one 80-mg injection once every 4 weeks.

Children’s dosage

Doctors may prescribe Taltz to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in certain children ages 6 years and older. The dosage your child’s doctor may prescribe depends on your child’s body weight in kilograms (kg), as listed in the following table. Note that 1 kg is equal to about 2.2 pounds (lb).

How to inject

Taltz is injected subcutaneously using the syringe or autoinjector pen. Ask your doctor which form is best for you.

Your doctor or another healthcare professional will give you your first dose. Then they can teach you how to give yourself the injection at home. (Or they can instruct a caregiver how to give the injection.)

Children should not inject themselves with Taltz. The prescribing doctor will determine whether you can give your child injections at home. They’ll let you know which dose strength is best for your child and how to inject the medication properly.

Suitable sites to inject Taltz are the front of your thighs or your abdomen. The back of your upper arms is also suitable, but you may need someone else to give you an injection there.

Each time you inject Taltz, you should do so in a different area on your body than the last injection. This is called rotating injection sites, a practice that helps prevent injection site reactions.

For more information, videos, and injection instructions, see the manufacturer’s website.

About using Taltz

You’ll find information about key dosage issues here:

• When to inject: You can have your Taltz injection at any time of day on the day that it’s due.
• If you miss a dose: If you miss an injection, you should have it as soon as possible. Then get your next injection when you usually would. But if you miss an injection and it’s not long until your next one is due, ask your doctor for advice on what to do.
• Length of use: Taltz is meant to be a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor decide that Taltz works well for you, it’s likely that you’ll keep using it long term.

Overdose

Each prefilled syringe and autoinjector pen contains exactly the right amount of medication for one dose of Taltz. So an overdose is only possible if you give yourself multiple injections or if you receive Taltz too often.

Symptoms of an overdose may include side effects that become more frequent or more severe, such as:

• upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold
• nausea
• fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot
• severe allergic reactions
• inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• increased risk of infections, such as tuberculosis (TB)

What to do in case of overdose

If you think you have received too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online resource. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Taltz side effects

Taltz can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while using Taltz. This list does not include all possible side effects.

For more details on the possible side effects of the drug and how to manage them, read this overview on Taltz side effects.

Note: After the FDA approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medications safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect with Taltz and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.

More common side effects

The more common side effects of Taltz can include:

• injection site reactions (discoloration and soreness around the injection area)
• upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold or the flu
• nausea
• fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot
• conjunctivitis (pink eye)

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or do not go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

This is a partial list of side effects from Taltz. To learn about other side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or view the drug’s prescribing information.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Taltz aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects, which are explained in more detail in “Side effect details,” can include:

• severe allergic reactions
• inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• increased risk of infections, such as tuberculosis (TB)

Side effects in children

A clinical trial looked at children ages 6 to 18 years old who had plaque psoriasis. In this study, the types of side effects reported in the children and how often they occurred were about the same as those in adults. However, the following side effects occurred more often in children than in adults:

• conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• the flu
• hives (an itchy skin rash)

In the same study, Crohn’s disease occurred more often in children receiving Taltz than in children taking a placebo. (A placebo is a treatment with no active drug.)

Side effect details

You may wonder how often certain side effects occur with this drug or whether certain side effects pertain to it. Here’s some detail on some of the side effects this drug may cause.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after receiving Taltz. Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:

• angioedema (swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, or cheeks)
• swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
• trouble breathing
• chest tightness
• feeling faint

Call your doctor right away if you have a severe allergic reaction to Taltz. But call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Increased risk of infections

Taltz can weaken your immune system. When your immune system is not strong enough to fight off germs, you may be more likely to get an infection. In clinical trials, some people with plaque psoriasis who received Taltz for 12 weeks contracted an infection. Here are some of the findings:

• Most of these infections were mild. Only a small percentage of infections were considered serious, such as pneumonia.
• The most common infections were respiratory infections such as coughs, colds, or throat infections.
• Other infections included conjunctivitis (pink eye) and fungal infections, such as oral thrush or athlete’s foot.

If you have symptoms of an infection, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can recommend treatment. Symptoms of minor infections may include:

• fever
• cough
• sore throat
• red and sore eyes
• discolored and sore areas of skin
• white patches in your mouth
• burning or pain when urinating

It’s very important to see your doctor if the infection does not clear up. Otherwise, it could become more serious.

Before you start treatment with Taltz, your doctor will check for any infections, such as TB (a lung disease). If you have TB, your doctor will treat it before you start using Taltz. If you have any symptoms of TB during your treatment, it’s important to call your doctor right away. These symptoms include:

• fever
• muscle aches
• losing weight without trying
• a bad cough that lasts for 3 weeks or longer
• coughing up blood or mucus
• pain in the chest
• night sweats

To help avoid contracting an infection while receiving Taltz, wash your hands often. Also, avoid close contact with people who have an infection (especially coughs, colds, or the flu).

Your doctor will likely recommend that you get any vaccines that you need before you start Taltz treatment. (See “Taltz and live vaccines” in the “Taltz interactions” section to learn more.)

IBD

If you use Taltz, there’s a small risk that you’ll develop IBD, a group of conditions that cause inflammation in your digestive tract. These conditions include Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. If you already have IBD, Taltz could make it worse, but this is rare.

Contact your doctor if you have new or worsening symptoms of IBD. These can include:

• pain in your abdomen
• diarrhea, with or without blood
• weight loss

Taltz cost

As with all medications, the cost of Taltz can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan if you have one, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

For details about Taltz prices, refer to our Taltz cost article.

Financial and insurance assistance

If you need financial support to pay for Taltz, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.

Eli Lilly and Company, the manufacturer of Taltz, offers a savings card and a support program. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for assistance, call 800-545-5979 or visit the program website.

Taltz uses

The FDA approves prescription drugs such as Taltz to treat certain conditions. Taltz may also be used off-label for other conditions. Off-label use is when a drug that’s FDA approved to treat one condition is used to treat a different condition.

Taltz for psoriatic arthritis

Taltz is FDA approved to treat active psoriatic arthritis in adults. (“Active” means that you currently have symptoms.)

Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis in which one or more joints become swollen, painful, and stiff. The condition may develop in people who have psoriasis. It’s also possible to develop psoriatic arthritis before you have psoriasis on your skin.

Psoriatic arthritis most often affects the joints in your:

• fingers and toes
• knees
• ankles
• wrists
• lower back

Taltz reduces inflammation and pain in your joints. The drug may also make it easier for you to move about and do daily tasks, such as dressing, washing, eating, and walking.

For more about psoriatic arthritis, visit our arthritis hub.

Effectiveness for psoriatic arthritis

Clinical trials found Taltz to be safe and effective for treating psoriatic arthritis. For details about these trials, see the Taltz prescribing information.

Taltz for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis

Taltz is FDA approved to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults and children ages 6 years and older. It’s suitable for people whose psoriasis may benefit from systemic treatment (therapy that affects the whole body) or phototherapy (light treatment).

Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis. It can range from mild to severe. Your doctor can tell you how severe your psoriasis is and whether Taltz is right for you. Your psoriasis may be suitable for treatment with Taltz if:

• you have plaques (thick, discolored, scaly patches) on a certain amount of your body
• you have plaques on your hands, feet, or genitals
• your psoriasis greatly affects your quality of life
• topical treatments (which you apply to your skin) have not managed your psoriasis well

Taltz helps reduce the number of psoriasis plaques and how severe they are.

For more information about plaque psoriasis, see our psoriasis hub.

Effectiveness for plaque psoriasis in adults and children

Clinical trials found Taltz to be safe and effective for treating plaque psoriasis in adults and children ages 6 years and older. For details about these trials, see the Taltz prescribing information.

Taltz for spondyloarthritis

Taltz is FDA approved to treat two forms of spondyloarthritis (SA) in adults. Specifically, Taltz is approved to treat the following two forms of SA:

• non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA)
• active ankylosing spondylitis (AS), also called radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA)

SA is an inflammatory disease and a form of arthritis that causes swelling in your spine. Often, nearby joints are also affected, especially the two joints that connect your lower spine to your pelvis (sacropelvic joints). When damage to the joints does not show up on X-rays (radiographs), the form of SA is called nr-axSpA.

When SA progresses, the chronic (long-lasting) inflammation can cause vertebrae in your spine to fuse together. As a result, your spine becomes less flexible. Back pain and tiredness are common symptoms of SA that has progressed. With this type of SA, joint damage can be seen on X-rays. This form of SA is called active AS, or r-axSpA.

Effectiveness for spondyloarthritis

Clinical trials found Taltz to be safe and effective for treating nr-axSpA and active AS in adults. For details about these trials, see the Taltz prescribing information.

Taltz and children

Taltz is FDA approved to treat plaque psoriasis in children ages 6 years and older. For details about this use, see the section above called “Taltz for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.”

Taltz for other conditions

The following are some other uses of Taltz.

Taltz for rheumatoid arthritis (off-label use)

Taltz is not approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, your doctor may prescribe the drug off-label if other approved treatments have not worked for your condition.

RA is a disease in which your immune system attacks your joints, making them swollen, stiff, and painful. Several studies have looked at whether Taltz can help treat RA. Taltz works on a part of the immune system that’s known to cause some of this joint inflammation.

A review of studies concluded that Taltz may be effective for treating RA in some people.

If you would like to know more about using Taltz to treat RA, talk with your doctor. For more information about RA, refer to our rheumatoid arthritis hub.

Taltz for osteoarthritis (not an appropriate use)

Taltz is not approved or used off-label for treating osteoarthritis. This form of arthritis is caused by wear and tear on your joints. It’s not caused by inflammation. So drugs that affect your immune system, including Taltz, would not help osteoarthritis.

If you have questions about treatment options for osteoarthritis, talk with your doctor. And to learn more about this condition, visit our arthritis hub.

Alternatives to Taltz

Other drugs that can treat your condition are available. Some may be better suited for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Taltz, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

Note: Some of the drugs listed here are used off-label to treat these specific conditions.

Alternatives for psoriatic arthritis

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat psoriatic arthritis include:

• methotrexate (Otrexup, Rasuvo, Trexall)
• apremilast (Otezla)
• infliximab (Remicade)
• adalimumab (Humira)
• etanercept (Enbrel)
• tofacitinib (Xeljanz)
• golimumab (Simponi)
• certolizumab (Cimzia)
• secukinumab (Cosentyx)
• ustekinumab (Stelara)
• brodalumab (Siliq)
• risankizumab-rzaa (Skyrizi)
• guselkumab (Tremfya)
• sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)

Alternatives for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis include:

• apremilast (Otezla)
• infliximab (Remicade)
• adalimumab (Humira)
• etanercept (Enbrel)
• bimekizumab-bkzx (Bimzelx)
• certolizumab (Cimzia)
• ustekinumab (Stelara)
• secukinumab (Cosentyx)
• brodalumab (Siliq)
• risankizumab-rzaa (Skyrizi)
• guselkumab (Tremfya)
• golimumab (Simponi)
• methotrexate (Otrexup, Rasuvo, Trexall)
• sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)

Alternatives for ankylosing spondylitis

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat ankylosing spondylitis include:

• infliximab (Remicade)
• adalimumab (Humira)
• etanercept (Enbrel)
• secukinumab (Cosentyx)
• certolizumab (Cimzia)
• golimumab (Simponi)
• ustekinumab (Stelara)
• brodalumab (Siliq)
• methotrexate (Otrexup, Rasuvo, Trexall)
• sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)

Alternatives for non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis include:

• certolizumab (Cimzia)
• adalimumab (Humira)
• secukinumab (Cosentyx)
• methotrexate (Otrexup, Rasuvo, Trexall)
• sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)

Taltz vs. Cosentyx

You may wonder how Taltz compares with other medications that are prescribed for similar uses. Here we look at how Taltz and Cosentyx are alike and different.

Taltz and Cosentyx are both a type of biologic drug called a monoclonal antibody. They work by targeting a specific part of your immune system.

Taltz contains the drug ixekizumab, while Cosentyx contains the drug secukinumab. Taltz and Cosentyx block the activity of a protein in your immune system called interleukin-17.

Interleukin-17 causes your immune system to attack cells in your skin and joints. This causes the inflammation that occurs with diseases such as plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and spondyloarthritis. (See the “How Taltz works” section to learn more.)

Uses

The FDA has approved both Taltz and Cosentyx to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in some adults and children ages 6 years and older.

Both Taltz and Cosentyx are also FDA approved to treat active psoriatic arthritis in adults. Cosentyx is also approved to treat active psoriatic arthritis in children ages 2 years and older.

In addition, both Taltz and Cosentyx are approved for treating non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis and active ankylosing spondylitis in adults. Cosentyx also has other uses that differ from those of Taltz.

Drug forms and administration

Both Taltz and Cosentyx are given by subcutaneous injection.

Taltz comes in two forms: a single-use prefilled syringe and a single-use prefilled autoinjector pen.

Cosentyx comes in four forms:

• a single-use Sensoready pen
• a single-use UnoReady pen
• a single-use prefilled syringe
• a single-use vial that’s given as an intravenous (IV) infusion by a healthcare professional

Side effects and risks

Taltz and Cosentyx can cause some similar side effects and some different. Read these overviews on Taltz side effects and Cosentyx side effects.

More common side effects

These lists contain examples of more common side effects that can occur with Taltz, with Cosentyx, or with both drugs (when taken individually).

• Can occur with Taltz:
  • injection site reactions
  • conjunctivitis
• Can occur with Cosentyx:
  • diarrhea
  • mouth sores
  • skin rash
• Can occur with both Taltz and Cosentyx:
  • fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot
  • upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold
  • nausea

Serious side effects

This list contains examples of serious side effects that can occur with both Taltz and Cosentyx (when taken individually).

• increased risk of infections that may be serious, such as TB
• new or worsening IBD, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• severe allergic reactions

Effectiveness

These drugs haven’t been directly compared in clinical trials. However, one review of studies of plaque psoriasis found that Taltz was more effective than Cosentyx at reducing symptoms of psoriasis.

Treatment guidelines from 2017 and 2019 recommend both drugs as options for people who need a biologic treatment for psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis.

Your doctor may recommend a biologic if other treatments have not worked well enough. For example, a biologic may be right for you if:

• you have plaque psoriasis, and light therapy or topical treatments have not worked
• you have psoriatic arthritis, and anti-inflammatory treatments (which help reduce swelling) such as pain relievers or steroids have not worked

Cosentyx may be better than Taltz for plaque psoriasis that affects the nails. Taltz may be a better option for erythrodermic psoriasis, a very rare type of psoriasis.

Costs

The actual price you’ll pay for either Taltz or Cosentyx depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use. For information about how the cost of these drugs compare, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Taltz and Cosentyx are both brand-name biologic drugs. There are currently no biosimilar forms of either drug. (Biosimilars tend to cost less than the reference biologic.)

Taltz vs. Humira

In addition to Cosentyx, Humira is a biologic drug that has some uses similar to those of Taltz. Here we look at how Taltz and Humira are alike and different.

Taltz and Humira each work by targeting different but specific parts of your immune system that cause inflammation. Taltz contains ixekizumab, and blocks the activity of interleukin-17. (See the “How Taltz works” section to learn more.)

Humira contains adalimumab, and blocks the activity of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α).

Uses

The FDA has approved both Taltz and Humira to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Taltz is approved for use in adults and children ages 6 years and older. However, Humira is only approved for use in adults with this condition.

Both Taltz and Humira are also approved to treat active psoriatic arthritis in adults.

In addition, both Taltz and Humira are approved for treating active ankylosing spondylitis in adults. However, only Taltz is approved for treating non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis in adults.

Humira also has other uses that differ from those of Taltz.

Drug forms and administration

Both Taltz and Humira are given by subcutaneous injection. These medications come in the same two forms: a single-use prefilled syringe and a single-use prefilled autoinjector pen.

Side effects and risks

Taltz and Humira can cause some similar side effects and some different. You can read about Taltz side effects and Humira side effects for details.

More common side effects

These lists contain examples of more common side effects that can occur with Taltz, with Humira, or with both drugs (when taken individually).

• Can occur with Taltz:
  • tinea fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot
  • conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• Can occur with Humira:
  • headaches
  • rash
• Can occur with both Taltz and Humira:
  • injection site reactions
  • upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold
  • nausea

Serious side effects

These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with Taltz, with Humira, or with both drugs (when taken individually).

• Can occur with Taltz:
  • new or worsening IBD, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• Can occur with Humira:
  • liver problems, such as liver failure
  • nervous system problems, such as multiple sclerosis
  • reduced blood cell counts
  • heart failure
  • fungal infections
  • increased risk of some cancers*
  • new or worsening psoriasis
• Can occur with both Taltz and Humira:
  • increased risk of infections that may be serious, such as TB*
  • severe allergic reactions

* Humira has a boxed warning from the FDA for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious FDA warning. For more information, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Effectiveness

A clinical trial compared how effective Taltz and Humira are in treating psoriatic arthritis and plaque psoriasis. After 24 weeks, symptoms eased slightly more for people who took Taltz compared with those who took Humira.

Treatment guidelines from 2018 and 2019 recommend both drugs as options for people who need a biologic treatment for psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis.

Your doctor may recommend a biologic if other treatments have not worked well enough. For example, a biologic may be right for you if:

• you have plaque psoriasis, and light therapy or topical treatments have not worked
• you have psoriatic arthritis, and anti-inflammatory treatments (which help reduce swelling) such as pain relievers or steroids have not worked

For most people who are starting treatment for active psoriatic arthritis, the 2018 guidelines recommend using TNF-α blockers (such as Humira) over interleukin-17 blockers (such as Taltz). The 2019 guidelines state that Humira may also be better than Taltz for plaque psoriasis that affects the scalp and for erythrodermic psoriasis.

Costs

The actual price you’ll pay for either Taltz or Humira depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use. For information about how the cost of these drugs compare, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Taltz and Humira are both brand-name biologic drugs. There are currently no biosimilar forms available for Taltz. Several biosimilars are available for Humira, including Amjevita, Hadlima, and Hyrimoz. Biosimilars tend to cost less than the reference biologic, such as Humira.

Taltz interactions

Taltz can interact with some other medications. Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase side effects or make them more severe.

Before starting Taltz treatment, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

Read more about Taltz interactions in depth.

Taltz and other medications

The following information describes some of the medications that can interact with Taltz. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Taltz. If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Taltz and alcohol

Alcohol does not directly affect how Taltz works, so there are no specific warnings about avoiding alcohol during Taltz treatment.

However, drinking alcohol may worsen psoriasis, which Taltz is used to treat. In addition, alcohol could make psoriasis treatment less effective and may also make your immune system less able to fight infections.

Current guidelines for treating and managing psoriasis recommend limiting how much alcohol you drink. If you drink alcohol, ask your doctor how much is safe for you to consume during Taltz treatment.

How Taltz works

Psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and spondyloarthritis are autoimmune conditions. They cause your immune system (your body’s defense against disease) to attack healthy cells by mistake.

For more information on these conditions, see the “Taltz uses” section.

Various parts of the immune system are involved in each of these conditions. For instance, a protein called interleukin-17A causes your immune system to attack cells in your skin and joints.

Ixekizumab, the active ingredient in Taltz, works by binding (attaching) to interleukin-17A. By doing this, Taltz blocks the action of the protein. It stops the protein from signaling your immune system to attack cells in your skin and joints. The way a drug works is known as its mechanism of action.

By preventing your immune system from attacking cells, Taltz helps:

• reduce the formation of plaques on your skin in plaque psoriasis
• reduce inflammation of your joints in psoriatic arthritis, non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, and active ankylosing spondylitis

How long does it take to work?

Taltz starts to work as soon as you begin treatment. However, it’ll probably take a few weeks for you to notice any changes in your symptoms.

Taltz and pregnancy, breastfeeding, and birth control

If you can become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or are using birth control, it’s important to consider whether Taltz is a safe choice for you.

You can also refer to this article about reproductive health and Taltz for more information. If you have additional questions, talk with your doctor.

Common questions about Taltz

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Taltz.

Is Taltz a biologic?

Yes. Taltz is a biologic medication. This means that it’s a drug made from proteins and not chemicals (like most drugs). Biologic drugs are produced in a lab using animal cells.

Will I still need to use topical creams for psoriasis while using Taltz?

Maybe. But you should follow your doctor’s instructions regarding this.

If your skin clears up completely after using Taltz, you may not have to keep using topical treatments. (These are treatments that you apply to your skin). But in some cases, you may still have some psoriasis plaques (thick, dry patches on your skin). If this happens, your doctor may recommend that you keep using moisturizers or other topical treatments as needed. Always follow the advice that your doctor gives you.

Can using Taltz cause new or worsening inflammatory bowel disease?

Yes it can. Although rare, this side effect was reported in clinical trials of Taltz. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to a group of diseases that cause inflammation in your digestive tract. Examples include Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

If you have new or worsening symptoms of IBD, see your doctor. The symptoms may include pain in your abdomen, diarrhea with or without blood, and weight loss.

What can I do to prevent infections during Taltz treatment?

Taltz can weaken part of your immune system, so the drug can increase your risk of getting infections. Here are some tips to help keep your immune system strong and help you avoid infections:

• Before you start treatment, talk with your doctor about getting up to date with any recommended vaccines.
• Wash your hands regularly, especially if you’ve been in a public place.
• Try to avoid close contact with people who have an infection, especially a cough, a cold, or the flu.
• Avoid sharing towels or washcloths with anyone who has a fungal skin infection or cold sore.
• Eat a balanced diet.
• Get enough sleep.
• Don’t smoke. (If you do smoke, consider quitting.)

Does Taltz cure plaque psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis?

No, Taltz doesn’t cure these conditions. There’s currently no cure for plaque psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. But long-term treatment with Taltz may help manage the symptoms of these conditions.

Taltz precautions

Before starting Taltz treatment, talk with your doctor about your health history. Taltz may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions. These include:

• any infection, but TB in particular
• inflammatory bowel disease
• previous allergic reaction to this or a similar drug

Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Taltz, see the “Taltz side effects” section above.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.