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Taltz (ixekizumab)

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By Editorial Team

2 min read

Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: October 2023 | Last updated: October 2023

Taltz® (ixekizumab) is a prescription biologic drug for adults and children ages 6 and older who have moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.1

Taltz may be recommended for people who might benefit from treatment with injections or pills (systemic therapy) or light therapy. Systemic therapy uses medicines that affect the whole body, not just the skin. Light therapy involves controlled exposure of your affected skin to ultraviolet light.1,2

What are the ingredients in Taltz?

The active ingredient in Taltz is ixekizumab.1

How does Taltz work?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes symptoms to develop on the skin as a result of inflammation inside the body. The inflammation triggers the production of new skin cells that are produced more quickly than older skin cells can be shed. Psoriasis plaques form when new skin cells push older cells up to the surface layer of the skin, where they then build up.2

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Taltz is a type of biologic drug that targets interleukin-17 receptor A (IL-17RA). IL-17RA is a chemical messenger that plays a key role in inflammation. By blocking IL-17RA, Taltz stops the immune system from making chemicals that increase inflammation and lead to psoriasis symptoms.1

What are the possible side effects?

The most common side effects of Taltz include:1

  • Injection site reactions
  • Upper respiratory infections
  • Nausea
  • Fungal infections

These are not all the possible side effects of Taltz. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when taking Taltz. You also should call your doctor if you have any changes that concern you when taking Taltz.

Other things to know

Taltz is given as an injection under the skin. Your doctor may decide that you or a caregiver can give the injections at home. If so, your doctor will train you or your caregiver on how to prepare, store, and inject Taltz. Your doctor will also tell you how often you should use Taltz.1

Before starting treatment with Taltz, tell your doctor if you have:1

  • An infection or have signs of an infection, such as fever, cough, or diarrhea
  • Tuberculosis (TB) or have been in close contact with someone with TB
  • Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
  • Recently received or are scheduled to receive a vaccine

Taking Taltz can reduce your body’s ability to fight off infections. For this reason, your doctor will test you for tuberculosis before starting treatment. They also will continue to monitor you throughout treatment for signs of any other infections.1

There is not enough data to know if Taltz is safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding. Before starting treatment with Taltz, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant. Your doctor can help you decide if Taltz is right for you.1

Before beginning treatment for psoriasis, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs.

For more information, read the full prescribing information of Taltz.