What is Taltz (ixekizumab) for?
Taltz (ixekizumab) is a monoclonal antibody indicated for the treatment of people with:
moderate to severe plaque psoriasis2,3,4 who are candidates for systemic therapy2,3,4 or phototherapy2,3
Active psoriatic arthritis2,4 in adult patients who have responded inadequately to, or who are intolerant to one or more disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) therapies4.
How does Taltz (ixekizumab) work?
The active ingredient in Taltz, ixekizumab, is a humanised interleukin-17A antagonist2; a protein designed to attach to interleukin 17A, a messenger molecule in the immune system. Interleukin 17A is involved in immune system effects, including inflammation, that cause psoriasis1 and psoriatic arthritis. By attaching to interleukin 17A, ixekizumab blocks its action and reduces the activity of the immune system, thereby reducing the symptoms of psoriasis1 and psoriatic arthritis.
Where has Taltz (ixekizumab) been approved?
Taltz (ixekizumab) was approved by:
Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA:
March 22, 2016, for plaque psoriasis2
December 1, 2017, for psoriatic arthritis8
European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union:
May 2, 2016, for plaque psoriasis1
January 11, 2018, for psoriatic arthritis1
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia, September 6, 2016, for plaque psoriasis3
Please note that this medicine may have also been approved in other regions than the ones we’ve listed. If you have a question about its approval in a specific country feel free to contact our support team.
How is Taltz (ixekizumab) taken?
The standard dosage for plaque psoriasis is:
first dose of 160 mg (two subcutaneous injections)
for the first 12 weeks: a subcutaneous injection of 80 mg every 2 weeks
thereafter a subcutaneous injection of 80 mg every 4 weeks.
The standard dosage for psoriatic arthritis is:
first dose of 160 mg (two subcutaneous injections)
thereafter a subcutaneous injection of 80 mg every 4 weeks.
Taltz (ixekizumab) is provided as a prefilled syringe or a prefilled pen. Instruction for the use of the prefilled syringe and the prefilled pen can be found in our resources section5,6.
Complete information about Taltz (ixekizumab) dosage and administration can be found in the official prescribing information listed in our resources section2,3,4.
Please consult with your treating doctor for personalised dosing.
Are there any known side effects of Taltz (ixekizumab)?
Common side effects
The most common side effects listed in the prescribing information include2,3,4:
injection site reactions
upper respiratory tract infections
nausea (feeling sick)
tinea infections (superficial fungal infection of the skin)
Serious side effects
The serious side effects listed in the prescribing information include2,3,4:
serious infections
hypersensitivity (serious allergic reaction)
inflammatory Bowel Disease
Use in a specific population
Taltz (ixekizumab) must not be given to patients with active tuberculosis (TB). Anti-TB therapy should be considered in patients with latent TB prior to initiation of treatment.
There is a limited knowledge about the use of ixekizumab in pregnant women. As a precautionary measure, it is preferable to avoid the use of Taltz during pregnancy and use of effective contraception during treatment and for at least 10 weeks after treatment is recommended.
Breast-feeding should be avoided during treatment.
For a comprehensive list of side effects and adverse reactions please refer to the official prescribing information2,3,4.
