Description

Taltz (Ixekizumab) is an injectable medication primarily used to treat autoimmune diseases, such as plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. It is classified as a humanized monoclonal antibody that works by binding interleukin 17A (IL-17A) and neutralizing it. As a result, Taltz may help reduce symptoms of inflammation in the body.

Directions

Taltz is administered through subcutaneous injection and can be given by a healthcare provider or self-administered at home, following proper training. Your healthcare provider or nurse should demonstrate the proper Taltz dosing technique for preparing and administering the medication, either with an autoinjector or a prefilled syringe. When using the Taltz autoinjector, you can follow these basic steps:

1. Uncap the pen, ensuring you don't touch the needle
2. Place the autoinjector on the selected injection site, making sure the site is clean and disinfected
3. Unlock the autoinjector, following the instructions provided
4. Press and hold the injection button until the medication is fully administered
5. Safely dispose of the used autoinjector

For the Taltz prefilled syringe, follow a similar process as mentioned above, referring to theprefilled syringe instructions. Common injection sites for Taltz include the front of thighs, the lower abdomen (avoiding the area around the belly button), and the outer area of the upper arm. Do not inject Taltz into areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red, hard, thick, or affected by psoriasis.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in this drug is Ixekizumab, a humanized immunoglobulin G subclass 4 (IgG4) monoclonal antibody. It is produced using recombinant DNA technology in a mammalian cell line and purified with standard bioprocessing techniques. In addition to the main active ingredient, Taltz may contain inactive ingredients, such as polysorbate 80, sucrose, and sodium hydroxide.

Contraindications

It is recommended to avoid taking Taltz if you have a known allergy or history of hypersensitivity reactions to the medication. People who have experienced anaphylaxis or other severe allergic reactions related to the medication should not be prescribed Taltz to avoid further complications. It is also recommended to avoid live vaccines while taking Taltz.

Cautions

• Before starting Taltz (Ixekizumab) treatment, there are several precautions to consider. Discuss the following with a healthcare provider:
• Any medical conditions you have
• Other medications you take
• Whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Any allergies you have
• Taltz can increase the risk of serious infections. If you notice symptoms like fever, fatigue, or coughing, get medical help right away. If you develop a serious infection, you may need to stop taking Taltz until you get better.
• Your doctor should check for tuberculosis (TB) before you start Taltz. If you have TB, you'll need treatment for it before you can use Taltz.
• Rarely, Taltz can cause serious allergic reactions. Symptoms may include swelling, difficulty breathing, or skin rashes. If this happens, stop taking Taltz and contact your doctor immediately.
• If you have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, Taltz could make your condition worse. Your doctor will watch your condition closely. If your gut problems get worse, you may need to stop Taltz.
• Avoid vaccinations that contain live viruses while using Taltz. These types of vaccines might not be safe for you. Make sure to tell your doctor about any vaccines you plan to get.

Side Effects

Taltz (Ixekizumab) is a medication used to treat certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema. While it can be effective for some individuals, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects that may occur during treatment. Common Taltz side effects include injection site reactions and fungal infections, such as athlete's foot. Upper respiratory infections, like the common cold or the flu, may also occur. Nausea is another possible side effect that has been reported.

In addition to these common side effects, some individuals may experience more severe reactions. New onset or worsening Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are possible while taking Taltz, causing symptoms like weight loss, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In addition, Taltz may cause serious allergic reactions, with symptoms such as rash, chest tightness, trouble breathing, and swelling of the face or throat.

References:

1. Taltz (Ixekizumab) Product Monograph. Indianapolis, IN: Eli Lilly; 2022.
2. Taltz (Ixekizumab) Drug Label Information. Indianapolis, IN: Eli Lilly; 2022.

About Dr. Gerardo Sison (Page Author)

Dr. Sison graduated with honors from the University of Florida. He began his career in pharmacy counseling patients in a community setting and later served in hospitals and clinics. He has also worked in medication therapy management services. Read More....

Product Code : 14403