Ixekizumab
Drug Name(s): Taltz
Class: Biologics
Type: IL-Inhibitor
Used in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and non-radiographic axial spondylitis (nr-axSpA).
Dosage
Form(s): prefilled syringe, auto-injector
For PsA: after an initial loading dose of 160 mg, 80 mg injection every 4 weeks.
For PsA in the presence of coexistent moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis: after an initial loading dose of 160 mg, 80 mg injection every 2 weeks for the first 12 weeks, and every 4 weeks thereafter.
For AS: after an initial loading dose of 160 mg, 80 mg injection every 4 weeks.
For nr-axSpA: 80 mg every 4 weeks.
Special Instructions
Must be kept refrigerated. Do not freeze. Inject into thigh, abdomen or upper arm. Rotate injection sites. Do not inject where skin is tender, bruised, red or hard.
Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception during treatment.
Potential Side Effects
Bruising, itching, pain, redness or swelling at the injection site; fungal skin infections, nausea, upper respiratory infections
Be Aware
Caution should be used when prescribing ixekizumab to patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Exacerbations, in some cases serious, occurred in ixekizumab-treated patients during clinical trials.
This and all biologics suppress the immune system and may increase your risk of infections. Tell your doctor if you have an active infection. Do not start treatment if you have a serious or recurrent infection (such as pneumonia). You should be tested for tuberculosis before starting this medication. Do not get a live vaccine when taking biologics.
