Ixekizumab
TALTZ
Pronunciation: ix-ee-KIZ-yoo-mab (TOLTS)
What it isMonoclonal antibody against IL-17A; plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis.
Why this oneIt delivers some of the deepest skin clearance in the psoriasis armamentarium, often rapidly, while also covering joints and axial disease.
What limits itThe class baggage: candidal infections, and inflammatory bowel disease can emerge or worsen — avoid in Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis.
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis | Adults | 160 mg (two 80 mg injections) at Week 0 | 80 mg at Weeks 2,4,6,8,10,12, then 80 mg every 4 weeks | 80 mg every 4 weeks |
| Moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis | Pediatric 6 to <18 yr (weight-based) | >50 kg: 160 mg; 25-50 kg: 80 mg; <25 kg: 40 mg at Week 0 | >50 kg: 80 mg; 25-50 kg: 40 mg; <25 kg: 20 mg every 4 weeks | Weight-based every 4 weeks |
| Active psoriatic arthritis (alone or with cDMARD) | Adults | 160 mg at Week 0 | 80 mg every 4 weeks | 80 mg every 4 weeks |
| Active ankylosing spondylitis | Adults | 160 mg at Week 0 | 80 mg every 4 weeks | 80 mg every 4 weeks |
| Active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis with objective inflammation | Adults | 80 mg every 4 weeks | 80 mg every 4 weeks | 80 mg every 4 weeks |
Renal Undefined
Hepatic Undefined
Instructions
- Administer by subcutaneous injection (upper arms, thighs, or abdomen); rotate anatomic location
- Evaluate for TB and complete age-appropriate vaccinations before initiating; avoid live vaccines
- Pediatric self-administration not established; 20 mg/40 mg doses prepared from the 80 mg/mL syringe must be given by a healthcare professional
Available strengths
- inj 80 mg/mL
Contraindications
- Serious hypersensitivity reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to ixekizumab or to any of the excipients
Cautions
- Serious infections — discontinue until resolved
- Tuberculosis — evaluate before treatment
- Serious hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis, angioedema, urticaria
- Severe eczematous eruptions
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's/ulcerative colitis, including exacerbations)
- Avoid live vaccines
Adverse reactions
- Injection site reactions
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Nausea
- Tinea infections
Pregnancy Insufficient human data; human IgG crosses the placenta
Lactation No data on presence in human milk; detected in lactating monkey milk
Cost
| Strength | #/mo | generic $/unit | brand $/unit | CostPlus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80 mg/mL | inj | per unit | — | $7395.14/mL | not offered |
NO BOXED WARNINGS
Principal riskInfections; new or worsening inflammatory bowel disease
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Legacy pregnancy categoryN/A (post-2015 labeling)
Defining liabilityInfections and inflammatory bowel disease exacerbation