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Uses

What is Taltz used for?

Taltz (ixekizumab) is commonly used to treat the following conditions.

Learn more about Managing Plaque Psoriasis With Taltz.

Taltz may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Taltz work (mechanism of action)?

Taltz blocks a substance in the body called interleukin-17 (IL-17) from working. People with certain conditions that cause swelling (inflammation) have too much IL-17. By blocking this substance from working, Taltz reduces the inflammation that occurs in these conditions.

How is Taltz supplied (dosage forms)?

Taltz is available in the following dosage forms that are injected under the skin (subcutaneous).

  • 80 mg/mL solution single-dose prefilled autoinjector
  • 80 mg/mL solution single-dose prefilled syringe
  • 40 mg/0.5 mL solution single-dose prefilled syringe
  • 20 mg/0.25 mL solution single-dose prefilled syringe

How should I store Taltz?

Taltz should be kept in its original carton to protect it from light. It must be stored in the refrigerator, between 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C). Do not shake or freeze the medicine.

Taltz can be stored at room temperature up to 86 F (30 C) for up to 5 days, if needed. Once it has been stored at room temperature, it cannot be put back into the refrigerator. If it is not used within 5 days of being stored at room temperature, it should be thrown away.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Taltz?

The most common side effects of Taltz are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Pain, itching, swelling, or redness near the injection site
  • Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms
  • Nausea
  • Fungal infections of various parts of the body, including the mouth, throat, genitals, beard, scalp, and feet

There may be other side effects of Taltz that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Taltz?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Taltz are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Taltz may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Taltz and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems 
  • Swelling of the face, eyelids, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Throat tightness
  • Skin rash 
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting

Infection. Taltz can increase the risk of infections, including serious infections. It can also make current infections worse. Call your healthcare provider if you have an infection or any of the following symptoms.

  • Burning or stinging when you pee
  • Cough or coughing up blood
  • Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
  • Shortness of breath
  • Diarrhea or stomach pain
  • Weight loss

Severe Skin Reactions. Some people who have used Taltz have developed severe skin reactions that look like eczema. This can happen from days to months after your first dose of Taltz and you may need treatment in a hospital if this happens. Your healthcare provider may need to stop treatment if you develop severe skin reactions. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following signs or symptoms.

  • Redness or rash
  • Itching
  • Patches
  • Your skin is dry or feels like leather
  • Blisters or lesions that ooze or become crusty
  • Small bumps or plaques with scale or crusting

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). A small number of people who used Taltz have developed inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of IBD, or if you have IBD and your symptoms get worse.

  • Black or tarry poop, this may be a sign there is blood in your poop
  • Diarrhea that does not go away
  • Weight loss
  • Stomach pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Taltz?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Taltz.

  • Taltz
  • Ixekizumab
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Taltz.

What should I know about Taltz before using it?

Taltz is a medicine that affects your immune system. It may lower your ability to fight infections and may increase your risk of infections.

Your healthcare provider may check you for tuberculosis (TB) before you start treatment. You may be treated with medicine for TB before you start Taltz if you have ever had or currently have TB. Your healthcare provider will watch you closely for signs and symptoms of TB during and after treatment with Taltz.

Do not use Taltz unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share Taltz with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Taltz out of the reach of children. Since this medicine must be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

This medicine is injected under the skin. Do not inject Taltz in an area that is tender, bruised, red, or hard, or has psoriasis. Taltz can be injected in the thigh or stomach area. Do not inject Taltz within one inch of your belly button. A caregiver can also inject the medicine in the back of your arm. Rotate your injection sites. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use Taltz. If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Taltz?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Taltz is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Tell your healthcare provider if you have IBD,  including Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Taltz may make your symptoms worse.

Infection. Before starting Taltz, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about any serious infections you have had in the past, as well as any infections you have currently. You should also let your healthcare provider know if you have any of the following issues that might increase your chance of having an infection.

  • A current infection or any symptoms of an infection
  • A weak immune system or a history of infections coming back often
  • History of tuberculosis (TB)
  • Been in close contact with someone who has TB
  • Living in, have lived in, or traveled to countries where there is a risk for TB

Vaccines. Let your healthcare provider know if you have recently received or are scheduled to receive any vaccines. There are certain vaccines (live vaccines) that you should not receive either right before receiving Taltz or once you have started using Taltz. Your healthcare provider will confirm whether any upcoming vaccinations are safe.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Taltz could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use Taltz while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Taltz, you can register for the pregnancy registry by calling 800-284-1695 or at www.pregnancyregistry.lilly.com. This registry collects safety information about the use of Taltz during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Taltz passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use Taltz while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Taltz?

For more information about Taltz, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at taltz.lilly.com or call them at 800-LillyRX (800-545-5979).

Interactions

Does Taltz interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Taltz and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Taltz.

Does Taltz interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Taltz and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Taltz?

If you or someone else has used too much Taltz, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Taltz?

If you miss a dose, use Taltz as soon as you remember. You can then use your next dose at the normal time. Do not use double or extra doses.

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