Powered By
Taltz (ixekizumab) is a biologic medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults and children 6 years and older who may benefit from systemic therapy or light therapy.
These insights are based on 597 comments about Taltz from MyPsoriasisTeam members. These are the experiences of a small number of members and are not meant to be medical advice.
Taltz is a type of biologic medication called a monoclonal antibody. It attaches to and blocks a protein in the immune system known as interleukin (IL)-17A. This protein normally helps trigger inflammation as part of the body’s immune response. In psoriasis, too much IL-17A activity leads to rapid skin cell growth and inflamed plaques.
By blocking IL-17A from attaching to its receptor, Taltz lowers the release of other inflammatory signals. This helps reduce skin inflammation and slow the overgrowth of skin cells that cause psoriasis plaques.
Doctors prescribe Taltz when topical treatments haven’t worked well enough. The medication is given as a subcutaneous injection (a shot under the skin) with specific schedules for adults and children.
For adults, treatment starts with a higher starting (loading) dose, followed by regular maintenance doses. Children receive doses based on their weight, with healthcare providers typically giving the injections.
These insights are based on 597 comments about Taltz from MyPsoriasisTeam members.Members report that Taltz can effectively clear psoriasis, though patience is essential. Full results may take several months. Common experiences include managing injection site reactions and dealing with increased infection risk due to immune system suppression.
Connect with others who understand life with psoriasis. Join MyPsoriasisTeam for free.
In clinical trials, the most common side effects of Taltz included injection site reactions and infections. These reactions are typically mild to moderate.
Common side effects include:
About 17 percent of people in clinical trials said they had injection site reactions, and 14 percent had upper respiratory infections. Other common side effects occurred in 2 percent or less of trial participants.
Taltz also has rare but serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. In clinical trials, 0.4 percent of people had serious infections, which was the same as 0.4 percent of people taking placebo (an inactive treatment).
Other rare but serious side effects associated with Taltz include:
Always tell your doctor about any new or worsening symptoms.
Taltz manufacturer Lilly offers a patient support program for eligible people with private health insurance. The program may reduce costs through a copay card. Some people may pay as little as $5 a month with the card. Visit the Taltz website for current eligibility requirements. If you don’t have private health insurance, ask your healthcare provider about patient assistance programs.
Before starting Taltz, your doctor must screen you for tuberculosis. You’ll also need to complete all recommended vaccinations before beginning treatment.
It’s important to be aware of these risks during treatment:
Taltz is also FDA-approved to treat adults with psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and nonradiographic axial spondylitis.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember and continue your regular schedule. If you are pregnant or planning to be, discuss the risks and benefits of Taltz with your healthcare provider.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How effective is Taltz for clearing psoriasis plaques?
Clinical trials showed Taltz can significantly improve psoriasis symptoms in many people with moderate to severe disease. After 12 weeks, about 89 percent of adults saw their psoriasis improve by at least 75 percent. Results vary between individuals.
Do Taltz injections cause more pain than other biologics?
The studies on Taltz did not directly compare injection pain with other biologic medicines. In clinical trials, about 17 percent of people had injection site reactions such as redness, skin discoloration, or pain. These reactions were usually mild to moderate and did not often lead people to stop treatment.
How does Taltz dosing differ between adults and children with psoriasis?
Adults receive an initial higher dose followed by maintenance doses. Children’s doses are prescribed at different amounts depending on body weight.
Can Taltz treatment trigger new inflammatory bowel disease?
Some people developed Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, or had their existing condition get worse, while taking Taltz. These events happened more often with Taltz than with placebo in clinical studies. Tell your doctor if you notice stomach pain, diarrhea, or blood in your stool.
MyPsoriasisTeam is a site where people share their experiences with psoriasis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
Learn more about Taltz and psoriasis care:
Become a member to get even more
Join
