Taltz is a brand-name biologic drug that’s prescribed for certain autoimmune conditions, such as plaque psoriasis. Taltz contains the active drug ixekizumab and comes as a subcutaneous injection.

Taltz is FDA-approved to treat:

  • Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis: This condition is one of several types of psoriasis. For this use, your doctor may prescribe Taltz if they think your psoriasis would benefit from systemic treatment (therapy that affects the whole body) or phototherapy (light treatment).
  • Active psoriatic arthritis: This condition is a form of arthritis (joint swelling) that can sometimes develop in people with psoriasis. (“Active” means that you currently have symptoms.)
  • Spondyloarthritis (SA): This condition is an inflammatory disease and a form of arthritis that causes swelling in your spine. Often, nearby joints are also affected. Taltz is approved to treat these two forms of SA:

For plaque psoriasis, doctors can prescribe Taltz for adults and children ages 6 years and older. But for all of the other conditions doctors prescribe Taltz for, the drug is approved for use only in adults.

Drug details

You’ll find key information about Taltz below.

  • Drug class: interleukin-17A blocker
  • Drug forms: a single-use prefilled syringe and a single-use prefilled autoinjector pen, for subcutaneous injection
  • Generic or biosimilar available? no
  • Prescription required? yes
  • Controlled substance? no
  • Year of FDA approval: 2016

Taltz is available only as a brand-name medication. It’s a biologic drug that is not currently available in a biosimilar form.

Biologic drugs are made from living cells. A biosimilar drug is very similar to a brand-name biologic drug. However, biologic drugs can’t be copied exactly because they’re made of living cells. A generic drug, on the other hand, is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication. Generic drugs are made using chemicals in a lab.

Biosimilars may be available in a different form than the parent biologic drug. Biosimilars are considered to be as safe and effective as the parent biologic drug.

Generics and biosimilars both tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

The Taltz dosage that your doctor prescribes depends on the condition you are using it to treat.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage and follow the dosing schedule your doctor prescribes for you.

For more details about the dosage for Taltz, refer to this article.

Drug forms and strengths

Taltz is available in one strength: 80 milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL).

The drug comes in two forms: a single-use prefilled syringe and a single-use prefilled autoinjector pen. You may find that one form is easier for you to use than another. Talk with your doctor about which form is best for you.

The drug is given as a subcutaneous injection. A healthcare professional will give you the injection at first. Then they can teach you how to give yourself the injection at home. (Or they can instruct a caregiver how to give the injection.)

Dosage for psoriatic arthritis

For psoriatic arthritis, your first Taltz dose will be given as two 80-mg injections (for a total of 160 mg) on the same day. After that, your maintenance (ongoing) dosage will be one 80-mg injection once every 4 weeks for as long as your doctor recommends.

Dosage for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis

For plaque psoriasis, your first Taltz dose will be two 80-mg injections (for a total of 160 mg) on the same day. After that, you will receive one 80-mg injection once every 2 weeks for 12 weeks. Then your maintenance dosage will be one 80-mg injection once every 4 weeks for as long as your doctor recommends.

Dosage for psoriatic arthritis with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis

If you have both psoriatic arthritis and plaque psoriasis, you will follow the Taltz dosing schedule for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. See the section just above for more information.

Dosage for non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis

For non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA), you’ll receive an 80-mg injection of Taltz once every 4 weeks.

Dosage for active ankylosing spondylitis

For ankylosing spondylitis (AS), your first Taltz dose will be two 80-mg injections (for a total of 160 mg) on the same day. After that, your maintenance dosage will be one 80-mg injection once every 4 weeks.

Children’s dosage

Doctors may prescribe Taltz to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in certain children ages 6 years and older. The dosage your child’s doctor may prescribe depends on your child’s weight in kilograms (kg), as listed in the table below. Note that 1 kg is equal to about 2.2 pounds (lb).

Child’s weightStarting dose (first day of treatment)Maintenance dose (once every 4 weeks after starting dose)
less than 25 kg (about 55 lb)40 mg20 mg
25–50 kg (about 55–110 lb)80 mg40 mg
more than 50 kg (about 110 lb)160 mg (given in two 80-mg injections)80 mg

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss an injection, you should have it as soon as possible. Then get your next injection when you usually would. But if you miss an injection and it’s not long until your next one is due, ask your doctor for advice on what to do.

To help make sure that you do not miss a dose, try setting a reminder on your phone. A medication timer may be useful, too.

Will I need to use this drug long term?

Taltz is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor decide that Taltz works well for you, it’s likely that you’ll keep using it long term.

Taltz can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while using Taltz. This list does not include all possible side effects.

For more information on the possible side effects of Taltz, refer to this article. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to deal with any side effects that may bother you.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to report to the FDA a side effect you’ve had with Taltz, you can do so through MedWatch.

More common side effects

The more common side effects* of Taltz can include:

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or do not go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* This is a partial list of side effects from Taltz. To learn about other side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or visit Taltz’s prescribing information.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Taltz are not common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects, which are explained in more detail below in “Side effect details,” include:

Side effects in children

A clinical trial looked at children ages 6–18 years old who had plaque psoriasis. In this study, the types of side effects reported in the children and how often they occurred were about the same as those in adults. However, the following side effects occurred more often in children than in adults:

  • conjunctivitis (pink eye)
  • the flu
  • hives (an itchy skin rash)

In the same study, Crohn’s disease occurred more often in children receiving Taltz than in children taking a placebo. (A placebo is a treatment with no active drug.)

Side effect details

You may wonder how often certain side effects occur with this drug or whether certain side effects pertain to it. Here’s some detail on some of the side effects this drug may or may not cause.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after receiving Taltz. Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

  • skin rash
  • itchiness
  • flushing

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:

  • angioedema (swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, or cheeks)
  • swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
  • trouble breathing
  • chest tightness
  • feeling faint

Call your doctor right away if you have a severe allergic reaction to Taltz. But call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Injection site reaction

You may have a skin reaction in the area where you inject doses of Taltz. And these reactions may cause symptoms such as skin discoloration or pain.

In clinical trials of people receiving Taltz for plaque psoriasis, most of the reported injection site reactions were mild or moderate. These reactions did not cause people to stop treatment.

Each time you inject Taltz, you should do so in an area on your body that’s different from the last injection. This is called rotating injection sites, a practice that helps prevent injection site reactions. If you have a skin reaction that’s severe or does not go away in a few days, see your doctor.

Increased risk of infections

Taltz can weaken your immune system. When your immune system is not strong enough to fight off germs, you may be more likely to get an infection.

In clinical trials, some people with plaque psoriasis who received Taltz for 12 weeks contracted an infection. Here are some of the findings:

  • Most of these infections were mild. Only a small percentage of infections were considered serious, such as pneumonia.
  • The most common infections were respiratory infections such as coughs, colds, or throat infections.
  • Other infections included conjunctivitis (pink eye) and fungal infections, such as oral thrush or athlete’s foot.

Monitoring and checking for infections

If you have symptoms of an infection, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can recommend treatment. Symptoms of minor infections may include:

  • fever
  • cough
  • sore throat
  • red and sore eyes
  • discolored and sore areas of skin
  • white patches in your mouth
  • burning or pain when urinating

It is very important to see your doctor if the infection does not clear up. Otherwise, it could become more serious.

Before you start treatment with Taltz, your doctor will check for any infections, such as tuberculosis (TB), a lung disease.

If you have TB, your doctor will treat it before you start using Taltz. If you have any symptoms of TB during your treatment, it’s important to call your doctor right away. These symptoms include:

  • fever
  • muscle aches
  • losing weight without trying
  • a bad cough that lasts for 3 weeks or longer
  • coughing up blood or mucus
  • pain in the chest
  • night sweats

Avoiding infections during Taltz treatment

To help avoid contracting an infection while receiving Taltz, wash your hands often. Also, avoid close contact with people who have an infection (especially coughs, colds, or the flu).

Your doctor will likely recommend that you get any vaccines that you need before you start Taltz treatment. (See “Taltz and live vaccines” in the “Taltz interactions” section below to learn more.)

Inflammatory bowel disease

If you use Taltz, there’s a small risk that you’ll develop inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is a group of conditions that cause inflammation in your digestive tract. These conditions include Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

If you already have IBD, Taltz could make it worse, but this is rare.

Contact your doctor if you have new or worsening symptoms of IBD. These can include:

  • pain in your abdomen
  • diarrhea, with or without blood
  • weight loss

Weight gain or weight loss (not a side effect)

Weight gain and weight loss have not been reported in clinical trials of Taltz. However, weight loss can be a symptom of tuberculosis (TB) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). And these conditions are both possible side effects of Taltz. So if you lose weight during Taltz treatment, it’s important to talk with your doctor.

If you have any concerns about weight gain or weight loss, talk with your doctor.

Hair loss (not a side effect)

Hair loss was not reported in clinical trials of Taltz. However, hair loss can be a result of severe scalp psoriasis, a form of plaque psoriasis that Taltz can treat. Scratching the scalp or picking off scales may pull out hair.

If you’re concerned about hair loss, talk with your doctor.

Depression (not a side effect)

Depression was not reported as a side effect in clinical trials of Taltz. However, depression is common in people with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, which Taltz treats.

One study examined how Taltz affected symptoms of depression in people with psoriasis. Researchers found that some of the people who received Taltz for 12 weeks recovered from their depression symptoms.

Skin diseases such as psoriasis can have an important psychological effect. If you feel down, depressed, or anxious, be sure to talk with your doctor about your mood. Sometimes simply discussing your concerns can help. But if your doctor thinks you are experiencing depression, you might need treatment for it. This can come in the form of psychological therapy or medication.

Acne (not a side effect)

Acne was not reported as a side effect in clinical trials of Taltz. However, after Taltz was approved, a few people reported having acne or skin bumps. But this was rare, and it is unclear whether Taltz caused the acne.

Psoriasis medications are sometimes used to treat a severe kind of acne called acne inversa (hidradenitis suppurativa). Acne inversa involves painful, swollen skin, just like psoriasis.

But Taltz has not been studied for people with any kind of acne. However, approved medications for acne inversa are available. Examples include adalimumab (Humira) and secukinumab (Cosentyx).

If you’re concerned about acne, talk with your doctor. They can suggest ways to help treat it.

As with all medications, the cost of Taltz can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan if you have one, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

For details about Taltz and cost, refer to this article.

Financial and insurance assistance

If you need financial support to pay for Taltz, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.

Eli Lilly and Company, the manufacturer of Taltz, offers a savings card and a support program called Taltz Together. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for assistance, call 844-825-8966 or visit the program website.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Taltz to treat certain conditions. Taltz may also be used off-label for other conditions. Off-label use is when a drug that’s FDA-approved to treat one condition is used to treat a different condition.

Taltz for psoriatic arthritis

Taltz is FDA-approved to treat active psoriatic arthritis in adults. (“Active” means that you currently have symptoms.)

Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis in which one or more joints become swollen, painful, and stiff. The condition may develop in people who have psoriasis. It’s also possible to develop psoriatic arthritis before you have psoriasis on your skin.

Psoriatic arthritis most often affects the joints in your:

  • fingers
  • toes
  • knees
  • ankles
  • wrists
  • lower back

Taltz reduces inflammation and pain in your joints. The drug may also make it easier for you to move about and do daily tasks, such as dressing, washing, eating, and walking.

For more about psoriatic arthritis, visit our arthritis hub.

Effectiveness for psoriatic arthritis

Clinical trials found Taltz to be safe and effective for treating psoriatic arthritis. For details about these trials, see the Taltz prescribing information.

Taltz for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis

Taltz is FDA-approved to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults and children ages 6 years and older. It’s suitable for people whose psoriasis may benefit from systemic treatment (therapy that affects the whole body) or phototherapy (light treatment).

Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis. It can range from mild to severe. Your doctor can tell you how severe your psoriasis is and whether Taltz is right for you. Your psoriasis may be suitable for treatment with Taltz if:

  • you have plaques (thick, discolored, scaly patches) on a certain amount of your body
  • you have plaques on your hands, feet, or genitals
  • your psoriasis greatly affects your quality of life
  • topical treatments (which you apply to your skin) have not managed your psoriasis well

Taltz helps reduce the number of psoriasis plaques and how severe they are.

For more information about plaque psoriasis, see our psoriasis hub.

Effectiveness for plaque psoriasis in adults and children

Clinical trials found Taltz to be safe and effective for treating plaque psoriasis in adults and children ages 6 years and older. For details about these trials, see the Taltz prescribing information.

Taltz for spondyloarthritis

Taltz is FDA-approved to treat two forms of spondyloarthritis (SA) in adults. Specifically, Taltz is approved to treat the following two forms of SA, which are described in more detail below:

“Active” means that you currently have symptoms.

SA is an inflammatory disease and a form of arthritis that causes swelling in your spine. Often, nearby joints are also affected, especially the two joints that connect your lower spine to your pelvis (sacropelvic joints). When damage to the joints does not show up on X-rays (radiographs), the form of SA is called nr-axSpA.

When SA progresses, the chronic (long lasting) inflammation can cause vertebrae in your spine to fuse together. As a result, your spine becomes less flexible. Back pain and tiredness are common symptoms of SA that has progressed. With this type of SA, joint damage can be seen on X-rays. This form of SA is called active AS, or r-axSpA.

Effectiveness for non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis and active ankylosing spondylitis

Clinical trials found Taltz to be safe and effective for treating nr-axSpA and active AS in adults. For details about these trials, see the Taltz prescribing information.

Taltz and children

Taltz is FDA-approved to treat plaque psoriasis in children ages 6 years and older. For details about this use, see the section above called “Taltz for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.”

Taltz for other conditions

In addition to the uses listed above, Taltz may be used off-label for other purposes. Off-label drug use is when a drug that’s FDA-approved for one use is used for a different one that’s not FDA-approved. And you may wonder whether Taltz is used for certain other conditions.

Taltz for rheumatoid arthritis (off-label use)

Taltz is not approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, your doctor may prescribe the drug off-label if other approved treatments have not worked for you.

RA is a disease in which your immune system attacks your joints, making them swollen, stiff, and painful. Several studies have looked at whether Taltz can help treat RA. Taltz works on a part of the immune system that’s known to cause some of this joint inflammation.

A review of studies concluded that Taltz may be effective for treating RA.

If you would like to know more about using Taltz to treat RA, talk with your doctor. For more information about RA, refer to our rheumatoid arthritis hub.

Taltz for osteoarthritis (not an appropriate use)

Taltz is not approved or used off-label for treating osteoarthritis. This form of arthritis is caused by wear and tear on your joints. It’s not caused by inflammation. So drugs that affect your immune system, including Taltz, would not help osteoarthritis.

If you have questions about treatment options for osteoarthritis, talk with your doctor. And to learn more about this condition, visit our arthritis hub.

Alcohol does not directly affect how Taltz works, so there are no specific warnings about avoiding alcohol during Taltz treatment.

However, drinking alcohol may worsen psoriasis, which Taltz is used to treat. In addition, alcohol could make psoriasis treatment less effective and may also make your immune system less able to fight infections.

Current guidelines for treating and managing psoriasis recommend limiting how much alcohol you drink.

If you drink alcohol, ask your doctor how much is safe for you to consume during Taltz treatment.

Other drugs are available that can treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Taltz, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

Note: Some of the drugs listed here are used off-label to treat these specific conditions.

Alternatives for psoriatic arthritis

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat psoriatic arthritis include:

Alternatives for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis include:

  • apremilast (Otezla)
  • infliximab (Remicade)
  • adalimumab (Humira)
  • etanercept (Enbrel)
  • certolizumab (Cimzia)
  • ustekinumab (Stelara)
  • secukinumab (Cosentyx)
  • brodalumab (Siliq)
  • guselkumab (Tremfya)
  • golimumab (Simponi)
  • methotrexate (Otrexup, Rasuvo, Trexall)
  • sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)

Alternatives for ankylosing spondylitis

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat ankylosing spondylitis (AS) include:

  • infliximab (Remicade)
  • adalimumab (Humira)
  • etanercept (Enbrel)
  • secukinumab (Cosentyx)
  • certolizumab (Cimzia)
  • golimumab (Simponi)
  • ustekinumab (Stelara)
  • brodalumab (Siliq)
  • methotrexate (Otrexup, Rasuvo, Trexall)
  • sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)

Alternatives for non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) include:

  • certolizumab (Cimzia)
  • adalimumab (Humira)
  • secukinumab (Cosentyx)
  • methotrexate (Otrexup, Rasuvo, Trexall)
  • sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)

You may wonder how Taltz compares with other medications that are prescribed for similar uses. Here we look at how Taltz and Cosentyx are alike and different.

About

Taltz and Cosentyx are both biologic drugs (drugs made from parts of living organisms). They work by targeting a specific part of your immune system.

Taltz contains the drug ixekizumab, while Cosentyx contains the drug secukinumab. These two drugs are both called monoclonal antibodies. They block the activity of a protein in your immune system called interleukin-17. Interleukin-17 causes your immune system to attack cells in your skin and joints. This causes the inflammation that occurs with diseases such as plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and spondyloarthritis.

Uses

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved both Taltz and Cosentyx to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. These drugs are suitable for people whose psoriasis could benefit from systemic treatment (therapy that affects the whole body) or phototherapy (light treatment). For this purpose, both drugs are approved for use in adults and children ages 6 years and older.

Both Taltz and Cosentyx are also FDA-approved to treat active psoriatic arthritis in adults. (“Active” means that you currently have symptoms.) Cosentyx is also approved to treat active psoriatic arthritis in children ages 2 years and older.

In addition, both Taltz and Cosentyx are approved for treating non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis and active ankylosing spondylitis in adults. Cosentyx also has other uses that differ from those of Taltz.

Drug forms and administration

Both Taltz and Cosentyx are given by subcutaneous injection. A healthcare professional will give you your first dose. Then they can teach you how to give yourself the injection at home. (Or they can instruct a caregiver how to give the injection.)

Taltz comes in two forms: a single-use prefilled syringe and a single-use prefilled autoinjector pen.

Cosentyx comes in four forms:

  • a single-use Sensoready pen
  • a single-use UnoReady pen
  • a single-use prefilled syringe
  • a single-use vial that’s given as an intravenous (IV) infusion by a healthcare professional

Side effects and risks

Taltz and Cosentyx can cause some similar side effects and some different. Below are examples of these side effects.

More common side effects

These lists contain examples of more common side effects that can occur with Taltz, with Cosentyx, or with both drugs (when taken individually).

Serious side effects

This list contains examples of serious side effects that can occur with both Taltz and Cosentyx (when taken individually).

Effectiveness

Taltz and Cosentyx are both used to treat the following conditions:

  • moderate to severe plaque psoriasis
  • psoriatic arthritis that’s active (currently causing symptoms)
  • non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis
  • active ankylosing spondylitis

These drugs haven’t been directly compared in clinical trials. However, one review of studies of plaque psoriasis found that Taltz was more effective than Cosentyx at reducing symptoms of psoriasis.

Treatment guidelines from 2018 and 2019 recommend both drugs as options for people who need a biologic treatment for psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. Biologics are a type of medication that targets parts of your immune system that are involved in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Your doctor may recommend a biologic if other treatments have not worked well enough. For example, a biologic may be right for you if:

  • you have plaque psoriasis, and light therapy or topical treatments have not worked
  • you have psoriatic arthritis, and anti-inflammatory treatments (which help reduce swelling) such as pain relievers or steroids have not worked

Cosentyx may be better than Taltz for plaque psoriasis that affects the nails. Taltz may be a better option for erythrodermic psoriasis, a very rare type of psoriasis.

Costs

The actual price you’ll pay for either Taltz or Cosentyx depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use. For information about how the cost of these drugs compare, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Taltz and Cosentyx are both brand-name biologic drugs. There are currently no biosimilar forms of either drug.

Biologic drugs are made from living cells. A biosimilar drug is very similar to a brand-name biologic drug. However, biologic drugs can’t be copied exactly because they’re made of living cells. Biosimilars are considered to be as safe and effective as the parent biologic drug.

Biosimilars tend to cost less than the parent biologic.

In addition to Cosentyx (above), Humira is another drug that has some uses similar to those of Taltz. Here we look at how Taltz and Humira are alike and different.

About

Taltz and Humira are both biologic drugs (drugs made from parts of living organisms). They each work by targeting different but specific parts of your immune system.

Taltz contains ixekizumab, which is a type of drug called a monoclonal antibody. It blocks the activity of a protein in the immune system called interleukin-17. Interleukin-17 causes the immune system to attack cells in the skin and joints. This results in the inflammation that occurs with diseases such as plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and spondyloarthritis.

Humira contains adalimumab, which is a type of drug called a tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) blocker. It blocks the activity of a protein called TNF-α. This protein is involved in causing inflammation related to various conditions, including psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Uses

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved both Taltz and Humira to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Your doctor may prescribe one of these drugs if your psoriasis could benefit from systemic treatment (therapy that affects the whole body) or phototherapy (light treatment).

For plaque psoriasis, Taltz is approved for use in adults and children ages 6 years and older. However, Humira is only approved for use in adults with this condition.

Both Taltz and Humira are also FDA-approved to treat active psoriatic arthritis in adults. (“Active” means that you currently have symptoms.)

In addition, both Taltz and Humira are approved for treating active ankylosing spondylitis in adults. However, only Taltz is approved for treating non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis in adults.

Humira also has FDA approval for treating the following conditions in certain situations:

Drug forms and administration

Both Taltz and Humira are given by subcutaneous injection. A healthcare professional will give you your first dose. Then they can teach you how to give yourself the injection at home. (Or they can instruct a caregiver how to give the injection.)

Taltz comes in two forms: a single-use prefilled syringe and a single-use prefilled autoinjector pen.

Humira also comes in two forms: a single-use prefilled pen and a single-use prefilled syringe.

Side effects and risks

Taltz and Humira can cause some similar side effects and some different. Below are examples of these side effects.

More common side effects

These lists contain examples of more common side effects that can occur with Taltz, with Humira, or with both drugs (when taken individually).

Serious side effects

These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with Taltz, with Humira, or with both drugs (when taken individually).

* Humira has a boxed warning from the FDA for this side effect. A boxed warning is the strongest warning the FDA requires. For more information, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Effectiveness

Taltz and Humira have different FDA-approved uses, but they are both used to treat the following conditions:

  • moderate to severe plaque psoriasis
  • active psoriatic arthritis
  • active ankylosing spondylitis

A clinical trial compared how effective Taltz and Humira are in treating psoriatic arthritis and plaque psoriasis. After 24 weeks, symptoms eased slightly more for people who took Taltz compared with those who took Humira.

Treatment guidelines from 2018 and 2019 recommend both drugs as options for people who need a biologic treatment for psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. Biologics are a type of medication that targets parts of your immune system that are involved in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Your doctor may recommend a biologic if other treatments have not worked well enough. For example, a biologic may be right for you if:

  • you have plaque psoriasis, and light therapy or topical treatments have not worked
  • you have psoriatic arthritis, and anti-inflammatory treatments (which help reduce swelling) such as pain relievers or steroids have not worked

For most people who are starting treatment for active psoriatic arthritis, the 2018 guidelines recommend using TNF-alpha blockers (such as Humira) over interleukin-17 blockers (such as Taltz). The 2019 guidelines state that Humira may also be better than Taltz for plaque psoriasis that affects the scalp and for erythrodermic psoriasis (a very rare type of psoriasis).

Costs

The actual price you’ll pay for either Taltz or Humira depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use. For information about how the cost of these drugs compare, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Taltz and Humira are both brand-name biologic drugs. There are currently no biosimilar forms available for Taltz. Several biosimilars are available for Humira, including Amjevita, Hadlima, and Hyrimoz.

Biologic drugs are made from living cells. A biosimilar drug is very similar to a brand-name biologic drug. However, biologic drugs can’t be copied exactly because they’re made of living cells. Biosimilars are considered to be as safe and effective as the parent biologic drug.

Biosimilars tend to cost less than the parent biologic.

Taltz can interact with some other medications. Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase side effects or make them more severe.

For more details about interactions Taltz may cause, refer to this article.

Taltz and other medications

Below are some of the medications that can interact with Taltz. This section does not discuss all drugs that may interact with Taltz.

Before starting Taltz treatment, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Taltz and warfarin

Warfarin (Jantoven) is a type of blood thinner, a drug that helps prevent blood clots. Using Taltz with warfarin might make warfarin less effective.

If you’re taking warfarin, your doctor might want to monitor how long it takes for your blood to clot after you start Taltz, during treatment, and if you stop Taltz. They may adjust your dosage of warfarin if needed.

Taltz and cyclosporine

Cyclosporine (Cequa, Restasis, Sandimmune, others) is an immunosuppressant drug. You take it to reduce the activity of your immune system. Using Taltz with cyclosporine might make cyclosporine less effective. Taking both drugs may also increase your risk of infections.

If you are taking cyclosporine, your doctor might want to check the level of the drug in your blood after you start Taltz, during treatment, and if you stop Taltz. They may adjust your dosage of cyclosporine if needed.

Taltz and live vaccines

Getting a live vaccine during Taltz treatment can cause serious infections.

Live vaccines contain weakened forms of viruses or bacteria, but they do not cause infections in people with healthy immune systems. However, live vaccines could cause infections in people whose immune systems are affected by treatment with Taltz.

While you are receiving Taltz, you shouldn’t get live vaccines. Examples of live vaccines include those for:

It’s fine to get inactive (not live) vaccines, such as the flu shot, during your Taltz treatment. However, inactive vaccines may not work as well as they usually do. (Vaccines work by causing your immune system to produce antibodies that help fight infections. Taltz might make your immune system less able to produce antibodies.)

If your doctor recommends Taltz as a treatment option, they will likely make sure you are up to date on vaccinations before starting treatment.

Taltz and herbs and supplements

There aren’t any herbs or supplements that have been specifically reported to interact with Taltz. But be sure to check with your pharmacist before using any.

Taltz is given by subcutaneous injection. A healthcare professional will give you your first dose. Then they can teach you how to give yourself the injection at home. (Or they can instruct a caregiver how to give the injection.) You can take your Taltz injection at any time of day on the day that it’s due.

Taltz comes as a single-dose prefilled syringe and as a single-use prefilled autoinjector pen. Ask your doctor which is best for you. Both forms contain one dose. You inject the full dose and then dispose of the syringe or autoinjector pen.

When to take doses

When you will need to take doses of Taltz depends on the condition being treated. Typically, you’ll receive your first dose of Taltz at a doctor’s office. Then you’ll be able to give injections to yourself (or have a caregiver do so).

Below, we describe typical dosing schedules for Taltz for its approved uses.

  • If you have psoriasis: For your first dose of Taltz, you will receive two injections on the same day. After the first dose of Taltz, you will have one injection every 2 weeks for 12 weeks. This will be followed by one injection every 4 weeks for as long as your doctor recommends.
  • If your child has psoriasis: Depending on their weight, your child may receive one or two injections on the same day. After the first dose of Taltz, they will have one injection every 4 weeks for as long as their doctor recommends.
  • If you have psoriatic arthritis: For your first dose of Taltz, you will receive two injections on the same day. After the first dose of Taltz, you will have one injection every 4 weeks for as long as your doctor recommends.
  • If you have psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: You will receive Taltz doses based on the recommended dosing schedule for psoriasis, which is described above.
  • If you have non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA): After your first dose of Taltz, you will have one injection every 4 weeks.
  • If you have active ankylosing spondylitis (AS): For your first dose of Taltz, you will receive two injections on the same day. After the first dose of Taltz, you will have one injection every 4 weeks.

For Taltz to work well, it’s important to use it as your doctor prescribes. To make sure you remember to take your doses, it’s a good idea to write your injection schedule on a calendar. You can also use a medication reminder tool so you don’t forget.

How to inject

A healthcare professional will instruct you on how to use the syringe or autoinjector pen. For more information, videos, and injection instructions, see the manufacturer’s website.

Suitable sites to inject Taltz are the front of your thighs or your abdomen. The back of your upper arms are also suitable, but you may need someone else to give you an injection there.

Each time you inject Taltz, you should do so in a different area on your body than the last injection. This is called rotating injection sites, a practice that helps prevent injection site reactions.

Psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and spondyloarthritis are autoimmune conditions. They cause your immune system (your body’s defense against disease) to attack healthy cells by mistake.

For more information on these conditions, see the “Taltz uses” section above.

Various parts of the immune system are involved in each of these conditions. For instance, a protein called interleukin-17A causes your immune system to attack cells in your skin and joints.

Taltz contains ixekizumab, which is a type of drug called a monoclonal antibody. It works by binding (attaching) to interleukin-17A. By doing this, Taltz blocks the action of the protein. It stops the protein from signaling your immune system to attack cells in your skin and joints.

By preventing your immune system from attacking cells, Taltz helps:

  • reduce the formation of plaques on your skin in plaque psoriasis
  • reduce inflammation of your joints in psoriatic arthritis, non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, and active ankylosing spondylitis

How long does it take to work?

Taltz starts to work as soon as you begin treatment. However, it’ll probably take a few weeks for you to notice any changes in your symptoms.

Taltz hasn’t been studied during pregnancy, so it is unknown whether the drug is safe for pregnant people to use.

Make sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy before you start treatment. If you think you could be pregnant while receiving Taltz, talk with your doctor right away.

It’s not known whether Taltz is safe to use during pregnancy. If you are sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you are using Taltz.

For more information about using Taltz during pregnancy, see the “Taltz and pregnancy” section above.

It is unknown whether Taltz passes into human breast milk or whether it affects how the body makes breast milk. Taltz was found in breast milk in animal studies, but studies in animals do not always reflect what will happen in humans.

If you’re breastfeeding and considering using Taltz, talk with your doctor. They can discuss the potential risks and benefits of the drug with you.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Taltz.

Is Taltz a biologic?

Yes. Taltz is a biologic medication. This means that it’s a drug made from proteins and not from chemicals (like most drugs are). Biologic drugs are produced in a lab using animal cells.

Will I still need to use topical creams for psoriasis while using Taltz?

Maybe. But you should follow your doctor’s instructions regarding this.

If your skin clears up completely after using Taltz, you may not have to keep using topical treatments. (These are treatments that you apply to your skin). But in some cases, you may still have some psoriasis plaques (thick, scaly patches on your skin). If this happens, your doctor may recommend that you keep using moisturizers or other topical treatments as needed. Always follow the advice that your doctor gives you.

Can using Taltz cause new or worsening inflammatory bowel disease?

Yes it can. Although rare, this side effect was reported in clinical trials of Taltz. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to a group of diseases that cause inflammation in your digestive tract. Examples include Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

If you have new or worsening symptoms of IBD, see your doctor. The symptoms may include pain in your abdomen, diarrhea with or without blood, and weight loss.

What can I do to prevent infections during Taltz treatment?

Taltz can weaken part of your immune system, so the drug can increase your risk of getting infections. Here are some tips to help keep your immune system strong and help you avoid infections:

  • Before you start treatment, talk with your doctor about getting up to date with any recommended vaccines.
  • Wash your hands regularly, especially if you’ve been in a public place.
  • Try to avoid close contact with people who have an infection, especially a cough, a cold, or the flu.
  • Avoid sharing towels or washcloths with anyone who has a fungal skin infection or cold sore.
  • Eat a balanced diet.
  • Get enough sleep.
  • Don’t smoke. (If you do smoke, consider quitting.)

Does Taltz cure plaque psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis?

No, Taltz doesn’t cure these conditions. There’s currently no cure for plaque psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. But long-term treatment with Taltz may help manage the symptoms of these conditions.

Before starting Taltz treatment, talk with your doctor about your health history. Taltz may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions. These include:

  • Any infection, but tuberculosis in particular. Taltz can make your immune system less able to fight germs, so infections such as tuberculosis (TB) can become serious.
    • If you currently have TB or have had TB in the past, you may need to take medication to treat it. Once the TB is treated, you may be able to start Taltz treatment.
    • If you have symptoms of other infections, such as a fever, or if you get infections that keep coming back, tell your doctor. These infections may need to be treated before you can start using Taltz.
  • Inflammatory bowel disease. In rare cases, Taltz can worsen symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is a group of diseases that include Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. If you have IBD, talk with your doctor. They may monitor your symptoms while you use Taltz. If your IBD gets worse, you may need to stop Taltz treatment. There are other biologic medications that do not worsen IBD that you may be able to try.

Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Taltz, see the “Taltz side effects” section above.

Each prefilled syringe and autoinjector pen contains exactly the right amount of medication for one dose of Taltz. So an overdose is only possible if you give yourself multiple injections or if you receive Taltz too often.

Overdose symptoms

Symptoms of an overdose may include side effects that become more frequent or more severe, such as:

What to do in case of overdose

If you think you have received too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

When you get Taltz from the pharmacy, the pharmacist will add an expiration date to the label on the bottle. This date is typically 1 year from the date they dispensed the medication.

The expiration date helps guarantee the effectiveness of the medication during this time. The current stance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to avoid using expired medications. If you have unused medication that has gone past the expiration date, ask your pharmacist how to correctly dispose of it.

Storage

How long a medication remains good can depend on many factors, including how and where you store the medication.

Taltz prefilled syringes and autoinjector pens should be stored in a refrigerator at 36–46°F (2–8°C). Make sure they’re out of the reach of children. Don’t freeze Taltz. And don’t use the drug if it’s been frozen.

In some cases, you may need to take Taltz out of the refrigerator before using it. For example, if you’re going away for a few days and will need an injection during that time. Know that you can keep Taltz at room temperature up to 86°F (30°C) for up to 5 days.

Be sure to keep the syringe or autoinjector pen in its original carton to protect it from light. If you don’t use a syringe or pen within 5 days, you’ll need to safely dispose of it. You shouldn’t put Taltz back in the refrigerator once it’s been kept at room temperature.

Disposal

After you’ve used a Taltz prefilled syringe or autoinjector pen, put it into an FDA-approved sharps disposal container. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from using the drug by accident. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment.

If you don’t have a sharps container, you can buy one online at your local pharmacy.

You can find useful tips on medication disposal here. You can also ask your pharmacist for tips on how to dispose of your medication.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.