Taltz (ixekizumab) is a prescription brand-name medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it to treat certain forms of the following conditions:
- plaque psoriasis in people ages 6 years and older
- ankylosing spondylitis in adults
- psoriatic arthritis in adults
- nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis in adults
Taltz is given as a subcutaneous injection.
The active drug in Taltz is ixekizumab, which is a biologic. Taltz is classified as a monoclonal antibody. It’s not currently available as a
For information about the dosage of Taltz injections, including the drug’s forms, strength, dosing schedule, and how to use the medication, keep reading. For a comprehensive look at Taltz, see this article or the drug’s prescribing information.
This article describes typical dosages for Taltz provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When using Taltz, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
Below are Taltz dosages commonly used for the conditions the drug is prescribed to treat.
Taltz forms
Taltz comes as a liquid solution that’s given as a subcutaneous injection. The drug is available in two forms: a single-dose syringe and a single-dose autoinjector.
Taltz strength
Taltz is available in one strength: 80 milligrams (mg) per milliliter (mL) of liquid solution (80 mg/mL). This strength applies to both of the drug’s forms.
Typical dosages
The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to use the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage schedule to fit your needs.
Taltz dosage for plaque psoriasis
For treating plaque psoriasis, you’ll likely receive a loading dose of Taltz before your doctor switches you to a maintenance dose. A loading dose is a high dose given at the start of treatment to help a medication work faster.
Taltz’s loading dose schedule for plaque psoriasis in adults is:
- week 0: 160 milligrams (mg), which is two 80-mg injections
- weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12: 80 mg (one injection every 2 weeks)
You won’t have a loading dose of Taltz on odd-numbered weeks.
The maintenance dosage after week 12 is 80 mg (one injection) every 4 weeks.
Taltz dosage for ankylosing spondylitis
For treating ankylosing spondylitis, you’ll likely begin with a Taltz starting dose of 160 mg. This is two 80-mg injections, which you’ll have at week 0. Then your dosage will be 80 mg (one injection) every 4 weeks.
Taltz for psoriatic arthritis
The Taltz dosage for psoriatic arthritis is the same as for ankylosing spondylitis. See “Taltz dosage for ankylosing spondylitis” above for details.
If you have both plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, you’ll likely follow the dosing described in “Taltz dosage for plaque psoriasis” above.
Taltz for nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis
For treating nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis, the recommended Taltz dosage is 80 mg (one injection) every 4 weeks.
Long-term use
Taltz is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Taltz is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely use it long term.
Children’s dosage
Taltz is approved to treat plaque psoriasis in children ages 6 years and older in some situations. The children’s dosage of Taltz is based on weight.
The chart below details pediatric dosing of Taltz for treating plaque psoriasis. “Kg” stands for kilograms, and “lb” stands for pounds.
| Child’s weight | Dosage at week 0 | Dosage every 4 weeks |
| < 25 kg (less than 55 lb) | 40 mg* | 20 mg* |
| 25 kg to 50 kg (about 55 lb to 110 lb) | 80 mg | 40 mg* |
| > 50 kg (more than 110 lb) | 160 mg (two 80-mg injections) | 80 mg |
* Your child’s doctor will administer these doses. This is because Taltz syringes and autoinjectors come in one strength (80 mg/mL). The doctor will remove some of the medication from a Taltz syringe and use a different syringe to give your child the dose.
The Taltz dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:
- the type and severity of the condition you’re using Taltz to treat
- your age
- your child’s weight
Other medical conditions you have can also affect your Taltz dosage.
Taltz is given as a subcutaneous injection. The drug is available in two forms: a single-dose syringe and a single-dose autoinjector.
A healthcare professional can give you your Taltz injections or they can show you how to give yourself injections at home. You can also view instructions on the manufacturer’s website.
You may find that it’s simpler to use one form over the other. Your doctor can review the two forms with you.
You can inject Taltz in the front of your thighs or in your abdomen (belly). Taltz may also be injected into your triceps (back of your upper arm). But you may need someone else to give you injections in that area.
Be sure to rotate sites with each injection. This means choosing a different area of skin every time you inject Taltz. Keep in mind that you should not inject Taltz into a part of your skin that’s bruised, tender, or discolored. And you should not inject the drug into skin that has a psoriasis plaque (a thick, scaly patch).
If you have any questions about using Taltz, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
If you miss a dose of Taltz, take it as soon as possible. Then continue your usual dosing schedule. If you have questions about what to do, talk with your doctor. They can advise you on how to get back on schedule.
To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.
It’s important that you don’t use more Taltz than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, using more than the recommended amount may lead to side effects or overdose.
If you use more than the recommended amount of Taltz
Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve used too much Taltz. Another option is to call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Taltz for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes for you.
As with any drug, never change your dosage of Taltz without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Taltz that’s right for you, talk with your doctor.
Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Taltz. These additional articles might be helpful:
- More about Taltz. For information about other aspects of Taltz, refer to this article.
- Details about your condition. For details about the conditions Taltz is approved to treat, see our arthritis hub and list of psoriatic arthritis articles. This list of psoriasis articles may also be helpful.
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.