Taltz/ixekizumab Cost, Side effects, Uses for Psoriasis

Taltz is marketed by Indanapolis, Indiana-based Eli Lilly and Company.

Taltz is administered as an injection. It is intended for patients who are candidates for systemic therapy (treatment using substances that travel through the bloodstream, after being taken by mouth or injected), phototherapy (ultraviolet light treatment) or a combination of both.

Taltz’s active ingredient is an antibody (ixekizumab) that binds to a protein (interleukin (IL)-17A) that causes inflammation. By binding to the protein, ixekizumab is able to inhibit the inflammatory response that plays a role in the development of plaque psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes patches of skin redness and flaking. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that occurs more commonly in patients with a family history of the disease, and most often begins in people between the ages of 15 and 35. The most common form of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis, in which patients develop thick, red skin with flaky, silver-white scales.

Taltz/ixekizumab  Side effects

• Serious allergic reactions and development or worsening of inflammatory bowel disease have been reported with the use of Taltz. Monitor patients closely for these conditions. 
• The most common side effects include upper respiratory infections, injection site reactions and fungal (tinea) infections.

Taltz/ixekizumab  Prescribing Information

US FDA has approved this medicine to treat adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

Taltz/ixekizumab Dosage

 This drug is formulated as pre-filled single syringe having drug volume 80mg/ml. Dosage frequency of this drug is160mg subcutaneously at first week then 80mg subcutaneously every second week (q2wks). After the administration of 7th dose administer 80mg subcutaneously every fourth week (SC q4wks).