Ixekizumab
Pronunciation: ik-se-KIZ-ue-mab.
- Generic name
- Ixekizumab
- Brand names
- Taltz
- Drug class
- Monoclonal Antibody (Anti-IL-17A)
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States · Canada
Australia: · Full directory
What Ixekizumab is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Ixekizumab works
Ixekizumab is a humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to interleukin-17A (IL-17A), a pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in the pathogenesis of plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and axial spondyloarthritis. By neutralizing IL-17A, ixekizumab inhibits its interaction with the IL-17 receptor, reducing inflammation and autoimmune activity. (1) (2)
What Ixekizumab is used for
Plaque Psoriasis
Plaque Psoriasis (2)
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic Arthritis (2)
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing Spondylitis (2)
Non-radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis
Non-radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis (2)
Before taking Ixekizumab
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to ixekizumab or its excipients. (Contraindication) (2)
- Screen for tuberculosis prior to initiation. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take Ixekizumab
- General Instructions: Ixekizumab is administered as a subcutaneous injection. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for dosing and injection technique.. Adult Dosing: For plaque psoriasis: Initial dose is 160 mg (two 80 mg injections) at Week 0, followed by 80 mg every 2 weeks through Week 12, then 80 mg every 4 weeks thereafter. Dosing may vary for psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.. Pediatric Dosing: FDA-approved for plaque psoriasis in children aged 6 years and older, using weight-based dosing (over 50 kg: 160 mg then 80 mg q4w; 25-50 kg: 80 mg then 40 mg q4w; under 25 kg: 40 mg then 20 mg q4w). Not approved in children for psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.. Administration: Inject under the skin of the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites and do not inject into areas of active skin disease.. When To Stop: Do not stop using ixekizumab without consulting your healthcare provider. Discontinue if you develop a severe allergic reaction or serious infection.. Storage: Store in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C/36°F to 46°F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Allow to reach room temperature before injection.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, inject it as soon as you remember. Then continue with your regular schedule. Do not inject two doses at once.
Overdose
If you suspect an overdose, contact your healthcare provider or local poison control center immediately. Supportive care is recommended as there is no specific antidote. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Injection site reactions
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Upper respiratory tract infections
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Nausea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Tinea infections
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Neutropenia
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Inflammatory bowel disease (new onset or exacerbation)
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious infections
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
May increase risk of serious infections — serious
Symptoms: May increase risk of serious infections. Can worsen inflammatory bowel disease. Risk of hypersensitivity reactions. Monitor for signs of tuberculosis. Use caution in immunocompromised patients.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to ixekizumab or its excipients. Use with caution in patients with a history of chronic or recurrent infections, active tuberculosis, or inflammatory bowel disease. Screen for tuberculosis prior to initiation. Monitor for new or worsening IBD.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Ixekizumab may interact with other immunosuppressive drugs and vaccines, especially live vaccines. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
There is a pregnancy exposure registry (1-800-284-1695). Animal reproduction studies showed no malformations, but neonatal deaths occurred at high maternal doses in monkeys; the clinical significance to humans is unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy. (2)
Breastfeeding
Ixekizumab was detected in the milk of lactating monkeys in animal studies; there is no human lactation data. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be weighed against the mother's clinical need for treatment and any potential effects on the breastfed infant — a decision to make with your healthcare provider. (2)
Children
FDA-approved for plaque psoriasis in children aged 6 years and older, using a weight-based regimen: over 50 kg, 160 mg (two 80 mg injections) at Week 0 then 80 mg every 4 weeks; 25-50 kg, 80 mg at Week 0 then 40 mg every 4 weeks; under 25 kg, 40 mg at Week 0 then 20 mg every 4 weeks. NOTE: this corrects an earlier draft that said pediatric use was 'not recommended... safety not established,' which contradicted the record's own overview text about ages 6+. Ixekizumab is NOT approved in children for psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis — those remain adults-only indications. (2)
Renal_impairment
The FDA label does not include a dedicated renal- or hepatic-impairment dosing section or specific pharmacokinetic guidance for these populations; this is a genuine gap in current labeling rather than a missing detail from this record. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
The FDA label does not include a dedicated renal- or hepatic-impairment dosing section or specific pharmacokinetic guidance for these populations; this is a genuine gap in current labeling rather than a missing detail from this record. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Store refrigerated at 2-8 degC (36-46 degF). Do not freeze; protect from light. If needed, TALTZ may be stored at room temperature up to 30 degC (86 degF) for up to 5 days in its original carton, protected from light. Once removed to room temperature, do not return it to the refrigerator, and discard if unused after 5 days.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General (US FDA label) — adults
Indication: Plaque psoriasis
Dose summary: 160 mg (two 80 mg injections) at Week 0, then 80 mg every 2 weeks through Week 12, then 80 mg every 4 weeks thereafter.
Renal context: The FDA label does not include a dedicated renal-impairment dosing section. (2)
General (US FDA label) — adults
Indication: Psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis
Dose summary: 160 mg (two 80 mg injections) at Week 0, then 80 mg every 4 weeks.
Renal context: The FDA label does not include a dedicated renal-impairment dosing section. (2)
General (US FDA label) — adults
Indication: Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis
Dose summary: 80 mg every 4 weeks, with NO Week-0 loading dose (unlike plaque psoriasis, PsA, and AS).
Renal context: The FDA label does not include a dedicated renal-impairment dosing section. (2)
General (US FDA label) — children 6+ (plaque psoriasis only)
Indication: Plaque psoriasis
Dose summary: Weight-based: >50 kg, 160 mg at Week 0 then 80 mg q4w; 25-50 kg, 80 mg at Week 0 then 40 mg q4w; <25 kg, 40 mg at Week 0 then 20 mg q4w. Not approved in children for PsA, AS, or nr-axSpA.
Renal context: The FDA label does not include a dedicated renal-impairment dosing section. (2)
Frequently asked questions
How quickly does ixekizumab work?
Many patients notice improvement in skin symptoms within 1 to 2 weeks, with maximum benefit typically seen after 12 weeks of treatment.
Can I use ixekizumab if I have an infection?
You should not start ixekizumab if you have an active infection. Inform your doctor if you develop signs of infection during treatment.
Is ixekizumab safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
There is a pregnancy exposure registry for TALTZ. Animal studies showed no birth defects but some neonatal deaths at high maternal doses in monkeys; human significance is unknown. Ixekizumab was detected in monkey milk with no human lactation data available. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
Can I receive vaccines while on ixekizumab?
Avoid live vaccines during treatment. Inactivated vaccines may be given, but discuss with your healthcare provider.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as possible, then continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not double up doses.
Are there any foods or drinks I should avoid?
There are no specific food or drink restrictions with ixekizumab. Maintain a healthy diet as advised by your healthcare provider.
How do I store ixekizumab at home?
Store refrigerated at 2-8 degC (36-46 degF). Do not freeze; protect from light. If needed, it may be stored at room temperature up to 30 degC (86 degF) for up to 5 days in its original carton — once removed to room temperature, do not put it back in the refrigerator, and discard if unused after 5 days.
What happens if I take too much Ixekizumab?
Overdosing on Ixekizumab is unlikely given its administration method. However, if an overdose is suspected, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention or contact emergency services. Symptoms of an overdose are not well-defined, but close monitoring for adverse reactions and supportive care would be initiated by healthcare professionals.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Ixekizumab?
While there are no specific contraindications for alcohol consumption with Ixekizumab, it is generally advisable to limit or avoid alcohol. Alcohol can exacerbate certain inflammatory conditions that Ixekizumab treats and may also increase the risk of liver-related side effects, although this is less common with monoclonal antibodies. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Is Ixekizumab safe during pregnancy?
A pregnancy exposure registry exists for TALTZ. Animal studies did not show birth defects, but some neonatal deaths occurred at high maternal doses in monkeys, and the significance to humans is unknown. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, so they can assess the risks and benefits for you and your baby.
What is the mechanism of action of Ixekizumab?
Ixekizumab is a humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to interleukin-17A (IL-17A), a pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in the pathogenesis of plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and axial spondyloarthritis. By neutralizing IL-17A, ixekizumab inhibits its interaction with the IL-17 receptor, reducing inflammation and autoimmune activity. (1) (2)
What is the generic name of Ixekizumab?
The generic name is Ixekizumab. It is sold under brand names including Taltz.
What class of drug is Ixekizumab?
Ixekizumab is classed as: Monoclonal Antibody (Anti-IL-17A).
References
- MedGuideGlobal clinician-authored medicine record — ixekizumabMedGuideGlobal · internal · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- TALTZ (ixekizumab) — prescribing information, Eli Lilly and CompanyU.S. Food and Drug Administration · United States · dated 2024 · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- TALTZ (IXEKIZUMAB) INJECTION, SOLUTION [ELI LILLY AND COMPANY] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- Ixekizumab Injection — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- TALTZ — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA BLA125521)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
- Ixekizumab — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 1745099)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 6
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Ixekizumab names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- TALTZ80 mg/mL, 20 mg/.25mL, 40 mg/.5mL · eli lilly and company
Canada
- TALTZ