What is Taltz?
Taltz (ixekizumab) is a prescription medication used to treat autoimmune conditions like psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. It works by blocking interleukin-17A (IL-17A), a protein involved in inflammation.
Clinical Trials Of Taltz
Plaque Psoriasis:
- UNCOVER Trials: Three pivotal Phase III trials—UNCOVER-1, UNCOVER-2 and UNCOVER-3 assessed Taltz in adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Significant proportion of patients achieved a 75% improvement in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 75) at Week 12 compared to placebo in these studies. Additionally, Taltz demonstrated superiority over etanercept in achieving PASI 75 responses.
Psoriatic Arthritis:
- SPIRIT-P1 and SPIRIT-P2 Trials: These Phase III trials evaluated Taltz in patients with active psoriatic arthritis. In SPIRIT-P1 (included biologic-naive patients) a higher percentage of those treated with Taltz achieved at least a 20% improvement in the American College of Rheumatology criteria (ACR20) at Week 24 compared to placebo. SPIRIT-P2 (patients with prior inadequate response to tumor necrosis factor inhibitors) also showed significant ACR20 responses with Taltz treatment.
- SPIRIT-H2H Trial: This head to head Phase IV study compared Taltz to adalimumab (Humira) in biologic naive patients with active psoriatic arthritis and plaque psoriasis. A higher proportion of patients treated with Taltz simultaneously achieved ACR50 and complete skin clearance (PASI 100) compared to those receiving adalimumab at week 24.
Ankylosing Spondylitis:
- COAST-V and COAST-W Trials: These Phase III trials assessed Taltz in patients with active ankylosing spondylitis. In COAST-V (biologic-naive patients) and COAST-W (patients with prior inadequate response or intolerance to tumor necrosis factor inhibitors) a higher percentage of patients treated with Taltz achieved at least a 40% improvement in the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society criteria (ASAS40) at Week 16 compared to placebo.
What Are The Side Effects Of Taltz?
1. Common Side Effects (Mild to Moderate)
These side effects are relatively frequent but not usually dangerous;
- Injection site reactions (up to 20%); Redness, pain, swelling, itching or bruising where the injection was given.
- Upper respiratory infections (10-15%); Common colds, sinus infections and sore throat.
- Nausea (2-5%); Feeling sick but usually mild and temporary.
- Fungal infections (1-3%); Taltz may increase the risk of yeast infections like athlete’s foot or oral thrush.
- Headache (5-10%); Mild to moderate headaches could be seen.
2. Serious Side Effects (Require Medical Attention)
A. Risk of Serious Infections
- Tuberculosis (TB); A TB test is required before starting Taltz. If latent TB is detected, treatment may be necessary before beginning Taltz.
- Bacterial infections; Such as pneumonia or skin infections (cellulitis).
- Fungal infections; May include severe yeast infections that effect the skin or internal organs.
- Opportunistic infections; Infections that are rare in people with normal immune function could be seen.
What to watch for:
- Fever, chills, sweating
- Persistent cough
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue or weight loss
- Painful skin lesions or sores
B. Allergic Reactions (Hypersensitivity Reactions)
Taltz can cause allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis, a life-threatening emergency.
Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction:
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Hives or severe rash
- Rapid heartbeat
Get emergency medical help immediately if any of these happen.
C. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Worsening or Onset
Taltz may worsen existing IBD (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis) or trigger new cases.
Signs to watch for:
- Persistent diarrhea
- Blood in stool
- Severe abdominal pain
- Sudden weight loss
Contact a doctor as soon as possible if these symptoms occur.
D. Liver Enzyme Changes
Signs of liver problems:
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine
- Fatigue or nausea
- Upper right abdominal pain
Routine blood tests may be needed to monitor liver function.
3. Precautions & Who Should Avoid Taltz
- People with active infections; Avoid using Taltz until the infection clears.
- History of TB; Must be screened and treated if necessary.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); Use with caution because of it may worsen symptoms.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women; Safety during pregnancy is not well established. Consulting a doctor could be very helpful.
4. What to Do If You Experience Side Effects
- Mild side effects: Usually resolve on their own. Talk with your doctor if they persist.
- Moderate to severe side effects: Contact your doctor immediately.
- Severe allergic reactions or serious infections: Get emergency medical attention.
What Are The Costs Of Taltz?
United States:
- Retail Price: About $7,590 for a 1-milliliter (80 mg/mL) prefilled autoinjector.
- Patient Assistance: Eligible patients may access Taltz at a reduced cost through assistance programs. For instance, some programs offer the medication for a flat fee of $49 per month.
Canada:
- Availability: Taltz is available through Canadian pharmacies and prices change by provider.
European Union:
- Luxembourg: Patients can arrange to pick up Taltz from partner pharmacies in Luxembourg.
United Arab Emirates:
- Availability: Taltz 80mg Injection is available in the UAE.
Saudi Arabia:
- Retail Price: Taltz 80 mg/ml vial is available; specific pricing can be obtained from local pharmacies.
India:
- Availability: Taltz 80mg 1ml Auto injector is available through certain distributors.
Israel:
- Retail Price: A package containing three injections of Taltz is priced from $4,200.
What Are The Dosages Of Taltz?
1. Plaque Psoriasis (Adults)
- Initial Dose: 160 mg (two 80 mg injections) at Week 0
- Maintenance Dose: 80 mg every 2 weeks for the first 12 weeks and then 80 mg every 4 weeks
2. Psoriatic Arthritis (Adults)
- If used alone:
- Initial Dose: 160 mg at Week 0
- Maintenance Dose: 80 mg every 4 weeks
- If used with another biologic (e.g., TNF inhibitors):
- 80 mg every 4 weeks without a loading dose
3. Ankylosing Spondylitis (Axial Spondyloarthritis)
- Initial Dose: 160 mg at Week 0
- Maintenance Dose: 80 mg every 4 weeks
4. Non-Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis
- Initial Dose: 160 mg at Week 0
- Maintenance Dose: 80 mg every 4 weeks
Administration Guidelines
- Subcutaneous injection only (not for intravenous or intramuscular use)
- Can be injected in the thigh, abdomen or upper arm
- Avoid injecting into areas of active psoriasis
- Keep in the refrigerator (2°C–8°C or 36°F–46°F)
How To Properly Use Taltz?
1. Before Injecting Taltz
A. Storage Instructions
- Keep refrigerated at 2°C–8°C (36°F–46°F).
- Do not freeze.
- Keep in the original carton to protect from light.
- It can be stored at room temperature (up to 30°C or 86°F) for 5 days if needed.
B. Preparation
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Take Taltz out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before injection to allow it to reach room temperature.
- Do not shake the pen or syringe.
- Inspect the solution: It should be clear to slightly yellow. Do not use if it is cloudy or contains particles.
2. Choosing an Injection Site
Taltz is injected subcutaneously (under the skin). Recommended sites;
✅ Thigh
✅ Abdomen (except 2 inches around the navel)
✅ Upper arm (if administered by a caregiver)
Avoid:
❌ Areas with psoriasis plaques, scars, bruises or infections
❌ The same site for consecutive injections
3. Injection Instructions
A. Using the Autoinjector (Pen)
- Remove the cap just before use.
- Place the pen firmly against the skin at a 90-degree angle.
- Press the button to inject. You will hear a click.
- Hold for about 10 seconds until a second click is heard.
- Remove the pen and dispose of it in a sharps container.
B. Using the Prefilled Syringe
- Remove the needle cap just before use.
- Pinch the skin at the injection site.
- Insert the needle at a 45-degree angle.
- Slowly push the plunger until the syringe is empty.
- Remove the syringe and dispose of it safely.
4. After the Injection
- Do not rub the injection site.
- If there is slight bleeding apply a cotton ball or gauze.
- Dispose of the used pen/syringe in a sharps container.
- Monitor for side effects, especially allergic reactions (rash, swelling, trouble breathing).
5. What If You Miss a Dose?
- If you miss a dose; inject it as soon as you remember.
- Then, continue with your regular dosing schedule.
- Do not inject two doses to make up for a missed one.
6. Important Warnings & Precautions
- Do not use if you have an active infection (such as tuberculosis).
- Get tested for tuberculosis before starting treatment.
- Avoid live vaccines while using Taltz.
- Consult your doctor if you have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis because Taltz could worsen these conditions.
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