Taltz Autoinjector (Subcutaneous)
Ixekizumab is used in adults and children at least 6 years old to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who may also receive phototherapy or other treatments for psoriasis.
Ixekizumab is also used alone or with methotrexate to treat active psoriatic arthritis in adults.
Ixekizumab is also used in adults to treat active ankylosing spondylitis or a type of active axial spondyloarthritis (with signs of inflammation).
Ixekizumab may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
uses
What is Taltz Autoinjector (Subcutaneous) used for?
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Plaque Psoriasis
- Non-Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Taltz Autoinjector (Subcutaneous)?
You should not use ixekizumab if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients.
Before you start using ixekizumab, tell your doctor if you have any signs of infection such as fever, chills, sweating, muscle pain, stomach pain, diarrhea, cough, shortness of breath, bloody mucus, weight loss, redness, warmth, painful sores on your skin, increased urination, burning when you urinate.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:
- an active, chronic, or recent infection;
- Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis; or
- tuberculosis (or if you have close contact with someone who has tuberculosis).
Tell your doctor if you recently received a vaccine or are scheduled to receive a vaccine.
Make sure you are current on all vaccines before you start using ixekizumab.
It is not known if ixekizumab will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of ixekizumab on the baby.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.
Do not allow a child to use ixekizumab without help from an adult.
Side Effects
What are the side effects of Taltz Autoinjector (Subcutaneous)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Some people may develop severe skin reactions that look like eczema during treatment with ixekizumab. This medicine can cause serious side effects and may lead to hospitalization.Call your doctor at once if you have: itching, red or dry skin, skin that feels like leather, small bumps or patches, blisters or sores, or areas with crusting or scaling.
You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. Call your doctor if you have a fever, chills, sweating, muscle pain, stomach pain, diarrhea, weight loss, skin sores or redness, shortness of breath, cough with red or pink mucus, increased urination, or painful urination.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- diarrhea (may be bloody), stomach cramps, weight loss; or
- signs of tuberculosis-- fever, cough, night sweats, loss of appetite, weight loss, and feeling very tired.
Common side effects may include:
- bruising, swelling, warmth, redness, oozing, or bleeding where an injection was given;
- nausea;
- fungal infections; or
- cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Can I take Taltz Autoinjector (Subcutaneous) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
It is not known if ixekizumab will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of ixekizumab on the baby.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Taltz Autoinjector (Subcutaneous)?
Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
Avoid receiving a "live" vaccine. The vaccine may not work as well while you are using ixekizumab. Live vaccines may include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), varicella (chickenpox), live nasal flu vaccine, and others.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to take Taltz Autoinjector (Subcutaneous)?
Use Taltz Autoinjector (Subcutaneous) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Remain under the care of a doctor while using ixekizumab.
Before you start treatment with ixekizumab, your doctor may test you for tuberculosis or other infections.
Ixekizumab is injected under the skin. Your doctor will determine your treatment schedule.
A healthcare provider will teach you or your caregiver how to properly give the medication. Inject ixekizumab only after you or your caregiver have received training on the correct injection technique.
Only a healthcare provider or trained caregiver should administer this medication to a child.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.
Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Call your pharmacist if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors or has particles in it.
Do not inject into areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red or hard, or into a skin area with active psoriasis. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.
Each prefilled syringe or autoinjector is for one use only. Throw away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside. Place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container and dispose of it following state or local laws. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Doses are based on weight in children. Your child's dose may change if the child gains or loses weight.
You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. You will need frequent medical tests.
You may be given other medications to help prevent tuberculosis infection or treat certain side effects. Keep taking these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.
Store this medicine in the original container in the refrigerator. Protect from light and do not freeze or shake the medicine.
Take the medicine out of the refrigerator and let it reach room temperature for 30 minutes before injecting the dose. Do not warm the medicine with hot water, sunlight, or a microwave.
You may store this medicine at room temperature for up to 5 days. Throw the medicine away if not used within 5 days. Do not return the medicine into the refrigerator once it has reached room temperature.
Use the medicine as soon as you remember, and then use your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two doses at one time.