Ixekizumab
Also known as: Taltz
Ixekizumab, sold as Taltz, is another IL-17 biologic used in psoriatic and axial disease. Like other IL-17 inhibitors, it can help both skin and joints for the right patient.
Calm, careful medication review by a consultant rheumatologist.
What this medicine is
Ixekizumab is a monoclonal antibody given as a subcutaneous injection. After loading, most patients inject every 4 weeks.
Uses and context
It is used in psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, and moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.
How this relates to rheumatology care
As with other IL-17 inhibitors, I screen for TB and hepatitis, review your bowel history carefully, and plan vaccinations before starting. Injection technique and storage are reviewed at the start.
What safety checks may matter
TB and hepatitis screening
Careful history for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Vaccination review before starting
Baseline blood tests
Check for candida (yeast) infections during treatment
Side effects and red flags
If you have emergency symptoms such as severe allergic reaction, breathing difficulty, chest pain, stroke-like symptoms, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, black stools, sudden vision loss, severe infection symptoms, or severe weakness or confusion, please seek urgent medical care first rather than waiting for a WhatsApp reply.
Persistent fever or signs of severe infection
New or worsening bowel symptoms, blood in stools or severe diarrhoea
Signs of severe allergic reaction
Recurrent oral thrush or other candida infections
Things worth knowing day to day
Avoid live vaccines while on ixekizumab.
Not usually preferred if you have active inflammatory bowel disease.
Store injections in the fridge; follow travel guidance in the leaflet.
Pause during significant infections after checking with me.
Questions patients often ask me about this medicine
Speak with me
If ixekizumab has been suggested for your psoriatic or axial disease, please message my clinic. I would like to explain the plan and check it fits you.
Other medications used in rheumatology care
This page is for general education only and does not replace medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Do not start, stop, or change any medicine without advice from your doctor.