If you have certain types of psoriasis or arthritis, your doctor may prescribe Taltz.

Taltz can be used in adults to treat:

Taltz can also be used to treat plaque psoriasis in some children.

To learn more about these conditions and how Taltz is used, see the “What is Taltz used for?” section below.

Taltz basics

Taltz contains the active drug ixekizumab, which is a biologic medication. A biologic is made from parts of living organisms.

Taltz is not available in a biosimilar form. (Biosimilars are like generic drugs. But unlike generics, which are made for nonbiologic drugs, biosimilars are made for biologic drugs.) Instead, ixekizumab comes only as the brand-name drug Taltz.

Taltz comes as a liquid solution inside prefilled syringes and autoinjectors. (An autoinjector is a device that injects a dose of medication when you press a button.)

You’ll receive Taltz as an injection under your skin. At first, your healthcare professional will give you the injection. But they can also teach you or your caregiver how to inject the drug at home.

This article describes Taltz’s side effects, uses, how it compares with other treatments, and more.

Like most drugs, Taltz may cause mild or serious side effects. The lists below describe some of the more common side effects that Taltz may cause. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on:

  • your age
  • other health conditions you have
  • other medications you’re taking

To learn more about the side effects of Taltz, check out this article. Your doctor or pharmacist can also tell you more about the potential side effects of Taltz as well as suggest ways to help reduce side effects.

Mild side effects

Here’s a short list of some of the mild side effects that Taltz can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read Taltz’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects of Taltz that have been reported include:

Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* For more information on this side effect, see the “Side effect focus” section below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Taltz can occur, but they aren’t common. If you have serious side effects from Taltz, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects of Taltz that have been reported include:

* For more information on this side effect, see the “Side effect focus” section below.

Side effect focus

Learn more about some of the side effects Taltz may cause.

Injection site reaction

After receiving an injection of Taltz, you may have some soreness, irritation, or a change in skin color around the injection site. Reactions such as these are common with Taltz injections. The reaction is usually mild and gets better in a few days.

What might help

To help reduce your risk for an injection site reaction with Taltz:

  • use a different injection site each time you take a dose of Taltz, and make a note of your injection site each time you take a dose
  • do not inject into areas of skin that are tender, red or discolored, bruised, hard, or showing symptoms of psoriasis

If you have an injection site reaction that bothers you, it may help to apply a cold pack to the area. If you have a reaction that’s severe or doesn’t get better in a few days, call your doctor.

Infection

Taltz can weaken your immune system. This can make it harder for your body to fight off germs that can cause infections.

It’s common to get mild infections from time to time while you’re using Taltz. Mild infections usually get better with treatment, but they can sometimes become more serious. Examples of mild infections include:

Symptoms of infection can vary depending on the type of infection you have. But they may include:

Although rare, it’s possible to get serious infections such as pneumonia or tuberculosis (TB) while you’re using Taltz. Symptoms of serious infection can include:

What might help

Before starting Taltz treatment, your doctor will likely test you for TB. If you have TB, they’ll treat it before you start using Taltz.

Also, it’s recommended that you get any vaccines you need before Taltz treatment. This is because the drug may interact with certain vaccines. Talk with your doctor about any vaccines you might need, such as the flu or pneumonia vaccine, before you start Taltz.

For more information, see the “Does Taltz have interactions?” section below.

To help reduce your risk for infection with Taltz:

  • wash your hands with soap often, especially after being in public places
  • avoid being in crowds and around people who are ill
  • avoid sharing towels and facecloths with other people

If you get any symptoms of infection while you’re using Taltz, contact your doctor. They may recommend taking medication to treat the infection. Be sure to call your doctor right away if your symptoms get worse or the infection doesn’t get better with treatment.

Inflammatory bowel disease

On rare occasions, using Taltz can cause you to develop inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). If you already have IBD, Taltz could make your IBD worse.

IBD is a group of conditions that cause inflammation in your digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are forms of IBD.

Symptoms of IBD can include:

What might help

If you have new or worsening symptoms of IBD, call your doctor right away. You may need to stop using Taltz.

Allergic reaction

Some people may have an allergic reaction to Taltz.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

  • skin rash
  • itchiness
  • flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet. They can also include swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat, which can cause trouble breathing.

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Taltz. If you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.

Your doctor will explain how you should use Taltz. They’ll also explain how much to use and how often. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.

Before starting Taltz treatment

Taltz may cause serious infection, such as tuberculosis (TB).*

Before starting Taltz treatment, your doctor will likely test you for TB. If you have TB, they’ll treat it before you start using Taltz.

Also, it’s recommended that you get any vaccinations you need prior to Taltz treatment. This is because the drug may interact with certain vaccines.†

* For more information on this side effect, see the “Side effect focus” section above.
† For more information, see the “Does Taltz have interactions?” section below.

Using Taltz

You’ll receive Taltz as an injection under your skin.

Your healthcare professional will give you the injection at first. But they can also teach you or your caregiver how to give the injection at home. Detailed instructions and videos are available on the drugmaker’s website.

Taltz comes as a liquid solution inside prefilled syringes and autoinjectors. (An autoinjector is a device that injects a dose of medication when you press a button.) Both products are for single use only.

You should store Taltz in the refrigerator. Before you inject a dose of the drug, remove it from the fridge and let it warm up to room temperature. You should leave it out of the fridge for at least 30 minutes, without removing the needle cap.

Taltz injection sites

You can inject Taltz in the following sites on your body:

  • the front of your thighs
  • your belly, avoiding the area 1 inch around your belly button
  • the back of your upper arms, if someone else is giving you the injection

Taking Taltz with other drugs

Taltz is typically used on its own for all of its uses. If you use any other medications for your condition, ask your doctor if you should continue using them after you start taking Taltz treatment.

Questions about taking Taltz

  • What if I miss a dose of Taltz? If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. Then continue with your usual dosing schedule. But if it’s not long until your next dose is due, ask your doctor if you should take or skip the missed dose.
  • Will I need to use Taltz long term? Yes, Taltz is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If it works for you without causing troublesome side effects, you’ll typically use it long term.
  • Should I take my dose of Taltz with food? You can take your dose of Taltz with or without food. Food does not affect how well your body absorbs the drug.
  • How long does Taltz take to work? Taltz starts to work soon after you have your first injection. But it might take a few weeks before you notice your symptoms starting to ease. It can take several weeks for the medication to have its full effect.
Questions for your doctor

You may have questions about Taltz and your treatment plan. It’s important to discuss all your concerns with your doctor.

Here are a few tips that might help guide your discussion:

  • Before your appointment, write down questions such as:
    • How will Taltz affect my body, mood, or lifestyle?
  • Bring someone with you to your appointment if doing so will help you feel more comfortable.
  • If you don’t understand something related to your condition or treatment, ask your doctor to explain it to you.

Remember, your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you. And they want you to get the best care possible. So don’t be afraid to ask questions or offer feedback on your treatment.

Your dosing schedule for Taltz depends on the condition being treated. Your doctor will recommend the dosage that’s right for you. Below are commonly used dosages, but always use the dosage that your doctor prescribes. For more details about the dosage of Taltz, refer to this article.

Form and strength

You’ll receive Taltz as an injection under your skin.

It comes as a liquid solution inside prefilled syringes and autoinjectors. (An autoinjector is a device that injects a dose of medication when you press a button.)

Both syringe and autoinjector contain 80 milligrams (mg) of Taltz and are for single use only.

Dosage

If you use Taltz for psoriasis, you’ll typically have one injection (80 mg) once every 2 weeks for 12 weeks. After this, you’ll have one injection (80 mg) every 4 weeks.

If you use Taltz for certain kinds of arthritis, you’ll typically have one injection (80 mg) every 4 weeks. But dosing for psoriatic arthritis in people who also have psoriasis is the same as for psoriasis. (See above for this dosage.)

For most conditions, your doctor will give you two injections (160 mg) for your first dose. This is called a loading dose. It helps the treatment start to work faster.

If you have certain types of psoriasis and arthritis, your doctor may prescribe Taltz.

It’s used to treat the following conditions:

Plaque psoriasis that’s moderate or severe. Your doctor may prescribe Taltz for plaque psoriasis that could benefit from phototherapy or systemic therapy. (Phototherapy is a treatment that uses light. Systemic therapy is a treatment that affects your whole body and is taken by mouth or as an injection.) With plaque psoriasis, you have silvery, scaly patches on your skin that may be inflamed and itchy. For this use, Taltz is prescribed to adults and children ages 6 years and older.

Psoriatic arthritis. Your doctor may prescribe Taltz for active psoriatic arthritis (causing symptoms). Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that can develop in some people with psoriasis. Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. For this use, Taltz is prescribed to adults.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Your doctor may prescribe Taltz for active AS (causing symptoms). AS is a form of arthritis that mainly affects the spine. It causes joint damage and can lead to joints in your spine fusing. Symptoms of AS include back pain and stiffness. For this use, Taltz is prescribed to adults.

Nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis. Your doctor may prescribe Taltz for this condition if it’s active (causing symptoms). This is a form of arthritis that affects the spine and pelvis. Symptoms of this condition include back and hip pain and stiffness. Nonradiographic means that the condition doesn’t show up on X-rays. Doctors may prescribe Taltz if signs of inflammation show up in MRI scans or blood tests. For this use, Taltz is prescribed to adults.

Taltz treats these conditions by blocking the action of a specific immune system protein called interleukin 17A (IL-17A). People with these forms of psoriasis and arthritis often have high levels of this protein in their bodies. This protein can cause responses in the immune system that create inflammation.

By blocking IL-17A, Taltz stops the immune responses that create inflammation in your skin or joints. It helps clear up skin plaques in psoriasis. It also helps reduce joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and damage in these forms of arthritis.

Costs of prescription drugs can vary depending on many factors. These factors include what your insurance plan covers and which pharmacy you use.

If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also visit the Taltz drugmaker’s website to see if it has support options.

Find answers to some commonly asked questions about Taltz.

How does Taltz work?

Taltz treats certain forms of psoriasis and arthritis by affecting part of your immune system. With certain forms of psoriasis and arthritis, your immune system is overactive and attacks cells in your body by mistake.

With psoriasis, your immune system attacks your skin, causing inflamed, scaly, itchy patches. With arthritis, your immune system attacks your joints, causing inflammation that leads to pain, stiffness, and joint damage.

Taltz has a very targeted mechanism of action. (Mechanism of action is how a drug works.) It blocks the action of a specific immune system protein called interleukin-17A (IL-17A). This protein causes reactions in your immune system that create inflammation. It’s found in high levels in people with certain forms of psoriasis and arthritis.

By blocking IL-17A, Taltz stops the immune reactions that cause the inflammation in your skin or joints. This helps reduce the symptoms of these conditions.

Will I have weight gain or weight loss with Taltz?

You’re unlikely to. Weight changes weren’t reported as a side effect of Taltz in studies of the medication. But weight loss could be a symptom of inflammatory bowel disease or tuberculosis, both of which are rare but possible side effects of Taltz.

If you have weight loss or weight gain while you’re using Taltz, talk with your doctor. They can look into what’s causing it.

Does Taltz cause hair loss, fatigue, or depression?

It’s not known to. These side effects weren’t reported in studies of Taltz. But these problems can be caused by the conditions Taltz is used to treat. For example, hair loss can result from psoriasis of the scalp. Also, fatigue (low energy) and depression are common in people with some forms of arthritis.

If you have hair loss, fatigue, or depression while using Taltz, talk with your doctor. They can help find the cause and recommend ways to manage these problems.

How does Taltz compare with Skyrizi?

Taltz contains the active drug ixekizumab, while Skyrizi contains the active drug risankizumab-rzaa. Both drugs are biologics (drugs made using parts of living organisms).

Taltz is used for plaque psoriasis and certain forms of arthritis in adults. It’s also used for plaque psoriasis in children ages 6 years and older. Skyrizi is used for plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn’s disease in adults.

Both drugs work by blocking immune system proteins that are overactive in people with psoriasis. Taltz is an interleukin-17A blocker, while Skyrizi is an interleukin-23 blocker. These drugs have similar side effects. And both drugs can increase the risk of infection.

You will receive Taltz and Skyrizi as injections under the skin. You can self-inject them after your doctor shows you how to do so. You will need to use Taltz more often than Skyrizi.

To learn more about Skyrizi, check out this article. Talk with your doctor if you’re wondering which of these drugs might be best for you.

Is Taltz used to treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Taltz isn’t approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). But it might be used off-label for RA if other treatments haven’t worked. Off-label use is when a drug is used for a purpose that hasn’t been FDA-approved.

Talk with your doctor if you’d like to find out more about using Taltz for RA.

How should I store Taltz?

You should store Taltz in the fridge at a temperature of 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Make sure the drug does not freeze, and do not use Taltz if it’s been frozen. Before you inject Taltz, remove it from the fridge and let it warm up to room temperature. You should leave it out of the fridge for at least 30 minutes without taking the needle cap off.

If needed, you can keep Taltz at room temperature, up to 86°F (30°C), for up to 5 days. But if you do not use it within 5 days, you’ll need to safely dispose of it. Do not put Taltz back in the fridge once it’s been kept at room temperature.

Always keep Taltz in the original carton to protect it from light.

Taltz and Cosentyx are very similar medications used to treat several of the same conditions. Both are used in adults for psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, spondyloarthritis, and plaque psoriasis. They’re also used for plaque psoriasis in children ages 6 years and older. For psoriatic arthritis, Cosentyx is also used in children ages 2 years and older.

Additionally, Cosentyx is used to treat arthritis affecting inflamed entheses (areas on bone where ligaments and tendons attach) in adults and children ages 4 years and older.

Taltz contains ixekizumab, while Cosentyx contains secukinumab. Both drugs are biologics (drugs made using parts of living organisms). Both also belong to the same class of medications called interleukin-17A blockers.

Taltz and Cosentyx are both given as injections under the skin. And you can self-inject them after your doctor shows you how to do so. They have very similar side effects, including a risk of infection. But injection site reactions are more common with Taltz, while diarrhea is more common with Cosentyx.

If you’d like to know more about how Taltz and Cosentyx compare, see this article. Also, talk with your doctor about which drug is better for you.

Taking medications, vaccines, foods, and other things with a certain drug can affect how the drug works. These effects are called interactions.

Interactions with drugs or supplements

Taltz isn’t expected to interact with other drugs or supplements. But it’s important to tell your doctor about any medications, herbs, or vitamins you’re using. Some of these products may interfere with Taltz or vice versa.

Before using Taltz, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter types. Also describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any interactions these items may cause with Taltz.

Interactions with vaccines

Taltz can weaken the activity of your immune system, so it can affect how your body responds to vaccines. This can lead to different problems, depending on the type of vaccine.

Live vaccines. You should not get live vaccines while you’re using Taltz. Live vaccines contain weakened forms of live bacteria or viruses. They do not cause an infection in people with a healthy immune system. But if you have one of these vaccines while you’re using Taltz, the vaccine could cause serious infection.

Examples of live vaccines that you should not get during Taltz treatment include:

This also includes the nasal spray flu vaccine that is sprayed into your nose. But it’s fine to get the injected flu vaccine while you’re using Taltz. See below for more information on flu vaccines.

Inactivated vaccines. Inactivated vaccines contain non-live bacteria or viruses or parts of these germs. These vaccines can’t cause an infection in people who get them. But if you get one of these vaccines while you’re using Taltz, the vaccine could be less effective than usual.

Because of this, it’s best to get any vaccines you may need, live or inactive, before you start treatment with Taltz. Talk with your doctor about any vaccinations you may need before you start using Taltz.

Examples of inactivated vaccines that your doctor might recommend you get before you start Taltz include:

Taltz may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Talk with your doctor about your health history before you use Taltz. Factors to consider include those in the list below.

  • Infection. Taltz can weaken part of your immune system and increase your risk for infection. This includes serious infections such as tuberculosis (TB).* Before starting Taltz, your doctor will test you for TB. It’s also recommended that you get any vaccines that you need before starting treatment with Taltz. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any symptoms of infection or if you often get infections. If you have an infection, your doctor will usually prescribe medication to treat it before you start Taltz.
  • Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Taltz or any of its ingredients, you should not use Taltz. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for you.
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). If you have IBD, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, using Taltz could make it worse. Ask your doctor if Taltz is right for you. If you do use Taltz, tell your doctor if your IBD symptoms get worse. You may need to stop Taltz treatment.

* For more information on this side effect, see the “Side effect focus” section above.

Drinking alcohol with Taltz won’t affect the way this medication works. But it might increase side effects such as nausea.

In addition, if you have psoriasis, which Taltz is used to treat, drinking alcohol could make your condition worse.

If you drink alcohol, ask your doctor how much is safe for you to drink with Taltz.

It’s not known if Taltz is safe to receive during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant or breastfeed, talk with your doctor. They can discuss the possible risks and benefits of Taltz with you.

If you receive Taltz during pregnancy, consider enrolling in the drug’s pregnancy registry. This registry collects information about the safety of Taltz when used during pregnancy. For more information, call 800-284-1695.

Taltz and Humira are both biologics (drugs made using parts of living organisms). They’re both used for plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Humira can also be used for several other conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.

Although they’re both biologics, Taltz and Humira belong to different groups of drugs. This means they work in different ways. Each drug blocks a specific immune system protein that’s overactive in people with certain conditions.

Taltz contains ixekizumab, which is an interleukin-17A blocker. Humira contains adalimumab, which is a tumor necrosis factor-alpha blocker.

You receive Taltz and Humira by injection under the skin. You can self-inject them after your doctor shows you how to do so.

These drugs have some similar side effects, including a risk of infections. But they also have some different side effects.

If you’d like to see a side-by-side comparison of these drugs, check out this article. Also, ask your doctor which drug is right for your condition.

Do not use more Taltz than your doctor prescribes. Using more than this can lead to serious side effects.

What to do in case you use too much Taltz

Call your doctor if you think you’ve used too much Taltz. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.

If you have certain types of psoriasis or arthritis, your doctor may prescribe Taltz.

If you have any questions about Taltz treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you more information about this drug. They can also talk with you about other treatment options for your condition.

Questions you might want to ask your doctor about Taltz include:

  • How effective is Taltz? Can it cure my condition?
  • I’m already using other treatments for my condition. Should I use Taltz in addition to these or instead of them?
  • Can anything make Taltz less effective?
  • How long can I use Taltz?
  • Is Taltz safe for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

To learn more about Taltz, see these articles:

Here are a few other Healthline articles you might find helpful:

To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline’s newsletters. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It’s a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others.

Q:

Are there any natural remedies or foods that can boost my immune system while I’m using Taltz?

Anonymous

A:

A balanced diet can help you stay as healthy as possible. Since Taltz weakens the activity of your body’s immune system, you should eat foods that help strengthen your immune response. This may help decrease the number and severity of infections you get while using Taltz.

Food with antioxidants can help boost the activity of your immune system by decreasing the amount of free radicals your body creates. Free radicals are made by your body when it comes in contact with pollutants and when it breaks down food. These free radicals can damage your body’s cells. Foods high in antioxidants include blueberries, dark chocolate, and turmeric.

You should also try and eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. If you’d like to learn more about foods that can boost the activity of your immune system, check out this article.

Besides food, you can also help improve your immune system by adopting certain habits. You could try to:

  • get frequent exercise
  • stay at a moderate body weight
  • consume alcohol in moderation, if you drink
  • avoid smoking
  • get enough sleep
  • wash your hands often
  • reduce your stress when possible

For tips on maintaining a healthy immune system, read more here.

If you have any questions about Taltz treatment, talk with your doctor. They can give you more information about this drug. They can also talk with you about other treatment options for your condition.

The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
Was this helpful?

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.