Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition affecting millions of people worldwide, often resulting in red, scaly patches on the skin that can cause discomfort and affect quality of life. For individuals with moderate to severe psoriasis, treatment options have expanded over the years to include biologics—targeted therapies designed to address specific aspects of the immune response involved in psoriasis. One such treatment is Taltz (ixekizumab), a popular biologic medication that has shown promising results in managing psoriasis symptoms.
In this article, we’ll dive into how Taltz works, its benefits for people with psoriasis, potential side effects, and what you can expect from this treatment.
What Is Taltz?
Taltz (generic name: ixekizumab) is an injectable biologic medication manufactured by Eli Lilly and designed to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, as well as active psoriatic arthritis in adults. Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Taltz targets and inhibits an inflammatory protein called interleukin-17A (IL-17A). By blocking IL-17A, Taltz can help reduce inflammation and prevent the overproduction of skin cells, which are key contributors to psoriasis.
How Taltz Works for Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that leads to rapid cell turnover, resulting in thick, scaly patches on the skin. A significant part of this process involves the immune system releasing proteins like IL-17A that trigger inflammation. Taltz is a monoclonal antibody that specifically targets IL-17A, preventing it from binding to its receptors and signaling an inflammatory response. By blocking IL-17A, Taltz can help slow down the rapid cell turnover associated with psoriasis, leading to clearer skin and reduced symptoms.
Benefits of Taltz for Psoriasis
Taltz has demonstrated several key benefits for people with moderate to severe psoriasis, including:
- Fast Symptom Relief: Many patients report noticeable improvements in their skin within the first 2–4 weeks of starting Taltz treatment. Some achieve almost clear or completely clear skin in as little as 12 weeks.
- Long-Term Effectiveness: Studies have shown that Taltz remains effective over time, with many patients maintaining clear or mostly clear skin after one year of treatment.
- Improvement in Quality of Life: By reducing symptoms like itchiness, flaking, and discomfort, Taltz can improve both physical comfort and mental well-being for people managing psoriasis.
- Reduced Joint Symptoms in Psoriatic Arthritis: For individuals who also have psoriatic arthritis, Taltz can help relieve joint pain and swelling associated with the condition, offering a dual benefit for both skin and joint symptoms.
- Ease of Use: Taltz is administered as a subcutaneous injection, initially under the guidance of a healthcare provider. After the initial dose, many patients can self-administer Taltz at home, making it a convenient treatment option.
Potential Side Effects of Taltz
As with any medication, Taltz may cause side effects. Understanding the potential side effects can help you and your healthcare provider monitor for any issues during treatment. Common side effects of Taltz include:
- Injection Site Reactions: Redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site is common, particularly with the initial doses. These reactions typically lessen over time.
- Upper Respiratory Infections: Some people experience mild to moderate respiratory symptoms, such as a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, or cough.
- Nausea: Although not common, some people may feel mild nausea following the injection.
- Fungal Infections: Taltz can increase susceptibility to certain fungal infections, such as candidiasis. Your healthcare provider can advise on how to manage or avoid these infections.
- Serious Side Effects (Less Common): Though rare, Taltz may cause more serious side effects, such as:
- Severe allergic reactions
- Worsening of inflammatory bowel disease
- Lowered immune response, which may increase the risk of infections
Always discuss any side effects you experience with your doctor, as they may be able to adjust your dosage or suggest other management strategies to reduce discomfort.
Who Should Avoid Taltz?
is effective for many people, it may not be suitable for everyone. People who may need to avoid or approach Taltz treatment cautiously include:
- Those with active infections, such as tuberculosis, or a history of recurring infections
- People with a history of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, may exacerbate these conditions
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare provider, as the effects of Taltz during pregnancy or breastfeeding are not fully known
What to Expect During Taltz Treatment
If you and your healthcare provider decide that is the right treatment for you, here’s a general outline of what you can expect:
- Initial Dosing: Treatment usually begins with a loading dose, where you’ll receive multiple injections at once, typically administered by a healthcare professional.
- Maintenance Doses: After the initial dose, Taltz is generally taken once every four weeks. In many cases, you can self-administer the injections at home with prefilled syringes or autoinjector pens.
- Monitoring for Side Effects: Regular check-ups with your doctor will help monitor for any side effects, manage symptoms, and evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment.
- Visible Results: Many people see visible improvements in their psoriasis symptoms within the first month. However, individual responses to can vary, and your doctor will adjust treatment as needed to achieve the best results for your condition.
Final Thoughts
offers a powerful treatment option for individuals struggling with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. By targeting the IL-17A protein, it effectively reduces inflammation, helps clear the skin, and can improve overall quality of life. While there are potential side effects to consider, for many patients, the benefits of Taltz outweigh the risks, especially when managed under medical supervision.
As with any medication, it’s essential to have an open discussion with your healthcare provider to determine if Taltz is the right fit for your needs. Whether you’re new to psoriasis treatment or considering switching medications, knowing how Taltz works and what to expect can help you make an informed decision and achieve clearer skin.
What is Taltz, and how does it work?
Answer: (ixekizumab) is a biologic medication that treats moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. It works by targeting and blocking the protein interleukin-17A (IL-17A), reducing inflammation and slowing the rapid cell turnover associated with psoriasis.
How quickly does start working for psoriasis?
Answer: Many patients notice improvements within the first 2-4 weeks. Clinical studies show that some achieve almost clear or completely clear skin in as little as 12 weeks.
What are the common side effects of Taltz?
Answer: Common side effects include injection site reactions, upper respiratory infections, nausea, and in some cases, mild fungal infections. Serious side effects, like severe allergic reactions, are rare but possible.
Is Taltz safe for long-term use?
Answer: Studies have shown to be effective for long-term treatment, with many patients maintaining clear or mostly clear skin for a year or more. However, it’s essential to have regular check-ups with your healthcare provider.
How is Taltz administered?
Answer: is given as an injection. The initial dose may be administered by a healthcare provider, and after that, it is usually given once every four weeks, often at home using a prefilled syringe or autoinjector pen.
Can I use Taltz if I have psoriatic arthritis?
Answer: Yes, Taltz is approved for treating both plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, where it can reduce joint pain, swelling, and skin symptoms.
Are there any conditions that may prevent me from using Taltz?
Answer: People with active infections, such as tuberculosis, or a history of inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis should use cautiously. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult a healthcare provider before starting .
Is Taltz covered by insurance?
Answer: is often covered by insurance plans, especially for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Coverage varies by provider, so check with your insurer or talk to your doctor’s office for assistance.
Can Taltz cure psoriasis?
Answer: While can significantly reduce psoriasis symptoms and clear the skin, it does not cure psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic condition that may require ongoing treatment to manage symptoms.
What should I do if I miss a dose of ?
Answer: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, then resume your regular schedule. If it’s close to your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Consult your doctor if you’re unsure.
