Taltz

Plaque psoriasis: The recommended starting dose of Taltz (Ixekizumab) is 160 mg (given as two injections of 80 mg) injected subcutaneously (under the skin) once. After this starting dose, 80 mg is injected subcutaneously every 2 weeks for 12 weeks (6 doses). After the first 12 weeks, 80 mg is injected every 4 weeks.

Psoriatic arthritis: The recommended starting dose of Taltz (Ixekizumab) is 160 mg (given as two injections of 80 mg) injected subcutaneously (under the skin) once. After this starting dose, 80 mg is injected subcutaneously every 4 weeks.

Ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis: The recommended dosage of Taltz (Ixekizumab) is 80 mg injected subcutaneously (under the skin) every 4 weeks.

Taltz (Ixekizumab) is administered by subcutaneous injection in the thigh, buttocks, or abdomen. It is important to rotate the site of injection in order to minimize the risk of fat wasting at the site of injection. If possible, avoid injecting into areas that are affected by psoriasis.

Do not shake Taltz (Ixekizumab) before using it. The solution for injection should be clear and colourless to slightly yellow. If it is brown or you can see particles in the solution, do not use it. Allow the medication to warm to room temperature for 30 minutes before you inject it.

If you are using Taltz (Ixekizumab) at home, your doctor will ensure that you understand exactly how to use it. Make sure you ask any and all questions necessary to ensure that you use it exactly as prescribed. Please refer to the appropriate package insert for details on proper injection procedures. It is important to visit your doctor regularly during therapy to ensure that the medication is working safely and effectively.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take Taltz (Ixekizumab) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

If you are receiving Taltz (Ixekizumab) at your doctor's office and miss an appointment to receive Taltz (Ixekizumab), contact your doctor as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment.

Store Taltz (Ixekizumab) in the refrigerator, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children. Do not allow Taltz (Ixekizumab) to freeze. If necessary, Taltz (Ixekizumab) may be left out of the refrigerator for up to 5 days, but should be discarded if not used within this 5-day period.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it could make you more prone to infections; it may cause nausea or, rarely, vomiting; it may cause redness and swelling at the injection site. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

Each 1 mL of clear and colourless-to-slightly-yellow, sterile solution for subcutaneous injection contains 80 mg of Taltz (Ixekizumab). Nonmedicinal ingredients: citric acid anhydrous, sodium chloride, sodium citrate dehydrate, polysorbate 80, and water for injection.

Taltz (Ixekizumab) is supplied as a sterile solution in a single-use, prefilled autoinjector with a 27-gauge fixed ½ inch needle or a single-use, prefilled syringe with a 27-gauge fixed ½ inch needle.

Do not take Taltz (Ixekizumab) if you are allergic to Taltz (Ixekizumab) or any ingredients of the medication.

There may be an interaction between Taltz (Ixekizumab) and any of the following:

• BCG
• Belimumab
• Cladribine
• Denosumab
• echinacea
• Fingolimod
• Infliximab
• Leflunomide
• Natalizumab
• Nivolumab
• Ocrelizumab
• Pimecrolimus
• Roflumilast
• siponimod
• Tacrolimus
• Tofacitinib
• Trastuzumab
• vaccines

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Taltz (Ixekizumab). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Taltz (Ixekizumab).

Allergic reactions: As with other similar medications, it is possible to experience a Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) with Taltz (Ixekizumab). Signs of an allergic reaction include a severe rash, hives, swollen face or throat, or difficulty breathing. If these occur, contact your doctor immediately.

Inflammatory bowel disease: If you have Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis, Taltz (Ixekizumab) may make symptoms of your condition worse. Discuss with your doctor how Taltz (Ixekizumab) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Taltz (Ixekizumab), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Infections: Taltz (Ixekizumab) can increase the risk of developing an infection, including serious infections such as Tuberculosis. Before starting Taltz (Ixekizumab) treatment, your doctor may test to see if you have tuberculosis. If you notice signs of an infection such as fever, chills, pain, swelling, or coughing, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Taltz (Ixekizumab) should also not be started while you have an active infection.

Tell your doctor if you have a history of infections that keep coming back, or other conditions that might increase your risk of infections such as Diabetes. While you are taking Taltz (Ixekizumab), your doctor will monitor you for signs of infection.

Vaccines: Before starting Taltz (Ixekizumab), all your immunizations should be up to date. Live vaccines (e.g., BCG, yellow fever) are not recommended for people taking Taltz (Ixekizumab). Talk to your doctor if you need any vaccinations while taking Taltz (Ixekizumab).

Pregnancy: Taltz (Ixekizumab) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Taltz (Ixekizumab), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known whether Taltz (Ixekizumab) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Taltz (Ixekizumab), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Taltz (Ixekizumab) have not been established for children.

This product must be injected under the skin (subcutaneously), according to the technique you were shown. Be sure to choose a different injection site each time. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed. It must be used regularly and continuously to maintain its beneficial effects. Be sure to keep an adequate supply on hand. Dispose of used syringes and needles safely. Your pharmacist can tell you the best way to do this. If you forget a dose, contact your pharmacist.