Ixekizumab (brand name Taltz) is a prescription, injection-based medication used to treat adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. It is a type of biologic medication, which means it is made from living cells. It is given as an injection under the skin every two or four weeks, depending on the severity of the condition. Ixekizumab works by blocking a specific protein, called interleukin-17A, that is involved in the inflammation and redness of psoriasis. It is also used to treat adults with active psoriatic arthritis.
Ixekizumab, sold under the brand name Taltz, is a prescription medication used to treat specific conditions. Here's a breakdown of its key points:
Function: Ixekizumab belongs to a class of drugs called interleukin-17 (IL-17) inhibitors. These drugs target a specific protein, IL-17, which plays a role in the inflammatory response. By blocking IL-17, Ixekizumab helps reduce inflammation associated with certain conditions.
Applications:
- Psoriatic Arthritis: Ixekizumab is approved for the treatment of adults with active psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory condition affecting the joints and skin in people with psoriasis.
- Ankylosing Spondylitis: It's also used to treat adults with active ankylosing spondylitis, a type of inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine and joints.
- Ulcerative Colitis: Ixekizumab is approved for treating adults with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) causing inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the colon.
Important Considerations:
- Prescription Medication: Requires a doctor's prescription and supervision due to potential side effects and interactions with other medications.
- Not a cure: Ixekizumab manages the symptoms but does not cure the underlying condition.
- Potential Side Effects: Like any medication, Ixekizumab can cause side effects, including:
- Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) such as the common cold
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Injection site reactions