Ixekizumab is an injectable biologic drug that helps to suppress the immune system. The drug is used to treat plaque psoriasis by binding to interleukin 17A (IL-17A), which is a chemical produced by cells in the body that stimulate immune reactions. Ixekizumab is also known as Taltz in the US.
It is believed that psoriasis is caused by the increase of T-lymphocyte production in response to the attachment of a stimulant, such as an interleukin, to the lymphocyte. When ixekizumab binds to the IL-17A, it stops T-lymphocytes from forming. T-lymphocytes are the cause of the rapid growth of skin cells which in effect, are the skin plaques of psoriasis.
Adult patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy (medications absorbed into the bloodstream) or for phototherapy can use ixekizumab.
There are several side effects that can result from using ixekizumab. These side effects include:
- Nausea
- Injection site reactions
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Tinea infections
- Oral candidiasis
- Rhinitis
- Conjunctivitis
- Influenza
The most serious side effects include:
- Angioedema
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
- Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
- Low white blood count
- Antibody development against ixekizumab
- Serious infections
Taking ixekizumab does increase the risk of infections, and so patients considering ixekizumab need to first be evaluated for a history of latent or active tuberculosis infection. Those patients who have active tuberculosis should not take ixekizumab.
Ixekizumab is injected via subcutaneous injection. The recommended dosage is 160 mg of ixekizumab which is split into two 80 mg injections in the first week. Then, every second week, the dosage should be reduced to 80 mg until week 12. At which point a further 80 mg administered every four weeks should curtail psoriasis.
Ixekizumab requires a prescription and is not considered a generic drug. Talk to your doctor to find out if Ixekizumab is right for you.
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