Taltz® (ixekizumab) Injection for Plaque Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis

What Taltz® Is and How It Works

Taltz is the brand name for ixekizumab, a monoclonal antibody that targets interleukin-17A (IL-17A). This cytokine drives inflammation in plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and axial spondyloarthritis, including ankylosing spondylitis. The taltz injection is given subcutaneously using a prefilled autoinjector or syringe. It helps reduce plaques, joint pain, stiffness, and swelling by blocking IL-17A’s inflammatory signaling.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba; prescriptions are reviewed by licensed pharmacists before dispensing. We also partner with licensed, vetted international pharmacies to source authentic brands, offer a broad selection, and keep prices affordable.

Indications include moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy, active psoriatic arthritis, and active axial spondyloarthritis. Many people see visible skin improvement within weeks, with continued gains over 12 weeks and beyond. The device is single-use and designed for at-home administration after training from a healthcare professional.

Dosage and Usage

• Plaque psoriasis (adult): 160 mg at Week 0 (two 80 mg injections). Then 80 mg at Weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12. After Week 12, continue 80 mg every 4 weeks.
• Psoriatic arthritis: 160 mg once, then 80 mg every 4 weeks. If moderate to severe plaque psoriasis is also present, follow the plaque psoriasis schedule.
• Axial spondyloarthritis, including ankylosing spondylitis: 80 mg every 4 weeks. Some patients may receive a 160 mg first dose.
• Missed dose: take the missed dose as soon as possible. Then resume the regular schedule based on the date the missed dose was taken.
• Injection sites: front thighs, abdomen (avoid 5 cm/2 inches around the navel), or outer upper arm if a caregiver administers. Rotate sites and avoid areas that are tender, bruised, or scarred.
• Autoinjector steps (summary): allow the pen to reach room temperature for 30 minutes. Inspect the solution; do not use if cloudy, colored, or with particles. Clean skin with alcohol, let dry, and inject at 90 degrees. Hold in place per device instructions to deliver the full dose. Dispose of the pen in an approved sharps container.

• Storage: refrigerate at 2–8°C (36–46°F). Do not freeze. Protect from light in the original carton. Do not shake.
• Room temperature allowance: may be kept at up to 30°C (86°F) for a total of 5 days. Once stored at room temperature, do not return to the refrigerator. Discard if not used within the 5-day window.
• Travel: use an insulated bag with ice packs. Keep the pen away from direct contact with ice. Avoid extreme heat or freezing. Carry in hand luggage with a copy of the prescription.
• Preparation: remove one pen only when ready for use. Let it warm naturally. Do not use external heat sources.
• Disposal: place used pens and needles in a sharps container. Follow local regulations for disposal.

Benefits and Savings

Ixekizumab binds IL-17A with high affinity. By reducing this pathway, it improves plaque clearance and lowers joint inflammation. Many patients reach PASI 75 or higher by Week 12, with some reaching near-complete skin clearance. In psoriatic arthritis, Taltz helps reduce joint pain, morning stiffness, and dactylitis. It may also slow structural damage progression in eligible patients. For ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, it improves back pain, function, and mobility scores.

The autoinjector is premeasured and ready to use. Dosing every 4 weeks after the loading phase keeps the schedule simple for maintenance. You can monitor your shipment and receive support during office hours by chat or phone. Typical savings are 60–80% compared with many US pharmacy prices, helping lower the taltz price and the taltz cost per month for ongoing therapy. Multi-month supplies can also reduce the per-month taltz injection cost.

For current offers, see our taltz coupon page for potential taltz discount opportunities.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common: injection site redness or pain, upper respiratory infections, nausea, headache, sinusitis.
• Infections: tinea pedis, oral or genital candidiasis may occur.
• Skin: pruritus or mild rash can appear at the injection site.
• GI: abdominal discomfort or diarrhea may occur.
• Lab: neutropenia has been reported, usually mild and transient.

Serious risks include serious infections, hypersensitivity reactions, and inflammatory bowel disease onset or flare (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis). Patients should be evaluated for tuberculosis risk before starting therapy. Live vaccines should be avoided during treatment. The inactivated influenza vaccine is acceptable; the live nasal flu vaccine is not. Discuss pregnancy and breastfeeding plans with a clinician.

Onset Time

Many patients notice some skin improvement within 1–2 weeks. Larger gains usually occur through Weeks 4–12 as dosing stabilizes. In psoriatic arthritis, joint pain and swelling often improve within several weeks, with continued progress by 3 months. In axial spondyloarthritis, back pain and function may improve within weeks and continue to improve over 2–3 months. Individual response varies, and some patients need longer to reach steady outcomes.

Compare With Alternatives

Cosentyx (secukinumab) is another IL-17A inhibitor with similar indications in psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and axial spondyloarthritis. It has a different loading schedule and maintenance interval. Compare details on our Cosentyx® page.

Skyrizi (risankizumab) targets IL-23 and is indicated for plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Dosing is less frequent after the first two doses, which some patients prefer. See the device format on Skyrizi® Pre Fill Cartridge W Injector.

Other options include TNF inhibitors such as etanercept and adalimumab, as well as IL-23 agents like guselkumab. Choice depends on disease pattern, comorbidities, prior response, and patient preferences.

Combination Therapy

• Psoriatic arthritis: may be combined with methotrexate to enhance joint response for some patients.
• Topicals for psoriasis: corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, or calcineurin inhibitors for localized plaques.
• NSAIDs: for symptomatic relief of joint pain and stiffness.
• Avoid concurrent biologics or JAK inhibitors unless specifically directed by a specialist.
• Vaccines: use inactivated vaccines when needed; avoid live vaccines during treatment.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who need systemic therapy are candidates for this taltz psoriasis medicine. It is also used for active psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Those with chronic or recurrent infections, untreated tuberculosis, or active inflammatory bowel disease may not be good candidates. Clinicians assess each patient’s history, medicines, and lab results before starting taltz therapy.

Patients should tell their clinician about recent vaccines, infection symptoms, or planned surgery. Screen for TB risk before treatment. Report persistent fever, severe diarrhea, or new abdominal pain. For pregnancy or breastfeeding, clinicians weigh potential risks and benefits.

To manage the taltz cost, consider longer supplies when appropriate. Multi-month packs can lower the taltz cost per month. Set secure reorder reminders so doses are not missed. Shipping uses cold-chain methods for product integrity. Customer-service chat is available during posted office hours for order help, device questions, and shipping updates.

Authoritative Sources

Eli Lilly Taltz US Prescribing Information (ixekizumab)

Official Taltz Consumer Site (Eli Lilly)

FDA Medication Guide and Label for Taltz

Order Taltz® from Youdrugstore.com: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This material is educational and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional.