Taltz® (ixekizumab) Injection for Plaque Psoriasis and Arthritis

What Taltz® Is and How It Works

Taltz® (ixekizumab) is a prescription biologic for immune-mediated arthritis and skin disease. It treats moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, active psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. It is given as a subcutaneous injection using a prefilled autoinjector or a prefilled syringe. Many people search for taltz cost details before starting therapy, and our team can help with practical questions.

Ixekizumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets interleukin-17A (IL‑17A). Blocking IL‑17A reduces the inflammatory signals that drive plaques and joint pain. Typical adult dosing includes an initial loading dose, followed by maintenance injections either every 2 weeks early in therapy or every 4 weeks, depending on the condition.

Youdrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy based in Manitoba that follows Canadian pharmacy standards. Our pharmacists review each prescription before dispensing, and you can reach customer-service chat during posted hours for ordering help.

We also partner with licensed, vetted international pharmacies when needed, so you receive authentic brand medicines with a broad selection at fair, accessible pricing.

Dosage and Usage

Dosing varies by condition and form. Follow your prescriber’s regimen and the device Instructions for Use in the box.

Plaque psoriasis (adults): many patients start with 160 mg (two 80 mg injections) once, then 80 mg every 2 weeks through week 12, then 80 mg every 4 weeks for maintenance.

Psoriatic arthritis: typical regimen is 160 mg once, then 80 mg every 4 weeks. If plaque psoriasis is also moderate to severe, the every-2-week schedule used for skin disease may be considered early on.

Ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis: 160 mg once, then 80 mg every 4 weeks.

Pediatric plaque psoriasis dosing is weight based and device-specific. The prescriber and package materials guide dose selection and cadence.

Injection steps at home are designed to be simple. Read the full Instructions for Use for the autoinjector or syringe. General steps include:

• Let the pen or syringe warm at room temperature for 30 minutes. Do not heat.
• Check the liquid. It should be clear to slightly yellow, without particles.
• Choose an injection site on the stomach, thigh, or upper arm (if assisted). Rotate sites.
• Clean the site with an alcohol swab and let it dry.
• Inject as directed with the pen or syringe. Dispose of the device in a sharps container.

Missed dose: take the missed injection as soon as remembered. Then resume the original schedule. If close to the next dose, ask your prescriber which day to use going forward.

Storage and travel:

• Store in a refrigerator at 2–8 °C (36–46 °F). Keep in the original carton. Do not freeze or shake.
• For travel, you may keep the pen or syringe at room temperature (up to 30 °C/86 °F) for up to 5 days in total. Do not return to the refrigerator once at room temperature.
• Protect from light. Use insulated packs for trips and avoid direct sunlight or heat.

Benefits and Savings

Taltz® can clear plaques and reduce itch, scaling, and redness. Many patients see skin improvement within weeks, with more benefit by 12 weeks. In psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis, it can reduce joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, and improve physical function.

The autoinjector offers at-home dosing and a consistent 80 mg delivery. The prefilled syringe is an option for those who prefer manual control. Dosing is monthly for many maintenance regimens, which is convenient for long-term care.

Ordering through Youdrugstore gives you access to Canadian pricing. Many patients save 60–80% versus typical US prices, especially on multi-month supplies. Our team can also send gentle reorder reminders so you do not run short.

Side Effects and Safety

Common side effects include mild injection-site reactions and cold-like symptoms. Most are temporary. Serious risks are uncommon but need attention. Contact a clinician promptly for severe or persistent symptoms.

• Common: injection-site redness or pain, upper respiratory infection, nausea, tinea (fungal) infections.
• Less common: headache, diarrhea.
• Serious: severe infection, allergic reaction, new or worsening inflammatory bowel disease, eye inflammation.

Before starting, clinicians screen for tuberculosis and review infection history. Live vaccines should be avoided during treatment. People with active infections should not start until the infection is controlled. Those with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis may need alternative therapy due to possible worsening.

Discuss pregnancy and breastfeeding plans with a clinician. Safety data in pregnancy are limited. Report any signs of infection such as fever, persistent cough, or skin sores during therapy.

Onset Time

Some patients notice skin improvement within 1–2 weeks. Many achieve clearer skin by week 12 with continued dosing. Joint symptoms may improve within several weeks, with meaningful benefit often seen by 8–12 weeks. Individual response varies, and steady scheduling supports the best outcomes.

Compare With Alternatives

Other biologics for these conditions include IL‑17 and TNF inhibitors. Secukinumab, another IL‑17A blocker, offers a similar mechanism. You can review details on Cosentyx® for comparison. Dosing frequency and loading strategies differ, so prescriber preference and patient factors guide selection.

TNF inhibitors are long-standing options. Etanercept is a self-injected TNF blocker with weekly dosing in many cases. See Enbrel® Pre Filled Syringe and the pen format Enbrel® Pre Filled Sureclick Auto Injector for device considerations. TNF inhibitors have different safety profiles and vaccination guidance.

Topicals and phototherapy can help milder plaque psoriasis. Oral agents, such as methotrexate or apremilast, are alternatives or add-ons. Choice depends on disease severity, comorbidities, and patient preference.

Combination Therapy

Taltz® may be used alone or with conventional DMARDs such as methotrexate for psoriatic arthritis. Topical corticosteroids can be used for localized skin plaques. Using two biologics together is not recommended. Avoid live vaccines while on therapy; consider needed vaccines prior to starting.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates have moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, active psoriatic arthritis, or axial spondyloarthritis that warrants systemic therapy. Suitability is affected by infection risk, history of inflammatory bowel disease, and vaccine status. Clinicians usually screen for TB and review prior therapies before prescribing.

To stretch budgets, consider ordering a multi-month supply when your prescription allows. Per-month costs often drop with larger fills. You can also set up simple reorder reminders in your account so your next shipment arrives on time. For condition guidance, explore our Plaque Psoriasis category.

For limited-time offers, see our taltz coupon and bulk options on the promotions page.

Youdrugstore offers brand and generic medicines at Canadian prices, plus OTC health products. You can order online or by phone where available, and our customer-service chat is here during posted hours for help with checkout, shipping, and account questions.

Authoritative Sources

Eli Lilly Taltz (ixekizumab) US Prescribing Information PDF

Taltz Medication Guide (patient information) PDF

Health Canada Drug Product Database

Count on Youdrugstore for careful prescription review by licensed pharmacists and discreet packing. We use prompt, express, cold-chain shipping to protect temperature-sensitive biologics from our door to yours.

This information is educational and does not replace your prescriber’s advice. Always follow the dosing and monitoring plan from your healthcare team and the Instructions for Use in the package.