Ixekizumab

Drug Class:	Commonly Known As:	Category:
	Ixekizumab, Taltz

Ixekizumab - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Ixekizumab cause?

Side effects may occur when taking Ixekizumab, but the vast majority of these tend to resolve by themselves.

Common side effects include:

Injection site reactions like swelling, itching or bruising, which usually subside in 3 to 5 days
Sore throat
Blocked/runny nose
Diarrhoea
Cold sores
White patches in the mouth or on back of throat

Inform your doctor if any side effects persist, if you are unable to tolerate them or the side effects become serious.

Ixekizumab may reduce your body’s ability to fight against infections. You should consult a doctor immediately if you develop a fever or feel unwell. Inform the doctor whom you consult that you are taking Ixekizumab as the medication may need to be stopped while you are having an infection.

You may need to have regular blood tests to monitor your blood counts while on Ixekizumab.

Rare but serious side effects include:

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
Difficulty in breathing
Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

Other rare but serious side effects include:

Signs of infections: fever, chills, cough, painful or bloody urination, feeling very tired or weak.
Signs of new onset or worsening inflammatory bowel disease: persistent or severe stomach pain or diarrhoea

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Before taking Ixekizumab , what precautions must I follow?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Avoid getting pregnant while you are using Ixekizumab as the effect in pregnant women is unknown. You must use effective contraception while using Ixekizumab and for at least 9 weeks after the last dose.
If you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, discuss with your doctor to decide if you should breastfeed or use Ixekizumab. After using Ixekizumab, you should not breastfeed for at least 9 weeks after the last dose.

You have a history of:

Inflammatory bowel disease
Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C
Tuberculosis

You have infections or low blood counts.
You are planning to receive any vaccines and to avoid any live vaccinations.

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Ixekizumab ?

Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other medications as they may interact with Ixekizumab.

These include:

Over-the-counter medications
Nutritional supplements
Traditional or herbal remedies

Pneumococcal, influenza (flu) and Hepatitis B vaccinations are safe and may be given if required. Avoid live vaccines such as MMR (measles, mumps and rubella), OPV (oral polio vaccine), yellow fever or BCG (tuberculosis). Discuss with your doctor before receiving any vaccines.