Tremfya vs. Taltz for Plaque Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Tremfya (guselkumab) and Taltz (ixekizumab) are both monoclonal antibody medications used to treat moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. However, they belong to different classes of interleukin antagonists. Tremfya targets interleukin-23 (IL-23), while Taltz targets interleukin-17 (IL-17). Tremfya is also used for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, while Taltz is approved for additional conditions like ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. Tremfya is typically injected every 8 weeks after initial doses, whereas Taltz is injected every 4 weeks after the starting doses. Both medications are only available as brand-name options. Common side effects for both include upper respiratory infections and injection site reactions. Both medications can increase the risk of infections due to their effects on the immune system, and you should avoid live vaccines while using them.

Tremfya

(guselkumab)

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Taltz

(ixekizumab)

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Summary for Tremfya

Prescription only

Tremfya (guselkumab) is an injection used to treat certain inflammatory conditions. It's for people ages 6 year and older with plaque psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. It can also treat adults with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease. This medication is an interleukin antagonist that works to lower inflammation. The dosing schedule is usually every 2 months after the starter doses. Adults with UC or Crohn's disease can also get their maintenance doses once a month. Side effects are upper respiratory infections, headache, and injection site reactions. Long-term side effects include a risk of other infections and liver problems.

Indications for Tremfya

Moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis - adults and children 6 years and older
Active psoriatic arthritis - adults and children 6 years and older
Moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis - adults only
Moderate-to-severe Crohn's diseased - adults only

Pros and Cons for Tremfya

Pros

Approved for adults and children 6 years and up weighing at least 88 lbs with either plaque psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis
Given every 1 or 2 months (depending on your condition and treatment plan)
Few side effects
Can give yourself injections under the skin at home after you get trained

Cons

Given as an injection
Raises the risk of infections
Can cause some injection site reactions
Can take several months to see the benefits of the medication

Common Side Effects for Tremfya

Upper respiratory infections (14%)
Headache (5%)
Injection site reactions (5%)
Joint pain (3%)

Warnings for Tremfya

Serious allergic reactions
Risk of infection
Liver damage
Interaction with vaccines

Summary for Taltz

Prescription only

Taltz (ixekizumab) is an injection that's given under the skin. It helps treat inflammatory conditions, including plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and some types of arthritis in the spine. This medication works as an interleukin antagonist to lessen inflammation in the body. You inject Taltz (ixekizumab) once a month using the prefilled syringe or autoinjector. The dose depends on the health problem you're treating. Side effects include upper respiratory infections. You also might feel pain or have redness around the injection area. Taltz (ixekizumab) is a brand-name medication.