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Ilumya

tildrakizumab

Used for Plaque Psoriasis

Ilumya (tildrakizumab or tildrakizumab-asmn) is used to treat plaque psoriasis in adults. It's a type of monoclonal antibody called an interleukin-23 antagonist. It works by lowering inflammation in the skin. This medication is given as an injection under the skin every 3 months by a healthcare professional. Some people might have upper respiratory tract infections as a side effect. Ilumya (tildrakizumab) is only available as a brand-name medication.

Reviewed by:

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP

Cydnee Ng, PharmD

Last reviewed on May 1, 2025

Basics Side effects Pros & cons Pharmacist tips FAQs Warnings Dosage Alternatives Latest news Prices Medicare

What is Ilumya (tildrakizumab)?

What is Ilumya (tildrakizumab) used for?

Moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis

How Ilumya (tildrakizumab) works

Ilumya (tildrakizumab) is a type of monoclonal antibody. In particular, it's an interleukin-23 antagonist, or IL-23 inhibitor for short. It blocks IL-23, a protein that causes inflammation in the body.

By blocking IL-23, Ilumya (tildrakizumab) helps lower skin inflammation. This helps treat symptoms of plaque psoriasis.

When does Ilumya (tildrakizumab) start working?

Time passed since treatment started:

HOURS

DAYS

WEEKS

MONTHS

Initial effect

Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsIlumya

Drug ClassInterleukin-23 antagonist

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription only

What are the side effects of Ilumya (tildrakizumab)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Upper respiratory infections (14%)

Other Side Effects

Injection site reactions (e.g., itching, pain, redness, swelling, bruising, bleeding)
Diarrhea

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

Severe infection: confusion, fever, weakness, sweating, chills, trouble breathing, cough, stomach pain, diarrhea, burning sensation when you urinate
Serious allergic reaction: hives; swelling of the face, lips, or tongue; swelling around the eyes; tightness of the throat; trouble breathing

When do Ilumya (tildrakizumab) possible side effects begin and end?

Time passed since treatment started:

HOURS

DAYS

WEEKS

MONTHS

Injection site reactions after each dose

Risk of infections

If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

Diarrhea
Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
Runny or stuffy nose
Sore throat

Pros and cons of Ilumya (tildrakizumab)

Pros

Only given every 3 months, after the first two doses

Few side effects

Cons

Needs to be injected by a healthcare professional, not on your own at home

Not approved for other skin problems or autoimmune conditions

Pharmacist tips for Ilumya (tildrakizumab)

Mark your calendar with your appointments for your Ilumya (tildrakizumab) injections. The first 2 injections are given a month apart. Then, the rest of the injections are given every 3 months. Regular check-ins with your care team give you a chance to talk about how well the medication is working and any side effects that bother you.

You'll get Ilumya (tildrakizumab) injected under the skin of your stomach, thigh, or upper arm. After the injection, the area might be red, itchy, swollen, or sore or feel warm to the touch. These reactions usually go away on their own after a couple days. You can use hot or cold packs or over-the-counter pain relievers to help. But let your care team know if it bothers you too much or if it gets worse after a day.

Ilumya (tildrakizumab) can make it easier for you to get an infection. Call your care team right away if you have a fever, chills, sweating weakness, cough, trouble breathing, or diarrhea. These could be signs of an infection. Your care team can check if you need to get treated for the infection. You might have to stop Ilumya (tildrakizumab) so your body can fight the infection better.

Before getting any vaccines, tell your prescriber or pharmacist that you're taking Ilumya (tildrakizumab). They can help make sure the vaccine is safe for you. You shouldn't get live vaccines while taking this medication. It's not known if Ilumya (tildrakizumab) can make you more likely to get sick from a live vaccine.

Talk to your prescriber if you become pregnant or want to breastfeed while taking Ilumya (tildrakizumab). It isn't fully known if this medication is safe while pregnant or breastfeeding. Your prescriber can help you understand the risks and benefits.

Frequently asked questions about Ilumya (tildrakizumab)

How long does it take for Ilumya (tildrakizumab) to work?

Studies show that psoriasis gets better within 3 months of taking Ilumya (tildrakizumab) for most people. Some might even notice improvement as early as 1 month of treatment. Long-term studies also show that it can help keep psoriasis under control for at least 4.5 years if you keep taking it. Talk to your prescriber if you have questions about how long it's taking to see results.

Where can you inject Ilumya (tildrakizumab)?

A trained healthcare professional will give you the Ilumya (tildrakizumab) injection. They'll inject it under the skin of your stomach (at least 2 inches away from your belly button), thigh, or upper arm. They might ask where you prefer to get the injection. The healthcare professional will be careful to avoid injecting into skin that's tender, bruised, or red. They'll also avoid areas with scars, stretch marks, or psoriasis.

Does Ilumya (tildrakizumab) cause weight gain?

Ilumya (tildrakizumab) doesn't usually cause weight gain. Talk to your primary care provider if you notice any weight changes that worry you during treatment.

Does Ilumya (tildrakizumab) cause cancer?

No. There aren't any reports that Ilumya (tildrakizumab) can cause cancer. Talk to your prescriber if it's something you're worried about.

Does Ilumya (tildrakizumab) cause hair loss?

In studies, people who took Ilumya (tildrakizumab) didn't report hair loss. If you notice hair loss, shedding, or thinning during treatment, tell your healthcare team. They can help find out what might be causing it.

Does Ilumya (tildrakizumab) treat psoriatic arthritis?

Ilumya (tildrakizumab) isn't approved by the FDA to treat psoriatic arthritis. But a study showed that it might help with joint and skin symptoms from psoriatic arthritis. Keep in mind that this is an off-label use of Ilumya (tildrakizumab). Talk to your prescriber about your options if you have psoriatic arthritis.

Can you drink alcohol with Ilumya (tildrakizumab)?

It's best to limit or avoid alcohol while taking Ilumya (tildrakizumab). Alcohol doesn't directly affect or interact with the medication. But it can make psoriasis symptoms worse. Talk to your care team about your drinking habits. They can help you find support if you're having trouble cutting back or stopping.

What is the difference between Ilumya and Skyrizi?

Ilumya (tildrakizumab) and Skyrizi (risankizumab) both treat moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Skyrizi can also treat psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. Both medications are given as injections under the skin every few months (after some starter doses). But with Ilumya, you have to go to a medical office for your injections. With Skyrizi, you can give yourself the injection at home once you've been trained. Talk to your healthcare team to see which medication is best for you.

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What are the risks and warnings for Ilumya (tildrakizumab)?

Ilumya (tildrakizumab) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Serious allergic reactions

Severe allergic reactions to Ilumya (tildrakizumab) are possible. This can include hives and swelling in the face, lips, tongue, or around the eyes. It can also include tightness in the throat, closing of the throat, or trouble breathing. Get medical help right away if you notice any signs of a serious allergic reaction at any time. You'll have to stop Ilumya (tildrakizumab) and find another option.

Higher risk of infections

Risk factors: Current infection | Long-term infection | Infection that keeps coming back | Other conditions that raise your risk of infection | Taking medications that weaken your immune system

Ilumya (tildrakizumab) can affect your body's ability to fight off infections. This can raise your risk of getting an infection. They can include upper respiratory tract infections like a cold. This medication might also raise the risk of more serious infections, such as tuberculosis (TB). It might also make it more likely for a TB infection you've had in the past to come back.

Before starting Ilumya (tildrakizumab), tell your care team about any medical conditions or infections you have. Some conditions can weaken your immune system and make it easier to get an infection. If you're sick, you might need to wait until the infection is gone before starting this medication. You'll also need to get tested for TB and possibly take antibiotics to treat it before you can start Ilumya (tildrakizumab).

Get medical care if you have signs of an infection while taking Ilumya (tildrakizumab). Look out for fever, cough, trouble breathing, weakness, sweating, chills, and confusion. You might have to stop Ilumya (tildrakizumab) so your body can fight the infection.

Avoid live vaccines

It's best to be up to date on all your vaccines before starting Ilumya (tildrakizumab). Tell your healthcare professional that you're taking Ilumya (tildrakizumab) before getting any vaccines.

Avoid live vaccines while taking Ilumya (tildrakizumab). It's not known if they're safe to get during treatment. Some examples of live vaccines are the nasal spray flu vaccine (FluMist), Varivax (chickenpox vaccine), and MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine).

Ilumya (tildrakizumab) dosage forms

Typical dosing for Ilumya (tildrakizumab)

Ilumya (tildrakizumab) is an injection given by a healthcare professional at a medical office. It's injected under the skin of your stomach, thigh, or upper arm.

The typical dose is 100 mg (1 injection) once, 1 month later, and then every 3 months after that.