Key takeaways:
Taltz (ixekizumab) is a biologic medication that’s injected under your skin. It’s FDA approved to treat psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and other autoimmune disorders. A common Taltz dosage for PsA is 1 injection (80 mg) every 4 weeks.
Taltz has a number of possible side effects, and some of them can be serious. Keep an eye out for side effects such as injection-site pain, nausea, and respiratory infections.
There are ways to save on Taltz. If you’re eligible, a manufacturer savings card can help you obtain Taltz for as little as $5 or $25 per month. A patient assistance program is also available.
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Autoimmune disorders are complex. They can affect your immune system in hard-to-understand ways, and different factors may contribute to them. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA), a type of inflammatory arthritis with skin and nail symptoms, is one common autoimmune disorder.
These conditions are complex but treatable. A growing number of FDA-approved medications are available for autoimmune disorders like PsA.
Taltz (ixekizumab) is one of them. It’s been around since 2016, but it was FDA approved for PsA in late 2017. It’s a unique medication that lives in a toolbox with several other PsA treatments. Here, we’ll talk about what Taltz is used for, how it works, and how to save.
Taltz uses: What is Taltz approved to treat?
Taltz is a prescription medication made by Eli Lilly that’s injected under your skin. It’s also a biologic, meaning it’s a medication that’s derived from natural and living substances. It’s approved to treat:
People ages 6 years and older living with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis
Adults with PsA
Adults with ankylosing spondylitis, a type of autoimmune arthritis
Adults with nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis, another form of autoimmune arthritis
How does Taltz work for psoriatic arthritis?
Taltz is called an IL-17A antagonist (IL-17 blocker). It’s designed to interfere with a protein called interleukin-17A (IL-17A).
IL-17A is made by many cells in our immune system. In most cases, it’s involved in our immune system’s normal response to fighting germs. But in PsA, it’s thought to be too active. This can lead to inflammation that damages your joints.
Taltz tackles the IL-17A protein before it has the chance to attach to its receptor (chemical binding site). When IL-17A doesn’t bind with its receptor, the amount of inflammation in your body should go down. This helps improve joint pain, joint damage, and mobility issues caused by PsA.
Taltz dosages for psoriatic arthritis
Taltz is given as an injection under the skin. Your recommended Taltz dosage for PsA will slightly vary depending on the situation.
You’ll likely start by receiving two back-to-back 80 mg injections on the same day. After that, you’ll administer one 80 mg injection every 4 weeks.
If you have PsA and moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, you’ll start the medication a little differently. You’ll still initially get two back-to-back 80 mg injections. But then you’ll likely receive one 80 mg injection every 2 weeks for 3 months (12 weeks). After 3 months, the frequency should drop down to one 80 mg injection every 4 weeks.
No matter the frequency, you can use Taltz at home. A healthcare professional should show you how to inject Taltz. If you decide to give yourself the injection, you can give it in your stomach or thigh. If someone helps you with the injection, you can also get it in the back of your upper arm.
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) treatments: Learn about the different medications used to treat PsA to help you find the best fit for your needs.
How they compare: Taltz (ixekizumab) is one of several biologics available for plaque psoriasis and PsA. See how Taltz compares with Humira, Stelara, and more.
Upcoming medications: Many treatments are being studied in clinical trials, and several may be FDA approved in the future. Here’s a breakdown of what’s on deck.
Early signs of PsA: Review these images to help you identify PsA early so you can seek treatment.
How effective is Taltz when treating psoriatic arthritis?
IL-17 blockers like Taltz are effective for many people. But they’re not usually a first-choice option. According to PsA experts, Taltz is a helpful treatment option if you have active PsA and can’t receive a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker, such as Humira (adalimumab). It’s also sometimes recommended over oral medications for PsA.
Keep in mind: Treating PsA is a personal experience. The best treatment for someone else may not be the best treatment for you. A healthcare professional can help you figure out the right PsA medication(s) for you based on your symptoms, insurance status, and health background.
Taltz’s effectiveness in clinical trials
Much of what we know about Taltz’s effectiveness for PsA comes from two clinical trials. They’re called SPIRIT-P1 and SPIRIT-P2.
You may start to notice Taltz’s effects within 2 weeks of starting it. But its more meaningful benefits typically take longer to set in. After 24 weeks (about 6 months), more than half of the people in either study who received Taltz every 2 to 4 weeks had at least a 20% improvement in joint pain and swelling. More than 20% of these same people experienced up to a 70% improvement in joint pain and swelling. These results were significantly better than placebo.
What are the potential side effects of Taltz?
As with all medications, Taltz has a number of possible side effects. The most common Taltz side effects include:
Pain and swelling where Taltz was injected
Nausea
Fungal skin infections, such as ringworm
Some rare but serious risks are also possible, namely:
A higher risk for serious infections
Low white blood cell and platelet counts
New or worsening inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis
Eczema-like skin rashes
Allergic reactions, which may include symptoms such as hives and difficulty breathing
While you’re receiving Taltz, your healthcare team will likely run routine tests to make sure your body is responding well to it. But make sure to listen to your body. If you’re experiencing side effects that are bothersome or don’t go away, tell your prescriber. And if you think you’re experiencing an allergic reaction, call 911 or go to the ER.
Good to know: It’s not known if Taltz is safe for women who are pregnant or nursing. If you’re pregnant or nursing and interested in Taltz, ask your prenatal care team for guidance.
How to save on Taltz
There are ways to save on Taltz, which is available only as a reference (“brand name”) medication. There isn’t a lower-cost biosimilar available. GoodRx can help you navigate between copay savings cards and patient assistance programs to save money on your prescription.
Save with a copay savings card. If you have commercial insurance, you may be eligible to pay as little as $5 or $25 for Taltz using a savings card from the manufacturer.
Save with patient assistance programs. If you’re uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for Taltz’s patient assistance program, which offers the medication free of charge.
What are some Taltz alternatives?
Taltz isn’t the only medication that can treat PsA. Many others are also available. The best medication(s) for you will depend on your insurance plan, symptom severity, and other health conditions. Your healthcare team should work with you to find the best option for your needs.
If you have mild PsA or you’re actively having symptoms, you may receive as-needed treatments to lessen pain and discomfort. This can include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or corticosteroids.
If you have more severe PsA, you’ll likely receive medication(s) to help manage and lessen your PsA symptoms over time. These medications come from two groups — nonbiologic (traditional) disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologic DMARDs.
Nonbiologic DMARDs can help slow the worsening of PsA. They are medications made from chemicals, and they come as pills taken by mouth. They’re usually more affordable than biologics. Some also have generic versions available. Examples include:
Arava (leflunomide)
Azulfidine (sulfasalazine)
Otezla (apremilast)
Rayos (prednisone delayed release)
Rinvoq (upadacitinib)
Xeljanz (tofacitinib)
Taltz is a biologic DMARD. These medications are harder to make, and they’re available only as infusions or injections. They’re another recommended treatment option for many people. Other biologics for PsA include:
Bimzelx (bimekizumab)
Cimzia (certolizumab pegol)
Cosentyx (secukinumab)
Enbrel (etanercept)
Humira (adalimumab)
Orencia (abatacept)
Remicade (infliximab)
Simponi (golimumab)
Skyrizi (risankizumab)
Stelara (ustekinumab)
Tremfya (guselkumab)
Some biologics also have biosimilars. Biosimilars are generally more affordable than their reference biologics, and they’re highly similar in safety and effectiveness. One example is Cyltezo (adalimumab-adbm), a biosimilar version of Humira.
Frequently asked questions
Taltz isn’t considered a high-risk medication. It can cause side effects and may raise your risk of certain infections, but it’s generally safer than some other medications used for similar conditions. Still, it’s important to follow your prescriber’s instructions closely and tell them about any side effects you experience.
Taltz also isn’t a controlled substance. It’s not linked to misuse or dependence like opioids or other controlled medications. If you have concerns about its risks, talk with your healthcare team and tell them about other medications you take.
You should avoid live vaccines while receiving Taltz; the medication can weaken your immune system’s response. Don’t share your Taltz pen or syringe with anyone, even if they have the same condition as you. And before you start Taltz, tell your healthcare team if you have tuberculosis, a history of chronic infections, or any other related health concerns.
As of November 2025, Taltz’s list price is about $7,260 for one syringe or injection pen. If you have health insurance, your plan may cover all or part of the medication’s costs. Copay savings cards and patient assistance programs can also help make Taltz more affordable.
Taltz isn’t considered a high-risk medication. It can cause side effects and may raise your risk of certain infections, but it’s generally safer than some other medications used for similar conditions. Still, it’s important to follow your prescriber’s instructions closely and tell them about any side effects you experience.
Taltz also isn’t a controlled substance. It’s not linked to misuse or dependence like opioids or other controlled medications. If you have concerns about its risks, talk with your healthcare team and tell them about other medications you take.
You should avoid live vaccines while receiving Taltz; the medication can weaken your immune system’s response. Don’t share your Taltz pen or syringe with anyone, even if they have the same condition as you. And before you start Taltz, tell your healthcare team if you have tuberculosis, a history of chronic infections, or any other related health concerns.
As of November 2025, Taltz’s list price is about $7,260 for one syringe or injection pen. If you have health insurance, your plan may cover all or part of the medication’s costs. Copay savings cards and patient assistance programs can also help make Taltz more affordable.
The bottom line
Taltz (ixekizumab) is an injectable biologic medication that can help improve symptoms of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). It’s an effective treatment option that’s used by many people from the comfort of home. A typical Taltz dosage is one 80 mg injection every 4 weeks. Common side effects include injection-site pain, nausea, and respiratory infections, but some reactions can be more serious.
If Taltz is not the best option for your needs, many other treatment options are available for PsA. Ask your healthcare team if Taltz is right for you.
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References
American College of Rheumatology. (n.d.). Psoriatic arthritis guideline.
Eli Lilly and Company. (2017). Lilly’s Taltz (ixekizumab) receives U.S. FDA approval for the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis. PR Newswire.
Eli Lilly and Company. (2024). Taltz- ixekizumab injection, solution [package insert]. DailyMed.
Mease, P. J., et al. (2016). Ixekizumab, an interleukin-17A specific monoclonal antibody, for the treatment of biologic-naive patients with active psoriatic arthritis: Results from the 24-week randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled and active (adalimumab)-controlled period of the phase III trial SPIRIT-P1. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.
Nash, P., et al. (2017). Ixekizumab for the treatment of patients with active psoriatic arthritis and an inadequate response to tumour necrosis factor inhibitors: Results from the 24-week randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled period of the SPIRIT-P2 phase 3 trial. Lancet.
Ogdie, A., et al. (2020). Treatment guidelines in psoriatic arthritis. Rheumatology.
Sakkas, L. I., et al. (2019). Mini review: New treatments in psoriatic arthritis. Focus on the IL-23/17 axis. Frontiers in Pharmacology.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Biological product definitions.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2018). What are “biologics” questions and answers.
Wang, E. A., et al. (2017). Targeting IL-17 in psoriatic arthritis. European Journal of Rheumatology.
Zenobia, C., et al. (2000). Basic biology and role of interleukin-17 in immunity and inflammation. Periodontology 2000.
