ixekizumab at a glance
Medicine class
Interleukin-17A inhibitor and monoclonal antibody
Main uses
Plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and radiographic or non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis
Administration
Injection under the skin using a single-use pre-filled device; suitable patients may self-inject after training
Key precaution
It can increase susceptibility to infection and must not be used during a clinically important active infection
Storage
Keep refrigerated, do not freeze and protect from light; follow the leaflet's limits for room-temperature storage
What is ixekizumab used for?
UK-licensed uses include:
Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic treatment.
Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in children aged 6 years or older who weigh at least 25 kg and are candidates for systemic treatment.
Active psoriatic arthritis in adults after inadequate response or intolerance to one or more disease-modifying treatments; it may be used alone or with methotrexate.
Active ankylosing spondylitis, or radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, in adults after inadequate response to conventional treatment.
Active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis in adults with objective evidence of inflammation after inadequate response to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines.
How does ixekizumab work?
Ixekizumab is an IgG4 monoclonal antibody that neutralises interleukin-17A, including IL-17A/F. This reduces inflammatory signalling affecting the skin, joints, entheses and spine.
ixekizumab preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 80 mg
How to take ixekizumab
Ixekizumab is injected under the skin and may be self-administered only after appropriate training.
Rotate injection sites and, where possible, avoid skin affected by psoriasis.
Do not shake the pen.
Do not use the device if it is damaged or frozen, or if the solution is cloudy, distinctly brown or contains particles.
Read the supplied instructions before injecting and use each pen once only.
Use a calendar or reminder to avoid missed or repeated injections.
ixekizumab side effects
Common or expected effects
- Upper respiratory infections, such as a sore throat or blocked nose
- Injection-site reactions, such as redness or pain
- Fungal skin infections, including athlete's foot
- Cold sores
- Nausea
- Pain at the back of the throat
Get urgent medical advice
- Serious infection, with symptoms such as persistent fever, night sweats, breathlessness, ongoing cough or hot, painful skin
- Severe allergic reaction, including difficulty breathing or swallowing, faintness, widespread hives or swelling of the face or throat
- New or worsening inflammatory bowel disease, suggested by abdominal pain, persistent diarrhoea, weight loss or blood in the stool
ixekizumab in pregnancy
Human pregnancy information is limited, and UK product information advises avoiding ixekizumab during pregnancy as a precaution. Discuss pregnancy plans or an unexpected pregnancy promptly with the specialist team rather than stopping treatment independently. Effective contraception is advised during treatment.
ixekizumab while breastfeeding
It is uncertain how much ixekizumab enters human milk. Discuss breastfeeding and treatment with the specialist, balancing benefits for parent and child. Transfer is predicted to be low, but clinical evidence is limited, particularly for newborn or premature infants.
ixekizumab interactions
Tell the specialist and vaccinator about all medicines and planned vaccinations.
Live vaccines
Live vaccines should not be given with ixekizumab; review vaccination plans with the specialist team.
Other immunomodulatory treatments or ultraviolet phototherapy
Their combined safety with ixekizumab has not been evaluated in plaque psoriasis.
Methotrexate
Ixekizumab is licensed for psoriatic arthritis alone or with methotrexate. Methotrexate did not materially affect ixekizumab clearance.
Common questions about ixekizumab
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is ixekizumab a biologic treatment?
Yes. It is a monoclonal antibody biologic that selectively blocks IL-17A.
Can children use ixekizumab?
It is licensed for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis from age 6 years in children weighing at least 25 kg. Its other listed uses are for adults.
Can I inject ixekizumab myself?
Possibly, after training and when a healthcare professional considers it suitable.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.