tralokinumab at a glance
Medicine class
Fully human IgG4 monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin-13
Licensed use
Moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis requiring systemic treatment, from age 12 years
Administration
Injection under the skin using a single-use pre-filled pen; self-injection requires training
What is tralokinumab used for?
Used for:
Moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over who are candidates for systemic therapy.
How does tralokinumab work?
Tralokinumab binds to interleukin-13 and prevents it activating its receptor complex. This reduces type 2 inflammation involved in itching, skin inflammation and impaired skin-barrier function in atopic dermatitis.
tralokinumab preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 150 mg, 300 mg
How to take tralokinumab
The pre-filled pen injects tralokinumab under the skin. Use it only after training from a healthcare professional and follow the supplied instructions.
Allow a refrigerated pen to reach room temperature for 45 minutes; do not heat or shake it.
Inject into the thigh or abdomen, avoiding the area within 5 cm of the navel. A trained caregiver may use the upper arm.
Rotate injection areas and avoid tender, bruised, scarred, damaged or eczema-affected skin.
Check the solution is clear to opalescent and colourless to pale yellow. Do not use a damaged or dropped pen, or one with discoloured liquid or particles.
Put used pens directly into an appropriate sharps container. Do not reuse or share them.
tralokinumab side effects
Common or expected effects
- Upper respiratory tract infections, such as a cold or sore throat
- Injection-site reactions, including redness or swelling
- Conjunctivitis or allergic conjunctivitis, causing red or itchy eyes
- Raised eosinophil count
Get urgent medical advice
- Systemic allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, including breathing difficulty, facial or mouth swelling, hives, severe dizziness or fainting
- Keratitis or other significant eye inflammation, particularly eye pain or reduced vision
tralokinumab in pregnancy
Human pregnancy data are limited. The product information advises avoiding tralokinumab during pregnancy as a precaution. Anyone pregnant or planning pregnancy should discuss benefits and uncertainties with the specialist prescriber.
tralokinumab while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether tralokinumab enters human milk. Its large molecular size suggests infant exposure may be low, but clinical evidence is lacking. Decisions about breastfeeding or continuing treatment should be made with the specialist prescriber, with particular caution for newborn or premature infants.
tralokinumab interactions
Few clinically significant medicine interactions are expected, but vaccines need specific consideration.
Live or live-attenuated vaccines
Do not administer concurrently, as safety and effectiveness with tralokinumab have not been established.
Inactivated or non-live vaccines
May be given during treatment; studied vaccine responses were comparable with placebo.
Medicines metabolised by cytochrome P450 enzymes
Clinically relevant pharmacokinetic interactions are not expected because tralokinumab is not cleared through hepatic enzyme metabolism.
Common questions about tralokinumab
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is tralokinumab a steroid?
No. It is a monoclonal antibody that blocks interleukin-13 and may be used alongside prescribed topical corticosteroids.
Who can receive tralokinumab for atopic dermatitis?
It is licensed for adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over with moderate-to-severe disease who are candidates for systemic therapy.
Can tralokinumab be injected at home?
Yes, if a healthcare professional considers this appropriate and the patient or caregiver has received training.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.