What is Taltz (Ixekizumab)?
Taltz, with the active ingredient ixekizumab, is a prescription biologic medication used to treat several autoimmune conditions [1.8.6]. It is administered as an injection under the skin [1.8.5]. Taltz is an interleukin-17A (IL-17A) inhibitor, which means it works by blocking a specific protein in the immune system that causes inflammation [1.8.3]. By targeting this protein, Taltz helps to reduce the symptoms associated with these inflammatory diseases [1.8.6].
Conditions treated by Taltz include:
- Moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults and children aged 6 and older [1.8.4].
- Active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in adults [1.8.4].
- Active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in adults [1.8.4].
- Active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) in adults [1.8.4].
Does Taltz Make You Sleepy or Fatigued?
The direct link between Taltz and sleepiness is not straightforward. Official clinical studies for Taltz did not report fatigue as a common side effect [1.7.1]. However, it is listed as an 'uncommon' side effect, occurring in 0.1% to 1% of patients [1.7.3]. Some sources also list 'unusual tiredness or weakness' as a more common side effect [1.7.2]. Patient-reported experiences show that a small percentage (around 2.1%) mention fatigue after taking Taltz [1.3.4].
Interestingly, Taltz has also been shown to reduce fatigue in patients with conditions like ankylosing spondylitis and nr-axSpA [1.3.1]. Phase 3 trials demonstrated that treatment with Taltz significantly reduced fatigue and pain over the course of a year in patients with AS [1.3.2].
The Role of the Underlying Condition
A crucial factor to consider is that the autoimmune diseases Taltz treats are themselves a major cause of fatigue. Chronic inflammation, pain, and sleep disruption associated with psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis can lead to significant exhaustion [1.4.4].
- Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Severe fatigue is a primary symptom of PsA. Studies have shown that a high percentage of PsA patients experience moderate to severe fatigue [1.4.1]. This fatigue can feel like uncontrollable exhaustion that doesn't improve with rest [1.4.4].
- Psoriasis: While often seen as a skin disease, psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory condition. Fatigue is a common complaint, driven by inflammation, pain, and itching that can disrupt sleep [1.4.7].
Because fatigue is already so prevalent in these conditions, it can be difficult to determine if the tiredness is a side effect of the medication or a symptom of the disease itself [1.7.1]. In many cases, by reducing the underlying inflammation, biologics like Taltz can actually improve energy levels [1.3.1, 1.7.4].
Comparison of Fatigue as a Side Effect in Similar Biologics
When considering treatment options, it's helpful to compare the side effect profiles of similar medications. Taltz, Cosentyx, and Skyrizi are all biologics used to treat similar conditions.
| Medication | Target | Fatigue as a Listed Side Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Taltz (ixekizumab) | IL-17A | Uncommon (0.1% to 1%) [1.7.3]. 'Unusual tiredness' is also noted [1.7.2]. |
| Cosentyx (secukinumab) | IL-17A | Yes, listed as a common side effect [1.5.5]. |
| Skyrizi (risankizumab) | IL-23 | Yes, listed among common side effects [1.5.2]. |
This comparison shows that while fatigue is associated with all three medications to some degree, its official classification varies.
Managing Fatigue While on Taltz
If you experience fatigue while taking Taltz, it's important to discuss it with your doctor to rule out other causes, including the disease itself or other underlying issues [1.6.4]. Lifestyle modifications can also play a significant role in managing energy levels [1.6.2].
Lifestyle Strategies:
- Prioritize Sleep: Establish a regular sleep schedule, even on weekends. Ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool to improve sleep quality [1.6.3].
- Balanced Diet: Focus on a diet rich in whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Avoid processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats, which can cause energy fluctuations [1.6.4].
- Regular Exercise: Gentle, low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or yoga can boost energy levels and reduce pain [1.6.4]. Even a short walk can be beneficial [1.6.5].
- Manage Stress: Incorporate relaxation techniques such as meditation or listening to calming music to unwind before bed [1.6.4].
- Limit Alcohol: Alcohol can disrupt sleep patterns and worsen psoriasis, so limiting intake is recommended [1.6.4].
Conclusion
While sleepiness or fatigue is considered an uncommon side effect of Taltz, the experience of tiredness is very common in patients with the autoimmune diseases it is prescribed to treat [1.7.1, 1.4.1]. The inflammation, pain, and psychological burden of conditions like psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis are significant contributors to fatigue. In fact, by controlling the disease's inflammatory activity, Taltz may actually help reduce fatigue for many individuals [1.3.1]. If you are experiencing persistent fatigue while on Taltz, it is essential to have an open dialogue with your healthcare provider. They can help determine the cause and develop a comprehensive management plan that addresses both your disease symptoms and your overall quality of life.
For more information from the manufacturer, visit the official Taltz website: https://www.taltz.com
