Understanding How Taltz Works
Taltz, with the active ingredient ixekizumab, is a biologic medication used to treat various inflammatory conditions, including moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. It functions by blocking the activity of interleukin-17A (IL-17A), a protein in the immune system that promotes inflammation. While effective for these conditions, this mechanism can increase your susceptibility to infections and lead to important interactions that must be managed carefully.
Medications and Vaccines to Avoid
Combining Taltz with Other Biologics and Immunosuppressants
Combining Taltz with other medications that suppress the immune system can significantly raise your risk of developing a serious infection. These include other biologics and certain immunosuppressants. For this reason, doctors typically will not prescribe them together.
- Other Biologics: Medications that alter the immune system, such as other biologics (e.g., abatacept/Orencia, tofacitinib/Xeljanz, upadacitinib/Rinvoq), should not be used with Taltz due to the heightened risk of infection.
- Immunosuppressants: Certain drugs used to suppress the immune response, such as some chemotherapies or corticosteroids, can also increase the risk of infection when combined with Taltz. Your doctor will evaluate your current and past medication list to determine suitability.
The Danger of Live Vaccines
One of the most critical things to avoid when taking Taltz is receiving live vaccines. Live vaccines contain a weakened form of the virus or bacteria they are designed to protect against. Since Taltz weakens the immune system, a live vaccine could cause a serious infection rather than provide immunity. You should complete any necessary vaccinations before starting Taltz.
Examples of live vaccines to avoid while on Taltz:
- Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
- Varicella (chickenpox)
- Nasal spray flu vaccine (FluMist)
- Yellow fever
It is important to note that inactivated (non-live) vaccines, such as the flu shot, may be less effective during Taltz treatment. You should always discuss your vaccination schedule with your doctor or pharmacist.
Managing Health Conditions and Lifestyle Factors
Pre-Existing and Potential Infections
Before starting Taltz, a healthcare provider will evaluate you for an active or latent tuberculosis (TB) infection. If a TB infection is found, it must be treated before you can begin Taltz. During and after treatment, you will be monitored for signs and symptoms of TB. Because Taltz increases your risk of infection, you should be proactive in taking precautions to avoid illness and contact your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms like fever, chills, cough, or unusual fatigue.
Alcohol Consumption
There is no known direct interaction between Taltz and alcohol. However, healthcare providers often recommend limiting or avoiding alcohol for several reasons. For one, alcohol can cause nausea, which is a potential side effect of Taltz and may worsen the symptom. More importantly, heavy alcohol use can cause flare-ups of the underlying condition that Taltz is meant to treat, such as plaque psoriasis. It is best to consult your doctor to determine what level of alcohol, if any, is safe for you.
Comparison of Biologic Interactions
| Feature | Taltz (ixekizumab) | Humira (adalimumab) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism of Action | Blocks Interleukin-17A | Blocks Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) |
| Immunosuppressive Effect | Increases risk of infection | Increases risk of infection |
| Live Vaccines | Must be avoided | Must be avoided |
| Combination with Biologics | Avoid concurrent use with other biologics (e.g., Orencia, Xeljanz) | Avoid concurrent use with other biologics |
| Inflammatory Bowel Disease | Monitor for new onset or exacerbation of IBD | Potential risk of IBD exacerbation |
| Known Food Interaction | None reported | None reported |
Conclusion
Navigating treatment with a biologic medication like Taltz requires a proactive approach to managing your health. By avoiding live vaccines and certain immunosuppressive drugs, you can significantly reduce your risk of serious infections. It is also essential to closely monitor any pre-existing conditions, particularly inflammatory bowel disease, as Taltz could worsen symptoms. While there are no direct interactions between Taltz and alcohol, discussing consumption with your doctor is important to avoid flare-ups of your underlying condition. Always maintain open communication with your healthcare provider about your complete medical history, including any chronic infections, and be sure to complete all necessary immunizations before beginning Taltz treatment. For more details on the drug's safety profile, consult the official prescribing information from the manufacturer, Eli Lilly and Company.
