Ixekizumab

The Basics

What is Ixekizumab?

Injectable drug for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

Brand names for Ixekizumab

Taltz

How Ixekizumab is classified

Antibodies – Monoclonal (Humanized), Dermatologic Agents

Ixekizumab During Pregnancy

Ixekizumab pregnancy category

Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Ixekizumab while pregnant

There are no available data on TALTZ use in pregnant women to inform any drug associated risks. Human IgG is known to cross the placental barrier; therefore, TALTZ may be transmitted from the mother to the developing fetus. An embryofetal development study conducted in pregnant monkeys at doses up to 19 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) revealed no evidence of harm to the developing fetus. When dosing was continued until parturition, neonatal deaths were observed at 1.9 times the MRHD . The clinical significance of these nonclinical findings is unknown. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.

Taking Ixekizumab While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Ixekizumab?

No information is available on the clinical use of ixekizumab during breastfeeding. Because ixekizumab is a large protein molecule with a molecular weight of 146,000, absorption by the infant is unlikely after the first few weeks postpartum, and it will probably be destroyed in the infant’s gastrointestinal tract. Until more data become available, ixekizumab should be used with caution during breastfeeding, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.

Maternal / infant drug levels

No information is available on the clinical use of ixekizumab during breastfeeding. Because ixekizumab is a large protein molecule with a molecular weight of 146,000, absorption by the infant is unlikely after the first few weeks postpartum, and it will probably be destroyed in the infant’s gastrointestinal tract. Until more data become available, ixekizumab should be used with caution during breastfeeding, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.

Possible effects of Ixekizumab on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Ixekizumab

(Psoriasis) Adalimumab, Etanercept, Infliximab, Phototherapy, Tretinoin.