Ixekizumab injection

What is this medicine?

IXEKIZUMAB (ix e KIZ ue mab) is used to treat plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection under the skin. It may be administered by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic setting or at home. If you get this medicine at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• signs and symptoms of infection like fever or chills; cough; sore throat; pain or trouble passing urine

• signs and symptoms of bowel problems like abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood in the stool, and weight loss

• white patches in the mouth or throat

• vaginal discharge, itching, or odor in women

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• nausea

• runny nose

• sinus trouble

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• live virus vaccines

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• cyclosporine

• inactivated vaccines

• warfarin

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor of health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment. If you give yourself the medicine and you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. Then be sure to take your next doses on your regular schedule. Do not take double or extra doses. If you have questions about a missed injection, call your health care professional.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store the prefilled syringe or injection pen in a refrigerator between 2 to 8 degrees C (36 to 46 degrees F). Keep the syringe or the pen in the original carton until ready for use. Protect from light. Do not freeze. Do not shake. Prior to use, remove the syringe or pen from the refrigerator and use within 30 minutes. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• immune system problems

• infection (especially a viral infection such as chickenpox, cold sores, or herpes)

• recently received or are scheduled to receive a vaccine

• tuberculosis, a positive skin test for tuberculosis, or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tuberculosis

• an unusual or allergic reaction to ixekizumab, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

You will be tested for tuberculosis (TB) before you start this medicine. If your doctor prescribes any medicine for TB, you should start taking the TB medicine before starting this medicine. Make sure to finish the full course of TB medicine.

Call your doctor or healthcare professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. This drug decreases your body's ability to fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

This medicine can decrease the response to a vaccine. If you need to get vaccinated, tell your healthcare professional if you have received this medicine within the last 6 months. Extra booster doses may be needed. Talk to your doctor to see if a different vaccination schedule is needed.