What should I do if I experience flu-like symptoms while taking Taltz (ixekizumab)?

Management of Flu-Like Symptoms While Taking Taltz (Ixekizumab)

If you experience flu-like symptoms while taking Taltz (ixekizumab), you should continue the medication while managing symptoms with supportive care, unless symptoms are severe or persistent, in which case contact your healthcare provider.

Understanding Flu-Like Symptoms with Taltz

Taltz (ixekizumab) is a humanized monoclonal antibody that inhibits interleukin-17A (IL-17A), approved for the treatment of plaque psoriasis 1. While the medication is generally well-tolerated, some patients may experience flu-like symptoms during treatment.

Common flu-like symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Joint pain
• Headache
• General malaise

Assessment and Management Algorithm

Step 1: Evaluate Symptom Severity

• Mild symptoms: Low-grade fever (<38°C), mild fatigue, manageable discomfort
• Moderate symptoms: Fever (38-38.5°C), significant fatigue, moderate muscle/joint pain
• Severe symptoms: High fever (>38.5°C), extreme fatigue, severe pain, inability to perform daily activities

Step 2: Management Based on Severity

For Mild to Moderate Symptoms:

1. Continue Taltz therapy - Most flu-like symptoms are transient and do not require discontinuation of therapy 2
2. Symptomatic treatment:
   • Antipyretics such as paracetamol (acetaminophen) for fever and pain 3
   • Adequate hydration and rest 3
   • Avoid NSAIDs if possible, as they may interact with your underlying condition

For Severe or Persistent Symptoms:

1. Contact your healthcare provider immediately
2. Consider temporary discontinuation of Taltz if advised by your provider
3. Monitor for signs of more serious reactions requiring immediate medical attention:
   • Respiratory distress
   • Severe skin reactions
   • Signs of infection (worsening fever, productive cough)

Important Considerations

Differentiating Between Medication Side Effects and Actual Influenza

It's important to determine if symptoms are medication-related or due to actual influenza infection:

• Timing: Medication-related symptoms often appear within the first few weeks of starting Taltz 4
• Pattern: Medication-related symptoms may recur with each dose
• Exposure: Consider if you've been exposed to people with confirmed influenza
• Season: During influenza season, actual infection is more likely

When to Suspect Actual Influenza

If you have:

• Fever >38°C
• Sudden onset of symptoms
• Contact with confirmed influenza cases
• Respiratory symptoms (cough, sore throat)

Consider antiviral treatment if symptoms started within 48 hours and you meet criteria for influenza treatment 3.

Monitoring Parameters

Monitor the following while experiencing symptoms 2:

• Temperature
• Respiratory rate
• Heart rate
• Ability to maintain oral intake
• Mental status changes

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Seek immediate medical care if you experience 2:

• Temperature >37.8°C AND heart rate >100/min
• Respiratory rate >24/min
• Systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg
• Oxygen saturation <90%
• Inability to maintain oral intake
• Abnormal mental status

Long-Term Considerations

• If flu-like symptoms persist beyond 2-3 weeks, consult your healthcare provider
• Document the timing of symptoms in relation to Taltz doses to identify patterns
• Discuss with your provider if symptoms significantly impact your quality of life, as dosing adjustments might be considered 5

Remember that the benefits of Taltz in treating your psoriasis must be weighed against the side effects you experience. Most flu-like symptoms are manageable and temporary, allowing continued treatment with appropriate supportive care.