About This Tool

The Taltz (ixekizumab) Dosing Calculator is an interactive resource designed for healthcare professionals to determine the appropriate dosing regimen based on the U.S. FDA-approved prescribing information. It simplifies dosing calculations for various indications, including plaque psoriasis (both adult and pediatric), psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. This tool does not replace clinical judgment or the need to consult the full prescribing information.

Outputs Explained

After inputting the patient's details, the calculator provides a clear, concise dosing recommendation. Key outputs include:

• Loading Dose: The initial dose required to rapidly achieve therapeutic levels, typically administered at Week 0.
• Maintenance Dosing Schedule: The recommended dose and frequency for ongoing treatment, which may vary by indication and during the initial treatment period (e.g., through Week 12 for plaque psoriasis).
• Patient-Specific Dosing: For pediatric patients with plaque psoriasis, the dose is calculated based on specific weight categories.
• Administration Schedule: If a treatment start date is provided, the tool generates a printable, date-specific schedule of all planned administrations for the first year to aid patient counseling and adherence.

How to Use the Calculator

Using the calculator involves a few simple steps to ensure an accurate dosing output:

• Select Indication: Choose the appropriate FDA-approved indication from the dropdown menu (e.g., Plaque Psoriasis, Psoriatic Arthritis).
• Specify Patient Age: For plaque psoriasis, select either "Adult" or "Pediatric." For other indications, only adult dosing is available.
• Enter Patient Weight: If "Pediatric" is selected, the patient weight field will appear. Enter the weight and select the correct unit (kg or lbs).
• Select PsA Sub-type: If "Psoriatic Arthritis" is selected, specify whether the patient has coexistent moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, as this affects the dosing regimen.
• Optional Start Date: Enter a treatment start date to generate a detailed administration calendar.
• Calculate: Click the "Calculate Dose" button to view the results.

Dosing Overview

The dosing for Taltz is specific to the indication and patient population. All doses are administered via subcutaneous injection.

Plaque Psoriasis (PsO)

Adults: The regimen starts with a 160 mg loading dose (two 80 mg injections) at Week 0, followed by 80 mg every 2 weeks through Week 12. The maintenance dose is 80 mg every 4 weeks thereafter.

Pediatrics (6 to <18 years): Dosing is weight-based. The maintenance dose is administered every 4 weeks.

• >50 kg: 160 mg at Week 0, then 80 mg every 4 weeks.
• 25 to 50 kg: 80 mg at Week 0, then 40 mg every 4 weeks.
• <25 kg: 40 mg at Week 0, then 20 mg every 4 weeks.

Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)

Adults with coexistent moderate-to-severe PsO: Follow the adult plaque psoriasis dosing regimen.

Adults without coexistent moderate-to-severe PsO: 160 mg loading dose at Week 0, followed by a maintenance dose of 80 mg every 4 weeks.

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) & nr-axSpA

Adults: 160 mg loading dose at Week 0, followed by a maintenance dose of 80 mg every 4 weeks.

Switching Therapies

When switching a patient to Taltz from another biologic or systemic therapy, consult the full prescribing information for both agents. There is no required washout period specified in the Taltz label; however, the decision to implement a washout period and its duration should be based on clinical judgment, considering the half-life and mechanism of action of the previous therapy to minimize risks of disease flare or overlapping immunosuppression.

Missed Dose Instructions

If a patient misses a dose of Taltz, they should be instructed to administer their dose as soon as they remember. Following the missed dose, the subsequent doses should be administered according to the original schedule. The dosing interval should not be shortened to make up for the missed dose. For example, if a patient on a 4-week maintenance schedule takes a missed dose, their next dose should be 4 weeks later.

Safety Alerts

Taltz may lower the ability of the immune system to fight infections and may increase the risk of infections. Healthcare providers should screen for tuberculosis (TB) prior to starting treatment. Other important safety information includes risks of serious allergic reactions, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), and cytopenias.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the loading dose for Taltz in adults?

For all adult indications (PsO, PsA, AS, nr-axSpA), the recommended loading dose is 160 mg, administered as two separate 80 mg subcutaneous injections at Week 0.

How does pediatric Taltz dosing for plaque psoriasis differ from adult dosing?

Pediatric dosing is based on the child's body weight, with different loading and maintenance doses for children under 25 kg, 25-50 kg, and over 50 kg. Adult dosing is a fixed dose regardless of weight.

Is the Taltz dosing for psoriatic arthritis different if the patient also has plaque psoriasis?

Yes. Patients with PsA who also have coexistent moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis follow the adult PsO dosing regimen (including the every-2-week doses through Week 12). Patients with PsA without significant psoriasis receive a maintenance dose every 4 weeks from the start.

How often is the Taltz maintenance dose given for ankylosing spondylitis?

After the initial 160 mg loading dose, the maintenance dose for ankylosing spondylitis is 80 mg administered every 4 weeks.

What happens if I enter a start date in the calculator?

Entering a treatment start date generates a convenient, printable administration schedule. It calculates the specific dates for the loading dose and all subsequent maintenance doses for the next year, helping to improve patient education and adherence.

Does this calculator account for patients with renal or hepatic impairment?

No. The calculator provides standard dosing based on the clinical trials and prescribing information. Taltz has not been studied in these specific populations, and no dose adjustments are specified in the label. Clinical judgment is required.

Why does the calculator show a special note for pediatric patients under 25 kg?

The recommended 20 mg maintenance dose for this weight group cannot be administered with the currently available 80 mg or 40 mg Taltz Autoinjector or prefilled syringe. This requires special consideration by the prescribing physician.

Can I use this calculator for off-label indications?

No. This tool is strictly for informational purposes based on the FDA-approved indications and dosing. It should not be used to determine dosing for any off-label use.

References

1. Taltz (ixekizumab) Prescribing Information. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Revised: 05/2022.
2. Taltz HCP Official Website. Eli Lilly and Company.
3. Menter A, et al. Joint AAD-NPF guidelines of care for the management and treatment of psoriasis with biologics. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019;80(4):1029-1072.
4. Singh JA, et al. 2018 American College of Rheumatology/National Psoriasis Foundation Guideline for the Treatment of Psoriatic Arthritis. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2019;71(1):5-32.