Ixekizumab and Sore Throat: What Users Say

• Sus...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 14, 2018

For Plaque Psoriasis "I’m 61 and have had psoriasis since I was 8 years old, have tried every treatment. Tried Otezla, and it affected my liver, kidneys, so got off that. I started Taltz a year and a half ago with fabulous results. In the last 8 weeks, I have never, ever been so sick with a sore throat, swollen lymph node on the right side, cough, and sticky phlegm. I feel lousy on and off, and this throat infection won’t go away. I have had every blood test, strep test, and everything checks out fine. I’m on hold now for the next shot. Wondering if anyone else has had this problem and what I should do. I have to go back to work, but if I’m this sick all the time... is it worth it? Any other comments would be appreciated."

• Han...
• August 15, 2018

For Plaque Psoriasis "I have been on Taltz for about 8 months now, and before Taltz, NOTHING even subsided my psoriasis. I am now completely clear of the plaques (still have the white spots that occur when the plaques go away). The only downside to this medicine is it really does weaken your immune system. I was never sick before this medicine, and now I am ALWAYS sick. Strep throat, multiple infections, colds, everything. I've gotten so sick I've almost considered this medicine not worth it even though it's effective. What's even worse is that I'm on a trial for the child version of the medicine. Overall, really effective medicine, completely clear, yet always really sick."

• Eve...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 16, 2019

For Plaque Psoriasis "30 years old with psoriasis since 12. I started Taltz about a month and a half ago. I haven't had much improvement with clearer skin. Also, I've been extremely sick for about a month now. Sore throat, thick phlegm and mucus, ear pain, eye pain, a lot of itching all over my body constantly. I have to take Benadryl to sleep. I've been to the doctor 3 times, and it's not a virus or cold, so I'm guessing it's because of the injection. It definitely weakens the immune system. I don't like how I've been feeling since the start, and I will not be continuing it. It's not worth all the side effects, also, my arthritis has gotten worse."

• cbu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 7, 2019

For Psoriasis "I have been taking Taltz for moderate guttate psoriasis and am on week 23 now. I do have much clearer skin than I ever did, and injections have gotten easier. The only drawback is how often I'm catching infections and having other not-so-fun side effects with experience. I had strep throat for almost 2 months and went through 2 antibiotics. Sore throat never stopped due to a sinus infection on top of that when strep left. Saw 3 doctors and had 2 positive strep tests. Even the Taltz pharmacist said it was just hard to clear it up due to a lesser immune system. Just saw my dermatologist today, who basically told me the doctors don't know what they are talking about, and he does because he is the one who prescribes it all the time. His words. I just couldn't believe this doctor talking to me like this, like I've not been experiencing this-it was like he was trying to convince me that I was wrong! I've never had so many health issues and infections in such a short period of time. It can't be anything but the Taltz...but I love my clear-ish skin!"

• Hin...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 6, 2022

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis 6 years ago and have tried Plaquenil, methotrexate, Cosentyx, and now Taltz. (Plaquenil did nothing, methotrexate helped, but made my liver enzymes skyrocket, and Cosentyx was a miracle drug, but I had a full-body allergic skin reaction). I have been on Taltz for 6 months now, and while my joints feel good and I only have one plaque hanging on, I have been sick for the last 6 weeks. I've had a daily blaring earache, but my ear checks out fine at the doctor. I have had thick, sticky mucous drainage, a constantly sore throat on the right side (same as the ear), and have been on two rounds of antibiotics and steroids, with no improvement. I have an infected cuticle that has not completely healed with antibiotics, prescription antibiotic ointment, and antifungals. It could all be unrelated to the Taltz, but I feel like my immune system has been suppressed so much to where my body cannot get over normal things, like a cold. Not sure if the benefits are worth the side effects."