Before you start treatment with ixekizumab, your doctor may perform tests to make sure you do not have tuberculosis or other infections.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Ixekizumab is injected under the skin. A healthcare provider may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.
The timing of your injections will depend on the condition being treated. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand all instructions.
This medicine is not used daily. Your first dose may be given as 2 injections at the same time. Later doses are then given once every 2 to 4 weeks.
Ixekizumab doses are based on weight in children treated for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Your child's dose needs may change if the child gains or loses weight.
Prepare an injection only when you are ready to use it. Ixekizumab should appear as a clear to light-yellow liquid. Do not use the medicine if it looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medication.
Do not shake the syringe or injection pen.
Your healthcare provider will show you where on your body to inject ixekizumab. Use a different place each time you give an injection. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row. Do not give an injection into a skin area with active psoriasis, or skin that is red, bruised, or tender.
Ixekizumab can increase your risk of bleeding or infection. You will need frequent medical tests.
Store this medicine in the original container in a refrigerator. Protect from light and do not freeze. Do not use the medicine if it has become frozen.
Before injecting your dose, take the injection pen or prefilled syringe out of the refrigerator and leave it at room temperature for 30 minutes. Do not heat the medicine in a microwave or under hot water, and do not leave it in direct sunlight.
If needed, you may store ixekizumab at room temperature in its original carton, protected from light. Do not return the medicine to the refrigerator. Throw away any ixekizumab kept at room temperature if you have not used it within 5 days.
Each single-use injection pen or prefilled syringe is for one use only. Throw it away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.
Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
