Faculty: Jeffrey Johnson, PA-C, DSDPA
Physician assistant Jeff Johnson gave an engaging product theater presentation reviewing the medication Taltz Friday morning. Taltz is indicated for adult patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (PsO) who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. It is also indicated for treatment of patients with psoriatic arthritis. Taltz is a humanized interleukin-17A antagonist. Interleukin 17— is an important cytokine in the development of the inflammatory disease of psoriasis. Taltz is given through a subcutaneous injection. The dosing for plaque psoriasis starts with a loading dose of two injections followed by one injection every 2 weeks until 12 weeks and then monthly thereafter.
PA Johnson reported psoriasis patients want clearance that lasts and with a rapid response. He believes this is what sets Taltz apart from other biologics. For patients, a rapid response is defined as 100% clear within a month. An additional benefit of Taltz is that it has been found to be effective for more difficult to treat areas of psoriasis such as the scalp, nails, genital and palmoplantar regions. Taltz has been found to have durable efficacy through 5 years. Patients who plan to initiate therapy with Taltz need to have a PPD and will need pre-treatment for TB if positive. The most common adverse effects of Taltz include injection site reactions, upper respiratory tract infections, nausea, and tinea infections. During Taltz treatment, it is important to monitor for onset or exacerbation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). If a patient has a strong family history of IBD, a provider may consider another medication for their patient.