IXEKIZUMAB INJ,SOLN

Generic Name: IXEKIZUMAB INJ
Brand Names: TALTZ AUTOINJECTOR, TALTZ AUTOINJECTOR (2 PACK), TALTZ AUTOINJECTOR (3 PACK), TALTZ SYRINGE
Drug Class: IMMUNE SUPPRESSANTS
Formulary Status: Non-Formulary Requires prior authorization
Copay Tier: 3
Last Updated: April 1, 2026

Clinical Criteria Summary

Completed tuberculosis (TB) test using tuberculin skin test or interferon-gamma release assay [IGRA].
Completed hepatitis B screening (HBsAg, total anti-HBc and antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen [anti-HBs]).
Current or past completion of hepatitis C screening.
If HBsAg-negative but anti-HBc-positive: GI/liver or ID expert consult indicated for advice on antiviral prophylaxis or preemptive monitoring for HBV reactivation.

Uncontrolled, active, severe infection, including undrained abscess (may start/restart once treatment for the infection is initiated).
Untreated latent or active tuberculosis infection.
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive and not on antiviral prophylaxis (may initiate after starting antiviral prophylaxis with agents such as entecavir or tenofovir).
Untreated HIV infection (treated, well-controlled, asymptomatic HIV-positive patients may be treated).
Concomitant live or live-attenuated vaccines or administration of inactivated, live, or live-attenuated vaccines less than 2 weeks before initiation.

Definite or provisional diagnosis of active ankylosing spondylitis (or radiographic axial spondyloarthritis).

Prescribed and monitored by a VA/VA Community Care rheumatologist or locally designated expert.
Prescribed at the FDA-approved dose for ankylosing spondylitis.
Vaccinations should be updated before initiation; recombinant zoster vaccine should be completed or initiated by end of first year of treatment.

Tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFI) therapy is medically inadvisable, not tolerated or not adequate (i.e., NO or partial response after 3 months or loss of initial response).
Applies only to new starts; stable patients should not be switched to a criteria-required prior drug for nonmedical reasons.

For females who can become pregnant: Counseling provided on potential risks vs benefits of treatment and the use of effective contraception.

Completed tuberculosis (TB) test using tuberculin skin test or interferon-gamma release assay [IGRA].
Completed hepatitis B screening (HBsAg, total antibody-to-hepatitis-B-core-antigen [anti-HBc] and antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen [anti-HBs]).
Current or past completion of hepatitis C screening.
Antiviral prophylaxis for HBV must utilize agents with a high genetic barrier to resistance such as entecavir or tenofovir.

Uncontrolled, active, severe infection, including undrained abscess (may be started/restarted once treatment for the infection is initiated).
Untreated latent or active tuberculosis infection.
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive and not on antiviral prophylaxis (may be initiated after starting antiviral prophylaxis).
Untreated HIV infection (treated, well-controlled, asymptomatic HIV-positive patients may be treated).
Concomitant live or live-attenuated vaccines or administration of inactivated, live, or live-attenuated vaccines less than 2 weeks before initiation.

Definite or provisional diagnosis of active nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) made by a VA/VA Community Care rheumatologist.
Prescribed at the FDA-approved dose for active nr-axSpA.
Tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) therapy is medically inadvisable, not tolerated, or not adequate (i.e., NO or partial response after 3 months or loss of initial response).

Prescribed and monitored by a VA/VA Community Care rheumatologist or locally designated expert.

If HBsAg-negative but anti-HBc-positive and practitioner deems consult indicated: GI/liver or infectious diseases expert has been consulted for advice on whether to start antiviral prophylaxis or to preemptively monitor for HBV reactivation.
For females who can become pregnant: Counseling provided on potential risks vs benefits of treatment and the use of effective contraception.

Criteria apply only to new starts; stable patients should not be switched to a criteria-required prior drug for nonmedical reasons.

Active, serious, systemic or localized infection, including undrained abscess (may start/restart once controlled)
Untreated latent or active tuberculosis infection
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive and not on antiviral prophylaxis (may initiate after starting prophylaxis)
HBsAg-negative but antibody-to-hepatitis-B-core-antigen (anti-HBc)-positive and not on antiviral prophylaxis (may initiate after starting prophylaxis)
Untreated HIV infection (treated, well-controlled, asymptomatic HIV-positive patients may be treated)
Concomitant live or live-attenuated vaccines or administration of inactivated, live, or live-attenuated vaccines less than 2 weeks before initiation

Prescribed and monitored by a VA/VA Community Care dermatologist or locally designated psoriasis expert
Prescribed at the FDA-approved dose for plaque psoriasis
Adult with chronic (≥ 6 months) moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (including involvement of nails only)
Completed tuberculosis (TB) test using tuberculin skin test or interferon-gamma release assay [IGRA]
Completed hepatitis B screening (at minimum, HBsAg, total anti-HBc and antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen [anti-HBs])
Current or past completion of hepatitis C screening (may initiate while waiting for results)
For patients who can become pregnant and patients with partners who can become pregnant: Counseling provided on potential risks vs benefits of treatment and the use of effective contraception
Methotrexate monotherapy is medically inadvisable, not tolerated, or not adequate
Phototherapy is medically inadvisable, inadequate, not available or not feasible
Tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFI) is medically inadvisable, not tolerated or not adequate (i.e., NO or partial response after 3 months or loss of initial response)

Prescribed and monitored by a VA/VA Community Care rheumatologist, dermatologist or locally designated expert
Prescribed at the FDA-approved dose for psoriatic arthritis or at the FDA-approved dose for plaque psoriasis when treating both conditions
Has inflammatory articular disease (joint, spine, and/or entheseal), and a definite or provisional diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis
Completed tuberculosis (TB) test using tuberculin skin test or interferon-gamma release assay [IGRA]
Completed hepatitis B screening (at minimum, HBsAg, anti-HBc and anti-HBs)
Completed hepatitis C screening
For patients who can become pregnant and patients with partners who can become pregnant: Counseling provided on potential risks vs benefits of treatment and the use of effective contraception
Tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFI) therapy is medically inadvisable, not tolerated or not adequate (i.e., NO or partial response after 3 months or loss of initial response)