Major Research Findings

Ixekizumab is a monoclonal antibody against IL-17A, approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. 1 . Ixekizumab and secukinumab are IL17A inhibitors most commonly used to treat psoriasis. Common side effects include upper respiratory tract infections, injection site reactions, and mucocutaneous candidiasis. 2 . These medications have been reported to trigger lichen planus and lichenoid reactions have also been reported as an emerging side effect of biologics, especially tumor necrosis factor inhibitors. 2 . These medications are widely used for the treatment of psoriasis, but recently, lichen planus and lichenoid reactions have been reported as an emerging side effect of biologics, especially tumor necrosis factor inhibitors. 2 . The mechanism by which these medications induce lichen planus and lichenoid reactions is not fully understood.

Reasons for Side Effects

IL-17A inhibitors, such as ixekizumab and secukinumab, work by suppressing the immune system and reducing the body's inflammatory response. 1 . However, suppressing the immune system can lead to side effects such as an increased risk of infections. 1 . IL-17A inhibitors can also affect the immune response of the skin, potentially leading to skin conditions such as lichen planus and lichenoid reactions. 2 .

Common Side Effects

Upper respiratory tract infections

Ixekizumab and secukinumab may increase the risk of upper respiratory tract infections. 2 . This is because these medications suppress the immune system, making the body less able to fight off infections.

Injection site reactions

Ixekizumab and secukinumab may cause reactions at the injection site. 2 . This is due to a local allergic reaction to the medication.

Mucocutaneous candidiasis

Ixekizumab and secukinumab may increase the risk of mucocutaneous candidiasis. 2 . This is because these medications suppress the immune system, making the body less able to control the growth of Candida fungus in the mouth.

Lichen planus

Ixekizumab and secukinumab may trigger lichen planus. 2 . This is because these medications may affect the immune response of the skin, potentially leading to lichen planus.

Herpes zoster

Ixekizumab may increase the risk of developing herpes zoster (shingles). 1 . This is because ixekizumab suppresses the immune system, making the body less able to fight off the herpes zoster virus.

Side Effects Management

Upper respiratory tract infections

If you experience symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection, you should see a doctor. 2 . Your doctor will determine the appropriate treatment based on your symptoms.

Injection site reactions

If you experience a reaction at the injection site, you can apply a cold compress to help reduce the symptoms. 2 . If the symptoms are severe, you should see a doctor.

Mucocutaneous candidiasis

If you experience symptoms of mucocutaneous candidiasis, you should see a doctor. 2 . Your doctor will prescribe the appropriate medication based on your symptoms.

Lichen planus

If you experience symptoms of lichen planus, you should see a doctor. 2 . Your doctor will determine the appropriate treatment based on your symptoms.

Herpes zoster

If you experience symptoms of herpes zoster, you should see a doctor. 1 . Your doctor will prescribe the appropriate medication based on your symptoms.

Research Comparison

Commonalities

All three studies indicate that ixekizumab and secukinumab are effective treatments for plaque psoriasis. 1 2 3 . These studies also indicate that these medications can cause side effects such as upper respiratory tract infections, injection site reactions, and mucocutaneous candidiasis. 2 . Furthermore, they suggest the possibility of more serious side effects, such as lichen planus and herpes zoster. 2 1 .

Differences

The three studies differ in terms of design and participants. 1 2 3 . Therefore, it is not possible to directly compare the results of each study. However, these studies suggest that ixekizumab and secukinumab are effective treatments for plaque psoriasis and that these medications can cause side effects.

Real-life Application Considerations

Ixekizumab and secukinumab are effective medications for the treatment of plaque psoriasis. 1 2 3 . However, these medications can cause side effects such as upper respiratory tract infections, injection site reactions, and mucocutaneous candidiasis. 2 . They can also cause more serious side effects such as lichen planus and herpes zoster. 2 1 . If you are considering using ixekizumab or secukinumab, it is important to talk to your doctor to discuss the benefits and risks of these medications.

Limitations of Current Research

Current research provides limited information on the side effects of ixekizumab and secukinumab. 1 2 3 . Further research is needed to obtain more information about the use of these medications.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on obtaining more detailed information about the side effects of ixekizumab and secukinumab. 1 2 3 . In particular, it is important to investigate the mechanisms by which these medications induce side effects such as lichen planus and herpes zoster.

Conclusion

Ixekizumab and secukinumab are effective medications for the treatment of plaque psoriasis. 1 2 3 . However, these medications can cause side effects such as upper respiratory tract infections, injection site reactions, and mucocutaneous candidiasis. 2 . They can also cause more serious side effects such as lichen planus and herpes zoster. 2 1 . If you are considering using ixekizumab or secukinumab, it is important to talk to your doctor to discuss the benefits and risks of these medications.