What is Tralokinumab: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Tralokinumab is a prescription medication that helps treat moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) in adults. It's a targeted therapy that works by blocking specific proteins in your immune system that cause inflammation and itching.

This medication belongs to a class of drugs called monoclonal antibodies. Think of it as a precise tool that targets one specific part of the inflammatory process rather than suppressing your entire immune system.

What is Tralokinumab Used For?

Tralokinumab is specifically designed to treat moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in adults whose condition hasn't responded well to other treatments. Your doctor will typically consider this medication when topical treatments and other therapies haven't provided adequate relief.

The medication is particularly helpful for people who experience widespread eczema that significantly impacts their daily life. It can reduce the intense itching, redness, and skin thickening that characterizes severe atopic dermatitis.

Some doctors may also prescribe tralokinumab when patients can't tolerate other systemic treatments or when those treatments haven't been effective enough. It's often used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include gentle skincare routines and moisturizers.

How Does Tralokinumab Work?

Tralokinumab works by blocking a protein called interleukin-13 (IL-13) in your immune system. This protein plays a key role in causing the inflammation, itching, and skin barrier problems seen in atopic dermatitis.

By blocking IL-13, tralokinumab helps reduce the inflammatory response that leads to eczema symptoms. This targeted approach means it doesn't suppress your entire immune system like some other medications do.

The medication is considered moderately strong in terms of its effectiveness. While it's not as broadly immunosuppressive as some treatments, it can be quite effective for the specific pathways involved in atopic dermatitis.

How Should I Take Tralokinumab?

Tralokinumab is given as a subcutaneous injection, which means it's injected under the skin. Your healthcare provider will teach you how to give yourself these injections at home, or a family member can learn to help you.

The typical dosing schedule starts with two injections (600 mg total) on the first day, followed by one injection (300 mg) every two weeks. Your doctor may adjust this schedule based on how well you respond to treatment.

You can inject tralokinumab into your thigh, upper arm, or abdomen. It's important to rotate injection sites to prevent skin irritation. The medication doesn't need to be taken with food since it's injected, but you should store it in the refrigerator.

Before each injection, let the medication reach room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps reduce discomfort during the injection process.

How Long Should I Take Tralokinumab For?

Most people need to take tralokinumab for several months to see significant improvement in their eczema symptoms. You might start noticing some changes within 2-4 weeks, but the full benefits often take 12-16 weeks to become apparent.

Your doctor will typically evaluate your progress after 16 weeks of treatment. If you're responding well, you'll likely continue the medication long-term to maintain the benefits.

Some people may need to take tralokinumab for years to keep their atopic dermatitis under control. The duration depends on how severe your condition is and how well you respond to treatment.

What Are the Side Effects of Tralokinumab?

Like all medications, tralokinumab can cause side effects, though many people tolerate it well. Understanding what to expect can help you feel more prepared and know when to contact your healthcare provider.

The most common side effects are generally mild and manageable. Here are the ones you're most likely to experience:

• Injection site reactions like redness, swelling, or mild pain
• Upper respiratory tract infections such as common colds
• Eye inflammation or conjunctivitis
• Headaches
• Fatigue or feeling more tired than usual

These common side effects usually improve as your body adjusts to the medication. Most injection site reactions resolve within a day or two.

While less common, some people may experience more significant side effects that require medical attention. These include serious allergic reactions, severe eye problems, or signs of serious infections.

Rare but serious side effects include severe allergic reactions with symptoms like difficulty breathing, swelling of face or throat, or severe skin reactions. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Who Should Not Take Tralokinumab?

Tralokinumab isn't suitable for everyone, and your doctor will carefully review your medical history before prescribing it. People with certain conditions or circumstances may need to avoid this medication or use it with special precautions.

You should not take tralokinumab if you've had a severe allergic reaction to the medication or any of its ingredients in the past. Your doctor will review the complete ingredient list with you if you have known allergies.

People with active, serious infections should typically wait until the infection is treated before starting tralokinumab. Since the medication affects your immune system, it could potentially make infections harder to fight off.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should discuss the risks and benefits with their healthcare provider. While there's limited data on tralokinumab use during pregnancy, your doctor can help weigh the potential benefits against any possible risks.

Children and adolescents under 18 shouldn't take tralokinumab, as it's only approved for adults. If you have certain eye conditions or a history of parasitic infections, your doctor may need to monitor you more closely.

Tralokinumab Brand Names

Tralokinumab is available under the brand name Adbry in the United States. This is the commercial name you'll see on the packaging and prescription labels.

When discussing this medication with your healthcare provider or pharmacist, you can refer to it by either name. Some insurance companies may list it under the generic name tralokinumab, while others use the brand name Adbry.

Tralokinumab Alternatives

If tralokinumab isn't right for you, several other treatment options are available for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. Your doctor can help determine which alternative might work best for your specific situation.

Other biologic medications like dupilumab (Dupixent) work similarly by targeting different parts of the immune system involved in eczema. These medications are also given by injection and can be very effective for severe cases.

Traditional systemic treatments include medications like cyclosporine, methotrexate, or oral corticosteroids. These work differently than biologics and may be appropriate depending on your medical history and preferences.

Newer options include JAK inhibitors, which are oral medications that can be effective for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. Your doctor will consider factors like your age, other health conditions, and treatment preferences when recommending alternatives.

Is Tralokinumab Better Than Dupilumab?

Both tralokinumab and dupilumab are effective treatments for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, but they work slightly differently. Dupilumab blocks both IL-4 and IL-13 proteins, while tralokinumab specifically targets IL-13.

Clinical studies suggest that both medications can significantly improve eczema symptoms, but individual responses vary. Some people may respond better to one medication than the other, and this can't be predicted beforehand.

The choice between these medications often depends on factors like your specific symptoms, other health conditions, insurance coverage, and personal preferences. Your doctor will consider your complete medical picture when making a recommendation.

Both medications have similar injection schedules and side effect profiles. The decision often comes down to which one your doctor thinks will work best for your particular case.