An anti-IL-13 antibody injection for eczema
Tralokinumab
A regular injection used to treat moderate to severe eczema by blocking an immune signal that drives the skin inflammation.
What is Tralokinumab?
Tralokinumab is a specialist biologic medicine used to treat moderate to severe eczema (atopic dermatitis) when creams and ointments have not controlled it well enough or are unsuitable. It is an antibody given as an injection under the skin that blocks a signalling protein called interleukin-13 (IL-13), which drives the inflammation and itch of eczema, helping the skin to settle. A characteristic side effect is eye inflammation, particularly conjunctivitis, so any sore, red or watery eyes should be reported. Injection-site reactions can happen, parasitic infections should be checked for, and live vaccines are generally avoided. It is given on a regular schedule by a specialist service.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Tralokinumab — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Tralokinumab is a biologic medicine, a type of antibody, used to treat moderate to severe eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, a long-term condition causing dry, itchy and inflamed skin. It is used when topical treatments such as creams and ointments have not controlled the eczema well enough or are not suitable. It works by blocking a specific immune signal that drives the inflammation and itch, helping the skin to heal and reducing flare-ups. It is given as an injection under the skin on a regular schedule, often at home after training, and is prescribed and supervised by a specialist dermatology service.
How it works
Eczema is driven by an overactive immune response in the skin, with a signalling protein called interleukin-13 (IL-13) playing a key part in the inflammation, itch and damaged skin barrier. Tralokinumab is an antibody that binds to IL-13 and stops it working, calming this part of the immune response so the skin inflammation and itch settle and the skin can repair. Because it works steadily over weeks, it is given as a regular course of injections rather than as an immediate treatment. By targeting one specific signal, it aims to control eczema while affecting the wider immune system relatively little, though some side effects such as eye inflammation can occur.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Specialist manufacturer.
A specialist biologic injection used in the UK to treat moderate to severe eczema (atopic dermatitis) that is not controlled by topical treatment.
What it treats
Conditions Tralokinumab is used for
Practical use
How to take Tralokinumab
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Use it on the regular schedule your specialist team sets, injecting it under the skin as you have been trained.
- Keep using any prescribed moisturisers and topical treatments unless your team tells you otherwise.
- Report any new or worsening eye symptoms, such as sore, red or watery eyes, as eye inflammation can occur.
- Tell your team about symptoms that might suggest a parasitic infection before starting.
- Check with your team before having any vaccinations, as live vaccines are generally avoided while on it.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Tralokinumab
Advantages
- Can greatly improve moderate to severe eczema and itch when topical treatments are not enough.
- Given as an injection on a regular schedule, often at home after training.
- Targets one specific immune signal, aiming to calm eczema with limited effect on the rest of the immune system.
Disadvantages
- Can cause eye inflammation, particularly conjunctivitis, which sometimes needs treatment.
- Commonly causes reactions where the injection is given.
- Works gradually and needs specialist supervision and regular injections.
Practical use
Good to know
A characteristic and important point with tralokinumab is that it can cause eye problems, particularly conjunctivitis with sore, red, itchy or watery eyes, so any new or worsening eye symptoms should be reported, as eye drops or a review may be needed. It works gradually, so the skin and itch improve over weeks rather than days, and it is given as injections on a regular schedule that the specialist sets, often at home after training. The most common side effects are reactions where the injection is given and eye inflammation. Because the immune signal it blocks also has a role in fighting certain parasites, a parasitic (worm) infection is usually checked for and treated before starting, and live vaccines are generally avoided while on it. The specialist team reviews how well it is controlling the eczema over time.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to tralokinumab should not use it.
- It is used with care in people with a parasitic infection, which is usually treated first.
- Live vaccines are generally avoided while using it, so it is used with care around vaccination.
Monitoring
- Watching for eye symptoms such as conjunctivitis and arranging treatment if needed.
- Checking for and treating any parasitic infection before and during treatment as needed.
- Reviewing how well the eczema and itch are responding over time.
Side effects
- Eye inflammation such as conjunctivitis, with sore, red or watery eyes.
- Redness, soreness or swelling where the injection is given.
- Less commonly, allergic-type reactions, which should be reported.
Key interactions
- Live vaccines are generally avoided while using it, so check before any vaccination.
- There are few well-established routine medicine interactions, but tell your team about everything you take.
- It is used alongside, not instead of, your prescribed skin-care routine.
Available as: A solution for injection under the skin, often given by the patient or a carer.
Answers
Tralokinumab: frequently asked questions
What is tralokinumab used for?
It is used to treat moderate to severe eczema (atopic dermatitis) when creams and ointments are not enough, by blocking an immune signal (IL-13) that drives the inflammation and itch.
Why might my eyes become sore or red?
Eye inflammation, particularly conjunctivitis, is a known side effect of tralokinumab, so report any sore, red, itchy or watery eyes, as eye drops or a review may be needed.
How quickly does it work?
It works gradually, so the skin and itch usually improve over weeks rather than days; your specialist will review how well it is helping.
Do I still need my creams and moisturisers?
Usually yes; keep using any prescribed moisturisers and topical treatments unless your specialist team advises otherwise.
Can I have vaccinations while using it?
Live vaccines are generally avoided while on tralokinumab, so check with your specialist team before having any vaccination.
Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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