Are you a healthcare professional? Join GoodRx for HCPs

Compare Bimzelx vs. Cosentyx

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Bimzelx (bimekizumab) and Cosentyx (secukinumab) are both medications used to treat plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and hidradenitis suppurativa, among other conditions. And they both belong to the interleukin inhibitor medication class. However, they have some differences. Bimzelx is specifically an interleukin antagonist that blocks IL-17A and IL-17F, while Cosentyx is an IL-17 inhibitor. Bimzelx is typically injected every month or every other month, while Cosentyx is injected weekly for the first five weeks and then monthly. Both medications are available as prefilled syringes or pens, but Cosentyx can also be given as an infusion. Common side effects of Bimzelx include upper respiratory infections and oral thrush, while Cosentyx may cause common cold symptoms and diarrhea. Both medications can increase the risk of infections due to their effects on the immune system.

Bimzelx (bimekizumab)
Cosentyx (secukinumab)
Bimzelx (bimekizumab)
Cosentyx (secukinumab)
Summary of Bimzelx vs. Cosentyx
Summary for Interleukin antagonist
Prescription only
Bimzelx (bimekizumab or bimekizumab-bkzx) is an injection that's used to treat several inflammatory conditions in adults. They include plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and hidradenitis suppurativa, to name a few. It's a type of monoclonal antibody called an interleukin antagonist. It works to reduce inflammation in the body. Bimzelx (bimekizumab) comes in prefilled autoinjectors or prefilled syringes. You inject the medication under the skin either every month or every other month. It can cause side effects like upper respiratory infections.
Summary for Interleukin 17 (IL-17) antagonist
Prescription only
Cosentyx (secukinumab) is an injectable medication that helps treat many inflammatory conditions. This includes psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), among others. The medication works as an interleukin 17 (IL-17) antagonist to lower inflammation in the body. It's usually injected under the skin once a month. You use the prefilled syringes, Sensoready Pens, or UnoReady Pens to inject. For some conditions, it can also be given as an infusion into the vein at a clinic. The dosing depends on your age, health condition, and treatment plan. Side effects can include upper respiratory tract infections and upset stomach. Cosentyx (secukinumab) is a brand-name medication.
Indications of Bimzelx vs. Cosentyx
Indications for

•Moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis

•Psoriatic arthritis

•Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis

•Ankylosing spondylitis

•Moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa

Indications for

•Plaque psoriasis (PsO) in people 6 years and older

•Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in people 2 years and older

•Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in adults

•Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) in adults

•Moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in adults

•Enthesitis-related arthritis in children 4 years and older
Pros and Cons of Bimzelx vs. Cosentyx
Pros and Const for Interleukin antagonist
Pros

•Dosing schedule is either every month or every other month, so it's convenient for most people

•An option for plaque psoriasis if topical medications have stopped working

•Available as prefilled autoinjectors and prefilled syringes

Cons

•Can cause injection reactions, such as pain, bruising, and swelling

•Might raise the risk of infections

•Unknown if safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding

Pros and Const for Interleukin 17 (IL-17) antagonist
Pros

•Generally injected once a month (might need a few starter doses)

•Available as prefilled syringes or pens for at-home injections

•Okay for some children (with plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, or enthesitis-related arthritis)

•Few side effects

Cons

•Must be given as an injection

•Might raise the risk of infections

•Might cause flare-ups in people with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease

•Pens and prefilled syringes might not be a good option for people with a latex allergy
Common Side Effects of Bimzelx vs. Cosentyx
Common Side Effects for

•Upper respiratory tract infection (runny nose, sore throat; 15%)

•Oral thrush (9%)

•Headache (3%)

•Injection site reactions (redness, pain, swelling, bruising; 3%)

•Fungal skin infections (3%)

Common Side Effects for

•Common cold (11%)

•Diarrhea (4%)

•Upper respiratory tract infections (3%)
Warnings of Bimzelx vs. Cosentyx
Common Side Effects for

•Suicidal thoughts or behavior

•Risk of infections

•Liver problems

•Inflammatory bowel disease

•Interaction with vaccines

Common Side Effects for

•Risk of infection

•Caution when getting vaccines

•Eczema-like skin reaction

•Allergic reaction

•Inflammatory bowel disease
Prices with our coupons for Bimzelx vs. Cosentyx
Learn more about Bimzelx
Learn more about Cosentyx

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.

Compare Bimzelx vs. Cosentyx

Key takeaways

Summary of Bimzelx vs. Cosentyx

Indications of Bimzelx vs. Cosentyx

Pros and Cons of Bimzelx vs. Cosentyx

Common Side Effects of Bimzelx vs. Cosentyx

Warnings of Bimzelx vs. Cosentyx

Prices with our coupons for Bimzelx vs. Cosentyx

Compare other Plaque Psoriasis drugs

Browse medications

Good news for your inbox