Key takeaways
Secukinumab (Cosentyx) and certolizumab pegol (Cimzia) are both injectable biologic medications used to treat inflammatory conditions like psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. However, they belong to different medication classes and have distinct mechanisms of action. Secukinumab is an interleukin 17 (IL-17) antagonist, while certolizumab pegol is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker. Cosentyx is also approved for conditions like plaque psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa, whereas Cimzia is used for rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease, among others. Cosentyx is typically injected once a month after initial doses, while Cimzia is injected every 2 to 4 weeks. Both medications are available as prefilled syringes for at-home use, but Cosentyx also offers pen options. Common side effects of Cosentyx include upper respiratory infections and upset stomach, while Cimzia may cause upper respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and skin rash. Both medications can increase the risk of infections, but Cimzia also carries a risk of certain cancers and heart failure.
