Cosentyx vs. Humira for Plaque Psoriasis and Ankylosing Spondylitis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Cosentyx (secukinumab) and Humira (adalimumab) are both injectable medications used to treat various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, but they work differently and have different uses. Cosentyx is an interleukin 17 (IL-17) inhibitor, while Humira is a biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) that blocks tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Cosentyx is typically injected once monthly, whereas Humira is usually injected every other week. Cosentyx is used for conditions like plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Humira treats a broader range of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. Both medications can be used in children for certain conditions. Serious side effects for these medicatons include an increased risk of infections, but Humira also has warnings about potential risks for certain cancers and heart failure.

Cosentyx

(secukinumab)

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Humira

(adalimumab)

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Summary for Cosentyx

Prescription only

Cosentyx (secukinumab) is an injectable medication that treats many inflammatory conditions. This includes plaque psoriasis (PsO), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), among others. It works as an interleukin 17 antagonist to lower inflammation in the body. Some people might need a few starter doses. But it's usually injected under the skin once a month. You can use the prefilled syringes, Sensoready Pens, or UnoReady Pens to inject. For some conditions, the medication 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 include upper respiratory tract infections and upset stomach.

Indications for Cosentyx

Moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (PsO) in people 6 years and older
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in people 2 years and older
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in people 12 years and older
Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) in adults
Moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in people 12 years and older
Enthesitis-related arthritis in children 4 years and older

Pros and Cons for Cosentyx

Pros

Generally injected once a month (might need a few starter doses)
Available as prefilled syringes or pens for at-home injections
Okay for children of certain ages to use (depends on the condition being treated and with the exception of nr-axSpA)
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
Sensoready pens and prefilled syringes might not be a good option for people with a latex allergy

Common Side Effects for Cosentyx

Common cold (11%)
Diarrhea (4%)
Upper respiratory tract infections (3%)

Warnings for Cosentyx

Risk of infection
Caution when getting vaccines
Eczema-like skin reaction
Allergic reaction
Inflammatory bowel disease

Summary for Humira

Prescription only

Humira (adalimumab) is an injection used to treat many different autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and plaque psoriasis. As a TNF blocker, the medication works by blocking a protein that causes inflammation in your body. It's given as a shot under the skin once every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on your condition. Humira (adalimumab) doesn't have a true generic, but there are several similar versions called biosimilars. Common side effects include infections, injection site reactions, and headache.

Indications for Humira

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) - adults only
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) - people age 2 and older
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) - adults only
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) - adults only
Crohn's disease (CD) - people age 6 and older
Ulcerative colitis (UC) - people age 5 and older
Plaque psoriasis - adults only
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) - people age 12 and older
Uveitis - people age 2 and older

Pros and Cons for Humira

Pros

Can be used for many autoimmune conditions
Available as a ready-to-use pen that makes it easier to self-inject at home
Can be used in young children (as young as 2 years old for some conditions)
Only needs to be injected a couple times a month
Can be left at room temperature for up to 14 days if needed

Cons

Raises the risk of serious infections
Can take a few weeks or longer to work
Might be difficult to inject for some people
Can't receive any live vaccines while taking the medication
Might contain rubber or latex, which can cause a reaction for those with an allergy

Common Side Effects for Humira

Injection-site reaction (20%)
Upper respiratory tract infection (17%)
Headache (12%)
Rash (12%)
Sinus inflammation (11%)
Accidental injury (10%)
Nausea (9%)
Urinary tract infection (UTI) or bladder infection (8%)

Note: The side effects listed above were reported by adults with rheumatoid arthritis and are similar to those seen in people using Humira (adalimumab) for other conditions.