Key takeaways
Secukinumab (Cosentyx) and guselkumab (Tremfya) are both medications used to treat plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions, but they belong to different medication classes. Secukinumab is an interleukin 17 (IL-17) inhibitor, while guselkumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets interleukin-23 (IL-23). Secukinumab is also approved for other conditions like ankylosing spondylitis and hidradenitis suppurativa, whereas guselkumab is approved for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Secukinumab is typically injected under the skin monthly after initial weekly doses, and it can also be given as an infusion for certain conditions. Guselkumab is injected under the skin every 8 weeks after the first two doses. Secukinumab is available in prefilled syringes or pens, while guselkumab is available as a prefilled syringe, prefilled pen, or a patient-controlled injector. Common side effects of secukinumab include the common cold and diarrhea, while guselkumab can cause upper respiratory infections and headaches. Both medications can also increase the risk of infections because of their effects on the immune system.
