Skip to main content

Compare
Cosentyx vs. Tremfya

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

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.

Cosentyx

(secukinumab)

Get free coupons

Tremfya

(guselkumab)

Get free coupons

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

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

Warnings for Cosentyx

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

Summary for Tremfya

Prescription only

Tremfya (guselkumab) is an injection used to treat certain inflammatory conditions. It's for people ages 6 year and older with plaque psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. It can also treat adults with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease. This medication is an interleukin antagonist that works to lower inflammation. The dosing schedule is usually every 2 months after the starter doses. Adults with UC or Crohn's disease can also get their maintenance doses once a month. Side effects are upper respiratory infections, headache, and injection site reactions. Long-term side effects include a risk of other infections and liver problems.

Indications for Tremfya

Pros and Cons for Tremfya

Pros

  • Approved for adults and children 6 years and up weighing at least 88 lbs with either plaque psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis
  • Given every 1 or 2 months (depending on your condition and treatment plan)
  • Few side effects
  • Can give yourself injections under the skin at home after you get trained

Cons

  • Given as an injection
  • Raises the risk of infections
  • Can cause some injection site reactions
  • Can take several months to see the benefits of the medication

Common Side Effects for Tremfya

Warnings for Tremfya

  • Serious allergic reactions
  • Risk of infection
  • Liver damage
  • Interaction with vaccines

Prices with our coupons for Cosentyx vs. Tremfya

Price Card Drug Icon
Cosentyx1 carton / 2 sensoready pens of 150mg/ml
$7,189.40$10,968.95
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Tremfya1 injection / 1ml of 100mg/ml
$13,364.33-
Get free coupons
More Information

Browse medications by letter

Show All

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