Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Duobrii vs. Cosentyx

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

Key takeaways

Duobrii (halobetasol/tazarotene) and Cosentyx (secukinumab) are both medications used to treat plaque psoriasis, but they belong to different medication classes and have distinct characteristics. Duobrii is a topical lotion that combines a corticosteroid (halobetasol) and a retinoid (tazarotene) to reduce inflammation and thin psoriasis plaques. It is applied once daily to the skin. Cosentyx, on the other hand, is an injectable interleukin 17 (IL-17) inhibitor that lowers swelling, pain, and inflammation. Both medications are only available in a branded version. Both medications are not usually recommended during pregnancy. Common side effects of Duobrii include skin rash and application site pain, whereas Cosentyx may cause cold symptoms and diarrhea. Additionally, Cosentyx is approved for a wider range of conditions, including psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, unlike Duobrii, which is specifically for plaque psoriasis.

  • Duobrii (halobetasol / tazarotene)
    Cosentyx (secukinumab)
  • Duobrii (halobetasol / tazarotene)
    Cosentyx (secukinumab)

  • Summary of Duobrii vs. Cosentyx

    Summary for Corticosteroid / Retinoid
    Prescription only

    Duobrii is a combination medication that contains halobetasol (a corticosteroid) and tazarotene (a retinoid). It's a prescription topical lotion that's FDA-approved to treat plaque psoriasis in adults. The directions for using the medication are to apply a thin amount over the affected area(s) of skin once per day. But avoid putting on the face, groin, and underarms. Side effects aren't common, but can include skin rash and pain at the site of application. Duobrii is brand name only and not available as a generic.

    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 Duobrii vs. Cosentyx

    Indications for
    •Plaque psoriasis in adults
    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 Duobrii vs. Cosentyx

    Pros and Const for Corticosteroid / Retinoid
    Pros
    •Applied once daily
    •Combines two medications into one lotion
    •Might see some improvements in as early as 2 weeks
    Cons
    •For adults only; not studied in children
    •Not safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding
    •Available as a brand-name product only
    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 Duobrii vs. Cosentyx

    Common Side Effects for
    •Skin rash (7%)
    •Pain where the medication was applied (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Common cold (11%)
    •Diarrhea (4%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infections (3%)

  • Warnings of Duobrii vs. Cosentyx

    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to unborn babies
    •Altered stress hormone levels
    •Skin reactions and skin infections
    •Sun sensitivity and risk of sunburn
    •Cataracts and glaucoma
    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 Duobrii vs. Cosentyx

    Learn more about Duobrii
    Learn more about Cosentyx

Compare other Plaque Psoriasis drugs

Duobrii vs BryhaliDuobrii vs CosentyxDuobrii vs EnstilarDuobrii vs ImpoyzDuobrii vs SkyriziDuobrii vs TremfyaBimzelx vs CosentyxBimzelx vs TremfyaCosentyx vs HumiraCosentyx vs TremfyaEnbrel vs CosentyxEntyvio vs SkyriziOmvoh vs SkyriziOtezla vs CosentyxRinvoq vs CosentyxRinvoq vs SkyriziSkyrizi vs BimzelxSkyrizi vs CosentyxSkyrizi vs DupixentSkyrizi vs EnbrelSkyrizi vs HumiraSkyrizi vs IlumyaSkyrizi vs OtezlaSkyrizi vs RemicadeSkyrizi vs SimponiSkyrizi vs TaltzSotyktu vs SkyriziStelara vs SkyriziTremfya vs CosentyxTremfya vs Skyrizi
View More

Browse medications

View All

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