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Enbrel vs. Cosentyx

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

Key takeaways

Enbrel (etanercept) and Cosentyx (secukinumab) are both injectable medications used to treat autoimmune conditions, but they have some key differences. Enbrel is a biologic DMARD that works by blocking a protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) to reduce inflammation, while Cosentyx is an interleukin (IL)-17 inhibitor that targets a different protein in the immune system. Enbrel is typically injected weekly, whereas Cosentyx is usually injected monthly after an initial loading period. Cosentyx is only available as a brand-name product, making it potentially more expensive, while Enbrel is also available in a less costly biosimilar form. Enbrel and Cosentyx can both be used in children as young as 2 years old for certain conditions. Both medications can increase the risk of infections, but Cosentyx may also worsen inflammatory bowel disease symptoms. Additionally, Enbrel has been associated with a higher risk of certain cancers and nervous system effects, which are not commonly reported with Cosentyx.

Enbrel

(etanercept)

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Cosentyx

(secukinumab)

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Summary for Enbrel

Prescription only

Enbrel (etanercept) is used for certain autoimmune conditions in adults and children. This includes rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and plaque psoriasis. It works as a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker to reduce inflammation in the body. Enbrel (etanercept) is given as an injection under the skin, typically once a week. It comes as vials and prefilled syringes. There are also Enbrel SureClick autoinjectors, as well as Enbrel Mini prefilled cartridges for AutoTouch autoinjectors. Side effects include infections and injection site reactions.

Indications for Enbrel

Pros and Cons for Enbrel

Pros

  • Available in many options for at-home injections (e.g., prefilled syringes, autoinjectors)
  • Can be used for children age 2 and older with certain kinds of juvenile arthritis
  • Can be used for both adults and children 4 years and up for plaque psoriasis

Cons

  • Must be given as an injection under the skin
  • Must give injection every week
  • Raises the risk of serious infections

Common Side Effects for Enbrel

  • Infection (27%)
  • Injection site reaction (15%)

Warnings for Enbrel

  • Risk of serious infections
  • Risk of cancers
  • Problems with the nervous system
  • Heart failure
  • Low blood cell counts
  • Serious allergic reaction
  • Not recommended for certain people with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA)
  • Not recommended with Kineret (anakinra) or Orencia (abatacept)
  • Caution use in people with moderate or severe liver damage from alcohol use

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

Prices with our coupons for Enbrel vs. Cosentyx

Price Card Drug Icon
Enbrel1 carton / 4 sureclicks of 50mg
$3,353.53$10,463.30
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Cosentyx1 carton / 2 sensoready pens of 150mg/ml
$7,189.40$11,106.02
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