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.
