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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 a weekly injection used for many autoimmune conditions. Currently, it's only available as a brand-name product and can be expensive.

Indications for Enbrel

  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
  • Plaque psoriasis (PsO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA)
  • Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
  • Childhood arthritis (polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, JIA)

Pros and Cons for Enbrel

Pros

  • Available in a prefilled syringe or autoinjector for easy-at-home injections
  • Can be used in children age 2 and older for certain indications (JIA)
  • Can be kept at room temperature for up to 14 days
  • Manufacturer offers copay card for people with commercial insurance
  • Not many side effects other than infection and redness and irritation at the injection site

Cons

  • Raises risk of serious infections
  • Can cause the hepatitis B virus to reappear if you have a history of infection
  • Lymphoma and other cancers have been reported in people taking Enbrel (etanercept)
  • Available only as a brand medication so it can be expensive and isn't always covered by insurance
  • Needs to be given every week, unlike Humira (adalimumab), which is given every other week

Common Side Effects for Enbrel

  • Infection (including common cold/flu) (50%)
  • Injection site reaction (37%)
  • Diarrhea (8%)

Warnings for Enbrel

  • Serious infections
  • Cancers
  • Nervous system effects
  • Heart failure
  • Bleeding and infections

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$11,050.23
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Price Card Drug Icon
Cosentyx1 carton / 2 sensoready pens of 150mg/ml
$7,189.40$10,968.95
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