Key takeaways
Stelara (ustekinumab) and Cosentyx (secukinumab) are both injectable medications used to treat inflammatory conditions like plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. However, they belong to different medication classes. Stelara is an interleukin-12 and interleukin-23 antagonist, while Cosentyx is an interleukin-17 antagonist. Stelara is also FDA-approved for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which are not approved uses for Cosentyx. Cosentyx, on the other hand, is approved for conditions like ankylosing spondylitis and hidradenitis suppurativa, which Stelara does not treat. Stelara is typically injected every 8 to 12 weeks after initial doses, whereas Cosentyx is usually injected once a month after a series of starter doses. Both medications can weaken your immune system, but Stelara has a specific warning about a rare brain condition, while Cosentyx may cause eczema-like skin reactions. Additionally, Cosentyx is available in various forms like prefilled syringes and pens, whereas Stelara is available as prefilled syringes or vials.
