Stelara vs. Cosentyx for Plaque Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Stelara

(ustekinumab)

Cosentyx

(secukinumab)

Summary for Stelara

Prescription only

Stelara (ustekinumab) is an injectable medication used to treat autoimmune conditions like plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. As an interleukin antagonist, it works by blocking certain proteins that cause inflammation in your body, which helps reduce swelling and ease symptoms. You typically get it as an injection under your skin. Common side effects include common cold symptoms, headache, and feeling tired. This medication also has many biosimilars available.

Indications for Stelara

Moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (Ps) - adults and children 6 years and older
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) - adults and children 6 years and older
Moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease (CD) - adults only
Moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC) - adults only

Pros and Cons for Stelara

Pros

After the first few doses, only need a shot every 8 to 12 weeks
Available as a prefilled syringe or vial
Syringes can be stored at room temperature for up to 30 days
Approved for children as young as 6 years old

Cons

Can weaken your immune system and raise your risk of infection
Potential to cause serious allergic reactions
For CD and UC, the first dose must be given as an IV infusion
Can't receive live vaccines while taking this medication

Common Side Effects for Stelara

Plaque psoriasis

Common cold symptoms (7-8%)
Upper respiratory tract infection (4-5%)
Headache (5%)

Psoriatic arthritis

Joint pain (3%)
Nausea (3%)

Crohn's disease

Common cold symptoms (11%)
Redness at the injection site (5%)
Yeast infection (5%)
Bronchitis (5%)

Ulcerative colitis:

Common cold symptoms (24%)
Headache (10%)
Stomach pain (7%)
Flu infection (6%)
Fever (5%)

Warnings for Stelara

Infections
Cancers
Severe allergic reaction
Brain condition
Vaccines
Lung problems

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

Moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (PsO) in people 6 years and older
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in people 2 years and older
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in people 12 years and older
Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) in adults
Moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in people 12 years and older
Enthesitis-related arthritis in children 4 years and older

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

Common cold (11%)
Diarrhea (4%)
Upper respiratory tract infections (3%)

Warnings for Cosentyx

Risk of infection
Caution when getting vaccines
Eczema-like skin reaction
Allergic reaction
Inflammatory bowel disease

Prices with our coupons for Stelara vs. Cosentyx

Ustekinumab1 syringe / 1ml of 90mg/ml

$7,005.48$10,599.65

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Cosentyx1 carton / 2 sensoready pens of 150mg/ml

$7,187.13$11,190.98

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Stelara vs. Cosentyx

Stelara

Cosentyx

Summary for Stelara

Indications for Stelara

Pros and Cons for Stelara

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Stelara

Warnings for Stelara

Summary for Cosentyx

Indications for Cosentyx

Pros and Cons for Cosentyx

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Cosentyx

Warnings for Cosentyx

Prices with our coupons for Stelara vs. Cosentyx

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Stelara

Cosentyx

Summary for Stelara

Indications for Stelara

Pros and Cons for Stelara

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Stelara

Warnings for Stelara

Summary for Cosentyx

Indications for Cosentyx

Pros and Cons for Cosentyx

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Cosentyx

Warnings for Cosentyx